Take it one drop at a time
Eye drops should be taken only one drop at a time, not two, to lessen the danger of over-dosing, according to the Public Citizen Health Research Group (PCHRG).
By improperly applying eye drops consumers are putting themselves at risk of overdosing the medication and causing an adverse reaction. Applying only one drop can be more effective of that drop is applied effectively.
The human eye can hold up to 10 microlitres of liquid at a time, whereas a single droplet from an eyedropper can range from 25 to 50 microlitres. The excess medicine would either stream down the face in harmless but expensive tear-like rivulets, or it would travel through a small duct in the corner of the eye and into the nose.
The PCHRG advises people to lie down when applying the eyedrop and to apply only one drop within a five minute period for proper absorption. The dropper’s tip should not be allowed to touch any facial surface, including the eye, and hands should be washed before starting the process.
