Title: Administer or assist the client with self-administration of eye drops and ointments.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-36) > Section: Examining Administration of Prepared Instillations and Treatments

Administration should include adhering to the following procedures for the safe administration of eye drops:

- Provide for client privacy.
- Verify the medication order for accuracy on the MAR.
- Wash your hands.
- Put on gloves.
- Use a clean tissue or a sterile cotton pad to wipe the eyelid from inside to outside of eyelid, if crusting or drainage is present.
- Position the client on their back, or if sitting, with the head tilted back.
- Shake the medication bottle well, if required.
- Remove the cap from the bottle and place it on a clean, dry surface.
- Date and initial multi-use containers when opened.
- When the bottle has a separate dropper, draw the required amount of solution into the dropper, holding the dropper upright; if it is a self-contained unit, invert the bottle.
- Use a gauze pad and gently pull down the lower eyelid forming a pouch.
- Instruct the client to look up.
- Instill the prescribed number of drops inside the lower lid close to the outer corner of eye or squeeze a strip of ointment 1/3 inch into the pouch.
- Allow 1 minute between drops and 5 minutes between two different kinds of drops.
- Instruct the client to close the eye slowly to allow for even distribution over the surface of the eye.
- Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye with the index finger if the medication is for glaucoma or inflammation or advise the client to do so.
- Avoid touching the tip of the container to any surface.
- Replace the cap and check for tight closure.
- When two or more different eye drops must be administered at the same time, allow at least a 5-minute period between each medication.
- Remove and properly dispose of gloves and wash your hands.
- Document in the MAR, per facility protocol.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the typical shelf life of eye drops after the package has been opened?
- What steps should be taken if eye drops are found opened and not dated and initialed?
- What action should be taken if you observe redness or drainage before eye drop administration?