The therapeutic effect of drops can be significantly reduced due to improper procedure. A doctor may prescribe drops in the eyes, ears, nose.
The procedure algorithm has a common basis, but differs in particular points. If the eye preparation is not instilled correctly, it does not come into contact with the mucous membrane and does not have the expected effect. Special attention deserves 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 sticks together the 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.
Procedure steps:
- Clean hands thoroughly, put on gloves.
- Put about 10 swabs on the bottom of the sterile tray, add an antiseptic solution.
- Slightly squeeze the swab 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 swab.
- Repeat wiping with other swabs 5-6 times.
- Carefully remove the remnants of the antiseptic with light movements.
- Remove hands from gloves and wash them.
During childhood, unwanted responses to drugs are more common, so you should carefully select an antiseptic solution.
Preparatory manipulations
The algorithm for instilling drops into the eyes includes preliminary steps to prepare for the procedure itself:
- Prepare the pipette by washing it with hot boiled water from all sides, including the inside.
- Prepare some sterile cotton swabs.
- Once again look at the instructions for use of the drug, expiration dates, make sure that it is at normal room temperature.
- Make sure the treatment area is well lit, prepare a chair or a place to lie down.
- If you plan to bury yourself, you should prepare a mirror.
During the procedure, make sure that the drug does not flow into the rubber part, to do this, hold the pipette in a vertical position.
Algorithm for performing the procedure on its own
The algorithm for instilling drops into the eyes of oneself is as follows:
- Pipe the drug into the pipette.
- Take a comfortable position (sit down, lean on the back of a chair, or lie down).
- Tip back the head and pull the lower eyelid with the fingers of the lefthands to form a channel.
- Direct your gaze upwards, but don't lose sight of the end of the pipette.
- Approach the pipette and withdraw the required number of drops of the drug from it into the lower eyelid canal.
- The procedure can be completed if the drops hit the intended place, or repeated if they run down the face.
- Repeat all steps on the second eye (if prescribed by a doctor).
Important: do not bring the pipette very close to the eyeball, this can lead to injury or infection from the other eye. The algorithm for instilling drops into the eyes involves the introduction of no more than 2 drops into one channel, since more will simply flow out.
After the main procedure
At the end of the procedure, it is recommended to close your eyes and gently press the inner corners of your eyes with your fingertips. This will prevent the drug from leaking into the nasal cavity. The tissues of the eyes will be fully provided with the medicine.
When two types of drug are prescribed, the interval between treatments should be 15 minutes or more. The technique of instillation of drops into the eyes in this case does not change. Contact lenses can also be installed after a quarter of an hour. If ointment is also prescribed for the eyelid, then it can be carried out at the end of the procedure with drops.
Preparing a child for eye drops
Children are often given drops in their eyes, ears, nose. The algorithm for pre-cleansing the eyes in children is the same as in adults. It is required for excessive discharge from the eye, gluingeyelids and eyelashes.
It is advisable to have a conversation with older children before the procedure, informing about the benefits of the drug, as well as describing in detail all subsequent steps for its administration. In this case, the child's anxiety and fears will noticeably decrease, it will be easier to perform all the manipulations.
When instilling eye drops in a small child, the main thing is to fix his position. For babies up to a year old, for this purpose, you can use a diaper, tightly pressing its handles to the body. If it is necessary to instill drops in the eyes of a child from 2 to about 7-8 years old, then it is worth inviting an assistant who can hold his head, as well as arms and legs.
Introducing 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, take out cotton swabs, wash the pipette, look at the instructions and expiration dates. Instillation of drops in the eyes of children (algorithm) includes the following actions.
- Put or seat the child, depending on their age.
- Take the medicine into the pipette, hold it in your dominant hand.
- Take a swab with your other hand. Hold the upper eyelid with the index finger, and the lower eyelid with the thumb with a padded cotton.
- Spread your fingers, slightly pulling the lower eyelid.
- Inject 2 drops of the drug from a pipette into the formed canal of the lower eyelid.
- Gently wipe the eye with a swab from the outer edge tointernal.
The algorithm for instilling drops into the eyes of children and adults is almost the same, the nuances are more related to the period of preparation for the procedure. The skill of this method of drug administration is developed quite quickly.
