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?