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Applying Eye Drops

Question:

In alt.support.glaucoma, on 13 Apr 2002, Pat announced: > I find that laying in bed when I put the drops in makes it > a whole lot easier.

Actually I do this too – and have another reason to do it.   Sometimes, immediately after applying Azopt drops I get very dizzy for a few seconds – so I like to be laying down where I can’t fall down (although I’ve never lost my balance doing this anyway). Since reading this thread I’ve tried pulling the lower lid out a bit and dropping the drop in the ‘pocket’, well lying down it’s more at the bottom of my eye, and that seems to work quite well –   I think I’m actually getting all the drop in my eye mostly now! Regards OgO — My BIG Win9x Cursors: http://qjc.cjb.net/cursors.html Blind Cricket: http://qjc.cjb.net/cricket.html ICQ: 12889482 – AIM/Yahoo: quentisl – MSN: quent…@mail.com I left my Glasses in my email – you better take them out!

Response:

Some doctors instruct you to apply eye drops by gently pulling down your lower eyelid.  I prefer to lay on my back and apply directly from overhead. Is there a preferred way in terms of effectiveness?  Does it depend on the medication? Regards, Joe Morris

Response:

I often have difficulty putting eye drops into my eyes. Its hard for me to get the drop into my eye (and not on my face) without letting the tip of the bottle touch my eye or lid. I usually have the most success if I lean my head back, pull my upper eye lid back and squeeze the bottle so that the drop lands at the top of my eye.  I noticed that the instructions that come with my eyedrops (Cosopt and Alphagan P) indicate that I should pull down on my lower eye lid and let the drop land at the bottom of my eye.  Since I often end up with very red eyes, I was wondering if the way I put my drops into my eyes might make any difference?

Response:

   I don’t know about putting in drops while showering.  Sounds like the medicine would just be washed out before it had a chance to be absorbed. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Darian wrote: > I am so used to dropping my drops.. Timoptic.. Xalatan.. Pilocarpine.. that > it doesn’t matter where, when or how I do it.. I just know that my eyes > crave the medicine and if I don’t drop it .. I get headaches.  At night, I > lay down on my bed and do it.. then put a pillow over my eyes and rest until > it’s time to drop the next kind.  In the mornings, I wait until my eyes wake > up a bit before I take my medicine.  Then I just do it as I’m walking around > making breakfast or showering .. or what ever. > But, I’ve seen little picture demostrations on the pamplets in the doctors > office that show how to do it. > "Donald Singleton" <donal…@sprynet.com> wrote in message > news:38F99503.E873013F@sprynet.com… > > Obviously, at the prices they charge for Xalatan and Cosopt, I don’t waste > a dram, > > a drop, a minim, a speck or a scintilla. Even a little bit. > > John wrote: > > > On Sat, 15 Apr 2000 20:20:58 -0400, Donald Singleton > <donal…@sprynet.com> > > > wrote: > > > >    I find it’s not necessary to lie down to instill drops.  I prefer > to stand > > > >in the corner of a room and lean back, tilting my head up.  Then I pull > down > > > >the lower lid and fire away.  Works fine for me. > > > >   Best wishes to you. > > > >   Don Singleton- > > > >Joe Morris wrote: > > > >> Some doctors instruct you to apply eye drops by gently pulling down > your > > > >> lower eyelid.  I prefer to lay on my back and apply directly from > overhead. > > > >> Is there a preferred way in terms of effectiveness?  Does it depend > on the > > > >> medication? > > > >> Regards, > > > >> Joe Morris > > > If you have not already, you both had better add "punctal occlusion," if > > > you want to minimize systemic side effects by avoiding drinking the > stuff. > > > Avoiding long term systemic side effects is half the key to avoiding > > > problematic surgery. > > > Also, take it easy on the "firing away."  One drop (or even less) in the > > > right place is enough (brings my pressure from 48 to 14).  A 2X > magnifying > > > mirror is helpful in drop placement.  I like a double suction-cup model, > # > > > ZM05, for $15 at:   www.zadroinc.com

