With our busy modern lives and constant exposure to screens, eye fatigue and dryness have become increasingly common. Many people turn to eye drops for relief—but are you using them correctly? In fact, improper use of eye drops is surprisingly common, which can reduce their effectiveness and even pose risks to your eye health.Let’s walk through the proper way to use eye drops and avoid some of the most frequent mistakes.

1. Always Start by Washing Your Hands

Before applying eye drops, the most important first step is to wash your hands thoroughly. The eyes are extremely sensitive, and touching them with dirty hands can introduce bacteria and lead to infections. Use soap and clean water to wash your hands and dry them before handling your eye drops.

2. Apply Drops in the Right Spot

Tilt your head back slightly. Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one hand to create a small pocket for the eye drop to go into. Hold the dropper in the other hand above your eye—but don’t let it touch your eye—and squeeze one drop into the pocket. This ensures the medicine spreads evenly across the surface of your eye.

3. One Drop Is Enough

It’s a common misconception that more drops mean better results. But the eye can only hold about one drop at a time. Any extra simply drains out and is wasted. Stick to the recommended dosage to avoid unnecessary waste and irritation.

4. Close Your Eyes and Rest After Applying

After applying the drop, don’t immediately open your eyes or look at your phone. Softly close your eyes and press the inner corner near your nose with a fingertip for about two minutes to help the drops stay in your eye. This helps keep the medication in your eye longer and prevents it from draining into your throat, which can reduce its effectiveness and cause a bitter taste.

5. Leave Time Between Different Eye Drops

If you’re using more than one kind of eye drop, wait at least five minutes between applications. This helps prevent the medications from interfering with each other and allows each one to be fully absorbed.

6. Don’t Use Expired or Old Eye Drops

Most eye drops begin to lose their effectiveness—and sterility—after opening. They can even become contaminated. It’s generally recommended to use them within one month of opening. Using expired eye drops can risk irritation or infection.

7. Choose the Right Drops for Eye Strain

If your eyes feel dry or tired after long screen time, preservative-free artificial tears are a safe choice. They act like your natural tears and provide moisture to keep your eyes comfortable and hydrated. If symptoms persist after regular use, it's best to consult an eye care professional for a thorough exam.

8. Special Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

If you wear contact lenses, avoid using regular eye drops unless specifically labeled safe for contacts. Many contain preservatives or ingredients that can damage lenses or irritate your eyes.For people who wear contact lenses, preservative-free artificial tears are generally the most eye-friendly choice.

If you experience symptoms like persistent dryness, redness, a gritty feeling, or blurred vision, don't just buy over-the-counter drops and hope for the best. Instead, visit a professional eye clinic for a proper diagnosis and treatment.