Do’s and Don'ts

How to use your eye medication

• In order to keep the eye drops clean, do not allow the bottle tip to touch the eye.
• Do not allow other people to use your eye drops.
• Discard any remaining drops after one month.
• Continue putting the eye drops in as instructed above until the Eye Doctor tells you otherwise.
• If your drops run out before your next clinic visit, please ask your GP for a repeat prescription.

How to apply your eye drops

Always wash your hands before putting in the drops

• Sit or lie with your head tilted backwards and look at the ceiling.
• Place the bottle on the bridge of your nose.
• Squeeze one drop into the eye.
• Close your eye and gently blot excess drops with a clean tissue.

Instructions for after your eye operation

• Never rub or touch the eye.
• If you wear glasses, use these if they make your eye feel comfortable.
• Wear the eye shield you have been given at night for the first week. Apply it with surgical tape or Sellotape.
• Avoid strenuous activity such as contact sports, heavy gardening, swimming, etc. for one week.
• It is permitted to look and bend down.
• Watching TV and reading will cause no harm.
• If you need advice about driving please ask the doctor or nurse before leaving the Hospital.
• When washing your face avoid the eye area for one week.  If necessary, bathe the eye with cooled boiled water and cotton wool.
• If you notice any sudden redness, swelling or intense pain, please call the Hospital immediately.

How to apply an eye pad

It is important that the pad is applied properly so that your eye remains closed underneath it at all times. This will enable the front of your eye to heal more quickly, as the healing process will not be interrupted by continual blinking. It will also make your eye feel more comfortable. 

First wash your hands.

You will have been given two eye pads by the nurse.  Fold one of the pads in half.  Cut four pieces of ordinary Sellotape approximately 10 cms long and keep to hand. 

Close your eye gently.

Place the folded pad over the closed eye (the straight edge fits neatly under the eyebrow) and secure it with a piece of Sellotape down the centre.

Place the unfolded pad over the top, and keep it in place with a piece of Sellotape down the centre of the pad.

Apply the other two pieces of Sellotape either side to secure the pad firmly thus keeping the eye closed underneath.

While wearing an eye pad you will find that your perception of depth and distance is altered. It is therefore essential for your own safety that you take extra caution whilst performing tasks which could be dangerous.

It is NOT possible to drive whilst wearing a pad.