Response:

The way your doctor described putting in eye drops is the ‘approved’ method. There is some evidence that allowing the drops to land directly on the cornea may lead to an increased likelihood of irritation however, we have many members for whom your method seems satisfactory. There may difficulties in the case of some gel forming drops. One thing not mentioned is the importance of blocking off the tear duct after putting in the drops in order to prevent the drops running down the duct and being absorbed into the general circulation leading to systemic side effects. All that is necessary is to press gently in the corner of the closed eye by the nose for a period, so that any excess will run out of the eye down the cheek rather then down the duct. This has proved very effective once a person knows where and how to press. It should be possible to tell if the technique is good because there will be no taste of the drop in the back of the throat. However, if there is any doubt, ask your doctor or a nurse to teach you the technique, it is most worthwhile. — David Wright MSAE Chief Executive, International Glaucoma Association IGA Web Site – http://www.iga.org.uk/home.htm While we are pleased to offer the above information, it is not possible for the International Glaucoma Association to advise on an individual patient’s eye condition or treatment as this has to be the role of their own doctor or eye specialist who knows the full details of their particular case. Any comments above should therefore viewed as general observations. ———- In article <l%xJ4.118863$AT6.150…@dfw-read.news.verio.net>, "Joe Morris" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<jmor…@i-55.com> wrote: > Some doctors instruct you to apply eye drops by gently pulling down your > lower eyelid.  I prefer to lay on my back and apply directly from overhead. > Is there a preferred way in terms of effectiveness?  Does it depend on the > medication? > Regards, > Joe Morris

Response:

Obviously, at the prices they charge for Xalatan and Cosopt, I don’t waste a dram, a drop, a minim, a speck or a scintilla. Even a little bit. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -John wrote: > On Sat, 15 Apr 2000 20:20:58 -0400, Donald Singleton <donal…@sprynet.com> > wrote: > >    I find it’s not necessary to lie down to instill drops.  I prefer to stand > >in the corner of a room and lean back, tilting my head up.  Then I pull down > >the lower lid and fire away.  Works fine for me. > >   Best wishes to you. > >   Don Singleton- > >Joe Morris wrote: > >> Some doctors instruct you to apply eye drops by gently pulling down your > >> lower eyelid.  I prefer to lay on my back and apply directly from overhead. > >> Is there a preferred way in terms of effectiveness?  Does it depend on the > >> medication? > >> Regards, > >> Joe Morris > If you have not already, you both had better add "punctal occlusion," if > you want to minimize systemic side effects by avoiding drinking the stuff. > Avoiding long term systemic side effects is half the key to avoiding > problematic surgery. > Also, take it easy on the "firing away."  One drop (or even less) in the > right place is enough (brings my pressure from 48 to 14).  A 2X magnifying > mirror is helpful in drop placement.  I like a double suction-cup model, # > ZM05, for $15 at:   www.zadroinc.com

Response:

    I find it’s not necessary to lie down to instill drops.  I prefer to stand in the corner of a room and lean back, tilting my head up.  Then I pull down the lower lid and fire away.  Works fine for me.    Best wishes to you.    Don Singleton- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Joe Morris wrote: > Some doctors instruct you to apply eye drops by gently pulling down your > lower eyelid.  I prefer to lay on my back and apply directly from overhead. > Is there a preferred way in terms of effectiveness?  Does it depend on the > medication? > Regards, > Joe Morris

Response:

