Algorithm for instilling drops in the eyes of adults and children

The therapeutic effect of drops can be significantly reduced due to improper procedure. A doctor may prescribe instillation of drops in the eyes, ears, nose.

The procedure algorithm has a common basis, but differs in particular moments. With improper instillation of the ophthalmic preparation, it does not contact the mucosa and does not have the expected effect. Particularly noteworthy is the instillation of drops in the eyes of children. The algorithm for children's procedures has some nuances.

Preliminary procedures

If the discharge from the eye glues eyelashes and eyelids, then an additional cleansing procedure is necessary. To carry it out you will need gloves, 2 trays, several sterile cotton swabs and an antiseptic solution.

Stages of the procedure:

1. Thoroughly clean hands, wear gloves.
2. Put about 10 swabs on the bottom of the sterile tray, add an antiseptic solution.
3. Squeeze the tampon slightly and wipe the ciliary edge of the eyelid, directing movements from the outer corner to the bridge of the nose or from top to bottom, discard the used tampon.
4. Repeat wiping with other tampons 5-6 times.
5. Carefully remove the remains of the antiseptic with light movements.
6. Remove hands from gloves and wash them.

In childhood, undesirable responses to drugs are more likely to occur, so you should carefully select an antiseptic solution.

Preparatory manipulations

The algorithm for dropping drops into the eyes includes preliminary steps to prepare for the procedure itself:

1. Prepare a pipette by rinsing it with hot boiled water from all sides, including from the inside.
2. Make some sterile cotton swabs.
3. Once again, review the instructions for use of the drug, expiration dates, make sure that it is at normal room temperature.
4. Make sure that the place of the procedure is sufficiently lit, prepare a chair or a place where you can lie down.
5. If you plan to instill yourself, it is worth preparing a mirror.

During the procedure, make sure that the drug does not flow into the rubber part, for this, keep the pipette in an upright position.

Algorithm for independent procedure

The algorithm for dropping drops into the eyes of oneself is as follows:

1. Pipette the drug.
2. Take a comfortable position (sit, leaning on the back of a chair, or lie down).
3. Tilt your head back and pull the lower eyelid with the fingers of your left hand to form a channel.
4. To look up, but not to lose sight of the end of the pipette.
5. Close the pipette and withdraw from it the desired number of drops of the drug into the lower eyelid canal.
6. The procedure can be completed if the drops fell in the intended place, or repeated if they drained on the face.
7. Repeat all actions in the second eye (if prescribed by a doctor).

Important: you can not bring the dropper very close to the eyeball, this can lead to injury or transfer of infection from the other eye. The algorithm for dropping drops into the eyes involves the introduction of no more than 2 drops in one channel, since a larger amount simply flows out.

Activities after the main procedure

At the end of the procedure, it is recommended to close your eyes and gently press the fingertips on the inner corners of the eyes. This will prevent the leakage of the drug into the nasal cavity. Eye tissue will be fully provided with medicine.

When two types of drug are prescribed, the interval between procedures should be 15 minutes or more. The technique of dropping drops into the eyes in this case does not change. Contact lenses can also be installed after a quarter of an hour. If an ointment for the eyelid is also prescribed, then it can be performed at the end of the procedure with drops.

Preparing a child for eye drops

Children are often prescribed to instill drops in their eyes, ears, and nose. The algorithm for preliminary eye cleansing in children is the same as in adults. It is required for excessive discharge from the eye, gluing eyelids and eyelashes.

It is advisable to conduct a conversation with older children before the procedure, reporting on the benefits of the drug, and also describing in detail all subsequent actions for its introduction. In this case, the anxiety and fears of the child will significantly decrease, it will be easier to perform all the manipulations.

When instilling eye drops in a small child, the main thing is to fix its position. For babies up to a year, a diaper can be used for this purpose, pressing the handles tightly against the body. If it is necessary to instill drops in the eyes of a child from 2 and up to about 7-8 years old, then it is worth inviting an assistant who can hold his head, as well as arms and legs.

The introduction of drops into the eyes of a child

Before the procedure for administering the drug, it is necessary to carry out all preparatory manipulations: prepare the place, wash your hands, get cotton swabs, wash the pipette, look at the instructions and expiration dates. Dripping drops in the eyes of children (algorithm) includes the following steps.

1. Lay or seat the child, depending on his age.
2. Draw the medicine into the pipette, hold it in the lead hand.
3. Take the swab with your other hand. Hold the upper eyelid with your index finger, and the lower one with a large cotton swab.
4. Spread your fingers, slightly pulling the lower eyelid.
5. Introduce 2 drops of the drug from the pipette into the resulting lower eyelid canal.
6. Carefully wipe the eye with a swab in movements from the outer edge to the inside.

The algorithm for dropping drops in the eyes in children and adults is almost the same, the nuances more relate to the period of preparation for the procedure. The skill of this method of drug administration is developed quite quickly.