After instilling ophthalmic drops, what should the patient be instructed to do?

After instilling ophthalmic drops, what should the patient be instructed to do?

• A. Blink rapidly
• B. Keep eyes closed for a few minutes
• C. Open eyes immediately
• D. Rub eyes gently

Answer: (B)

After you instill an ophthalmic drop, the medicine needs time to stay on the eye and be absorbed. Keeping the eyes closed for a few minutes allows the drop to remain on the surface and be taken up by the cornea and conjunctiva, improving effectiveness and reducing drainage through the tear ducts. Blinking rapidly or opening the eyes right away would push the drop off and shorten absorption. Rubbing the eyes can irritate or injure the eye and also move the medication elsewhere. If you’re using more than one drop, wait a few minutes between drops as directed.

After you instill an ophthalmic drop, the medicine needs time to stay on the eye and be absorbed. Keeping the eyes closed for a few minutes allows the drop to remain on the surface and be taken up by the cornea and conjunctiva, improving effectiveness and reducing drainage through the tear ducts. Blinking rapidly or opening the eyes right away would push the drop off and shorten absorption. Rubbing the eyes can irritate or injure the eye and also move the medication elsewhere. If you’re using more than one drop, wait a few minutes between drops as directed.