Redness after use of Alphagan is not unusual. Zeek – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Carolyn Schwebel wrote: > Have you watched the drop application video, noted here earlier. It might > help. I find it easier to pull down the lower lid, to make a pouch, and > drop in the drop. It is hard, though, not to touch the lid at times. > hightechuser wrote: > > I often have difficulty putting eye drops into my eyes. Its hard for > > me to get the drop into my eye (and not on my face) without letting > > the tip of the bottle touch my eye or lid. I usually have the most > > success if I lean my head back, pull my upper eye lid back and squeeze > > the bottle so that the drop lands at the top of my eye.  I noticed > > that the instructions that come with my eyedrops (Cosopt and Alphagan > > P) indicate that I should pull down on my lower eye lid and let the > > drop land at the bottom of my eye.  Since I often end up with very red > > eyes, I was wondering if the way I put my drops into my eyes might > > make any difference? > — > A contented malcontent. > http://www.equalizers.org

Response:

I always have the best results pulling down slightly on the lower lid (actually, I pull down on the tissue below the lower lid, which pulls the lid out slightly).  This makes a small pocket inside the lower lid where the drop can collect briefly.  I would say your way would be okay if you’re sure you’re getting all of the drop in the eye.  Also, I find it helps if I back into a corner of the room and lean back, so I end up with my face pointing up.  Good luck to you. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -hightechuser wrote: > I often have difficulty putting eye drops into my eyes. Its hard for > me to get the drop into my eye (and not on my face) without letting > the tip of the bottle touch my eye or lid. I usually have the most > success if I lean my head back, pull my upper eye lid back and squeeze > the bottle so that the drop lands at the top of my eye.  I noticed > that the instructions that come with my eyedrops (Cosopt and Alphagan > P) indicate that I should pull down on my lower eye lid and let the > drop land at the bottom of my eye.  Since I often end up with very red > eyes, I was wondering if the way I put my drops into my eyes might > make any difference?

Response:

I’m on Alphagan-P and Cosopt, also, and haven’t had redness. Maybe it is a drug reaction for you? olfart wrote:

snip– – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The redness may could be caused by as a reaction of the drops and not > necessarily the technique. > –

Response:

Have you watched the drop application video, noted here earlier. It might help. I find it easier to pull down the lower lid, to make a pouch, and drop in the drop. It is hard, though, not to touch the lid at times. hightechuser wrote: > I often have difficulty putting eye drops into my eyes. Its hard for > me to get the drop into my eye (and not on my face) without letting > the tip of the bottle touch my eye or lid. I usually have the most > success if I lean my head back, pull my upper eye lid back and squeeze > the bottle so that the drop lands at the top of my eye.  I noticed > that the instructions that come with my eyedrops (Cosopt and Alphagan > P) indicate that I should pull down on my lower eye lid and let the > drop land at the bottom of my eye.  Since I often end up with very red > eyes, I was wondering if the way I put my drops into my eyes might > make any difference?

– A contented malcontent. http://www.equalizers.org

Response:

Yes, I meant that I, too, pull down the tissue under the lid. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Donald Singleton wrote: > I always have the best results pulling down slightly on the lower lid > (actually, I pull down on the tissue below the lower lid, which pulls the > lid out slightly).  This makes a small pocket inside the lower lid where > the drop can collect briefly.  I would say your way would be okay if > you’re sure you’re getting all of the drop in the eye.  Also, I find it > helps if I back into a corner of the room and lean back, so I end up with > my face pointing up.  Good luck to you. > hightechuser wrote: > > I often have difficulty putting eye drops into my eyes. Its hard for > > me to get the drop into my eye (and not on my face) without letting > > the tip of the bottle touch my eye or lid. I usually have the most > > success if I lean my head back, pull my upper eye lid back and squeeze > > the bottle so that the drop lands at the top of my eye.  I noticed > > that the instructions that come with my eyedrops (Cosopt and Alphagan > > P) indicate that I should pull down on my lower eye lid and let the > > drop land at the bottom of my eye.  Since I often end up with very red > > eyes, I was wondering if the way I put my drops into my eyes might > > make any difference?

