How to use your eyedrops better

Your doctor recently prescribed eyedrops. But it seems like every time you use them, you end up with more drops running down your face than in your eye. It can be a frustrating — and expensive — problem.

Get the most out of your eye medication and avoid waste with these tips:

• Be safe. Wash your hands before applying eyedrops. And avoid touching the tip of the bottle to your eye or eyelid.
• Find the best angle. Tilt your head back and look upward so that you're able to aim properly. Some people find it helpful to lie down.

• Make a pocket. Form a pocket with your lower eyelid by gently pinching it and pulling down and out.

  With your other hand, place one drop in the pocket instead of over your eyeball. Let go and gently close your eye. Don't squeeze your lid shut, which can force the fluid from your eye.

• Apply only one drop at a time. Placing multiple drops at once will cause the fluid to roll out of your eye and be wasted.
• Wait between drops. If you need to use multiple eyedrops, wait a few minutes between drops. This gives the first drop time to be absorbed and avoids washing one drop out with the other.
• Apply pressure. It may help to put slight pressure on the inner corner of your eye where it meets your nose. This will keep the drop from draining through the tear duct before it has time to absorb.
• Ask for help. Sometimes, the easiest thing to do is to ask someone else to put the eyedrops in for you.