How to use eye drops (easy read)
If you have problems with your eyes your GP or eye doctor might ask you to use eye drops. This is an easy read fact sheet on how to use eye drops.
![Eye](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img19_1.jpg?itok=pan-JkCz)
Eye drops are medicines that go into the front of your eye and in your eyelids.
![Eye drops](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img20_3.jpg?itok=rSPZ3a8o)
If you have problems with your eyes your GP or eye doctor might ask you to use eye drops.
![GP Doctor](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-07/GP%20Doctor%204.png?itok=NW6DQRLf)
It is very important to use your eye drops.
Your GP or eye doctor will tell you when you need to use them.
![Using eye drops](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img28_3.jpg?itok=LNW_XmaB)
This factsheet explains how to use eye drops.
![Washing hands](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-07/Wash%20Hands%20Soap%20Water.png?itok=5KQfEQrV)
Wash your hands with soap.
![Eye drops](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img20_4.jpg?itok=CBm0e1lP)
Shake the bottle of eye drops, then take off the lid.
![A mirror](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img33_3.jpg?itok=pphZ0uY_)
Sit or stand in front of a mirror.
![Using eye drops](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img18_5.jpg?itok=Uv2UsNMu)
Lean your head back.
Pull down your bottom eyelid with one finger.
Hold the bottle with your other hand.
Bring the bottle up in front of your eye.
![Using eye drops](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img30_2.jpg?itok=I90MXTtj)
Gently squeeze the bottle, a small drop should fall into your eye.
Be careful not to let the bottle touch your eye.
![Closing eye](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img36_5.jpg?itok=z-Fl_Q1I)
Close your eye gently.
Press softly on the inside corner of your eye for 1 minute.
![5 minute timer](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-07/Timer%205.png?itok=CcDJyCpk)
If you use different types of eye drop medicine, wait 5 minutes before putting in a different eye drop.
![Using eye drops](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img18_6.jpg?itok=G4Obh-mJ)
It might take some time to learn how to use the eye drops.
Keep practising with your eye drops.
Each time will get easier.
![Eye drop dispenser](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img39_5.jpg?itok=O-X0dNTn)
If you find it difficult putting your eye drops in, you could use an eye drop dispenser.
![Eye drop dispenser](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img40_1.jpg?itok=HhPxyP7b)
You can try different types of eye drop dispenser.
![Washing hands](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-07/Wash%20Hands%20Soap%20Water_0.png?itok=FZb8cz6z)
Remember to wash your hands after using your eye drops.
![Person with an idea](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-07/Idea2.png?itok=LqHSw72Q)
Do remember your eye drops.
![Eye drops](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img55_3.jpg?itok=IN_iYbQV)
Do remember to order more eye drops.
![Contact lens](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-07/contact.jpg?itok=T2tTDqTh)
Do take out contact lenses before using eye drops.
![Calendar](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img52_9.jpg?itok=e7BgERCw)
Do try and take your eye drops at the same time every day.
![Fridge](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img57_4.jpg?itok=RUL4_A7C)
Do check if your eye drops need to be stored in the fridge.
![No drinking](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img60.jpg?itok=tn7WSk-m)
Don't drink eye drops.
![Person putting in eye drops](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-07/Eyedrops%202.png?itok=7xcF6IBL)
Don't stop using eye drops until the doctor says OK.
![Person rubbing eyes](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-07/Don%27t%20Touch%20Face.png?itok=dlch1uDk)
Don't rub eye drops on your eyes.
![A person](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-07/Thumbs%20down%20man.png?itok=_-KfhdZW)
Don't let other people use your eye drops for their eyes.
![Calendar](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img53_8.jpg?itok=jSjKPtRN)
Don't use the drops after the use by date.
![International Glaucoma Association logo](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img73_4.jpg?itok=WEPA-8AP)
For more information on eye health please look at our other factsheets.
This factsheet has been made by SeeAbility with the International Glaucoma Association.