How to put Eyedrops in your Child’s Eyes

  • Wash and dry your hands
  • Read the instructions on the label and only use the drops in the eye(s) stated. If you are given different drops for each eye, make sure you use the correct drops for each eye.

  • Depending on your child’s age and level of comfort place your child into any of these positions to give the eye drops:

    • Tilt your child’s head back
    • Lay your child flat on his or her back
    • Ask someone to hold your child in a safe position
    • Wrap (swaddle) your baby or young child in a light blanket or sheet to keep his or her arms and legs still
  • Shake the bottle well
  • Ensure you have the correct bottle and that the expiry date has not been exceeded
  • Remove the top from the bottle and place it on a clean surface such as a tissue. Throw away the plastic seal.
  • Gently pull down your child’s lower eyelid
  • Avoid touching the tip against your child’s eye, eyelashes or any other surface.
  • Hold the bottle above your child’s eye and squeeze one drop into the lower eyelid.
  • Release the lower eyelid and let your child blink a few times
  • Wipe away any excess with a clean tissue.
  • If you are using more than one type of eye drop, wait 5-10 seconds before giving the next drop.

The Very Distressed Child

Some children get very distressed when it comes to putting eye drops into their eyes. An alternative way of giving your child eye drops is to get them to lie on their back, on a bed with their eyes closed.

Place a drop at the corner of the eye at the junction between the nose and the eye. When the child opens his eyes some of the drop should “roll” into the eye. It must be stressed that this method does not work as well as the instructions explained on the left.

Looking after your child’s eye drops

Some eye drops need to be kept in the fridge while others only need to be kept out of direct sunlight. It is best to ask your pharmacist how to store the medication. Always store medicines in a safe place out of reach of children.