– A contented malcontent. http://www.equalizers.org

Response:

also try placing your hand on your cheek and use your index finger to pull the lower eyelid down and out. Rest the bottle on this finger to prevent the tip from touching your eye. Tip your head back and let the drop fall into the lower lid. After applying the drops keep your lids closed for a minute or two. The redness may could be caused by as a reaction of the drops and not necessarily the technique. — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.345 / Virus Database: 193 – Release Date: 4/9/02

Response:

I find that laying in bed when I put the drops in makes it a whole lot easier. "hightechuser" <hightechu…@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:ac62c1d6.0204101554.2836a06c@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I often have difficulty putting eye drops into my eyes. Its hard for > me to get the drop into my eye (and not on my face) without letting > the tip of the bottle touch my eye or lid. I usually have the most > success if I lean my head back, pull my upper eye lid back and squeeze > the bottle so that the drop lands at the top of my eye.  I noticed > that the instructions that come with my eyedrops (Cosopt and Alphagan > P) indicate that I should pull down on my lower eye lid and let the > drop land at the bottom of my eye.  Since I often end up with very red > eyes, I was wondering if the way I put my drops into my eyes might > make any difference?

Response:

I am so used to dropping my drops.. Timoptic.. Xalatan.. Pilocarpine.. that it doesn’t matter where, when or how I do it.. I just know that my eyes crave the medicine and if I don’t drop it .. I get headaches.  At night, I lay down on my bed and do it.. then put a pillow over my eyes and rest until it’s time to drop the next kind.  In the mornings, I wait until my eyes wake up a bit before I take my medicine.  Then I just do it as I’m walking around making breakfast or showering .. or what ever. But, I’ve seen little picture demostrations on the pamplets in the doctors office that show how to do it. "Donald Singleton" <donal…@sprynet.com> wrote in message

news:38F99503.E873013F@sprynet.com… > Obviously, at the prices they charge for Xalatan and Cosopt, I don’t waste a dram, > a drop, a minim, a speck or a scintilla. Even a little bit. > John wrote: > > On Sat, 15 Apr 2000 20:20:58 -0400, Donald Singleton

<donal…@sprynet.com> – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > wrote: > > >    I find it’s not necessary to lie down to instill drops.  I prefer to stand > > >in the corner of a room and lean back, tilting my head up.  Then I pull down > > >the lower lid and fire away.  Works fine for me. > > >   Best wishes to you. > > >   Don Singleton- > > >Joe Morris wrote: > > >> Some doctors instruct you to apply eye drops by gently pulling down your > > >> lower eyelid.  I prefer to lay on my back and apply directly from overhead. > > >> Is there a preferred way in terms of effectiveness?  Does it depend on the > > >> medication? > > >> Regards, > > >> Joe Morris > > If you have not already, you both had better add "punctal occlusion," if > > you want to minimize systemic side effects by avoiding drinking the stuff. > > Avoiding long term systemic side effects is half the key to avoiding > > problematic surgery. > > Also, take it easy on the "firing away."  One drop (or even less) in the > > right place is enough (brings my pressure from 48 to 14).  A 2X magnifying > > mirror is helpful in drop placement.  I like a double suction-cup model, # > > ZM05, for $15 at:   www.zadroinc.com

Response:

My thanks to everyone for the helpful responses.  I have decided to try (once again) to start putting my eyedrops in at the lower eye lid.  I’ve also been browsing some of the older posts and finding a wealth of information. This is a great group. hightechuser – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -hightechu…@yahoo.com (hightechuser) wrote in message <news:ac62c1d6.0204101554.2836a06c@posting.google.com>… > I often have difficulty putting eye drops into my eyes. Its hard for > me to get the drop into my eye (and not on my face) without letting > the tip of the bottle touch my eye or lid. I usually have the most > success if I lean my head back, pull my upper eye lid back and squeeze > the bottle so that the drop lands at the top of my eye.  I noticed > that the instructions that come with my eyedrops (Cosopt and Alphagan > P) indicate that I should pull down on my lower eye lid and let the > drop land at the bottom of my eye.  Since I often end up with very red > eyes, I was wondering if the way I put my drops into my eyes might > make any difference?

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