Why Proper Use Matters
Dry eye drops can only do their job if you use them correctly because from hygiene to technique, every step affects how well the drops soothe and protect your eyes. Understanding why applying dry eye drops correctly matters helps you get lasting relief, avoid irritation and make the most of every drop.
Getting Relief vs. Wasting Product
Using dry eye drops may seem straightforward, but the effectiveness of your treatment depends heavily on how you apply them. Proper technique ensures your eyes receive the relief they need, while common eye drop mistakes can reduce comfort, waste product, or even cause more irritation.
Improper Use Can Lead to More Irritation
Applying eye drops incorrectly can sometimes do more harm than good. Cross-contamination from touching the dropper tip can introduce bacteria, cause stinging or even make your dry eyes feel worse.
At OPTASE, we understand these concerns which is why our range of preservative-free eye drops is designed to minimise irritation, maximise comfort and deliver clinically proven relief. By combining our expert formulation with proper usage, you can protect and soothe your eyes every day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Eye Drops
Applying eye drops correctly is simple once you follow a step-by-step routine. Here’s how to make sure every drop counts.
Wash Your Hands First
Before touching your eyes or the dropper, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This stops you from introducing bacteria to the eye, which can cause infection or irritation.
Tilt Your Head Back and Look Up
Proper positioning helps the drop reach your eye efficiently. Tilt your head slightly back and look upward, keeping your eye open. This reduces blinking and ensures the drop lands where it’s needed.
Gently Pull Down the Lower Lid
Use your finger to gently pull down your lower eyelid, creating a small pocket called the conjunctival sac. This pocket is where the drop should go, as that will help it to coat the eye evenly.
Apply One or Two Drops – as Directed
For most OPTASE products, one to two drops per application is safe and effective. Using more than two drops doesn’t improve effectiveness, in fact excess fluid may simply overflow or reduce absorption. After applying, gently close your eye and try not to blink too much.
Don’t Let the Tip Touch Your Eye or Eyelid
One of the most common eye drop mistakes is letting the dropper touch the eye or eyelid. This can contaminate the bottle with bacteria. Always hold the bottle slightly above the eye without contact.
Close Your Eye and Press Gently on the Tear Duct
After applying the drop, close your eye and gently press on the inner corner (tear duct). This helps prevent the drop from draining too quickly into the nasal passages and your eye to absorb the liquid fully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Many Drops at Once
Always stick to just one or two drops – adding extra drops may seem helpful, but overwatering can dilute or wash away the active ingredients.
Using Expired or Opened Bottles Past Shelf Life
Eye drops have a limited shelf life. Using expired or long-opened bottles increases the risk of irritation or bacterial growth. Always check the expiry date and replace old bottles promptly.
Mixing Multiple Types of Drops Too Closely Together
If you use different types of drops (for example, lubricants and allergy drops), leave a 5 to 10 minute gap between applications. This ensures each product can work effectively without interfering with the others.
Applying with Dirty Hands or in Unsanitary Conditions
Hygiene is essential. Avoid applying drops with dirty hands, in dusty or unsanitary environments, or after touching communal surfaces. This is especially important when travelling or using public facilities.
Relying on Drops Alone Without a Routine
Eye drops are often just one part of dry eye management. Combining them with a comprehensive routine – such as heating compresses, cleansing eyelids and maintaining hydration – supports long-term eye health.
How Often Should You Use Dry Eye Drops?
It Depends on the Cause and Type of Drop
How often you use eye drops depends on your type of dry eye. Some types need them more often, and artificial tears are generally used more frequently than medicated drops, which follow a specific schedule.
General Guidelines for Frequency
For most over-the-counter preservative-free drops, using them up to four times a day is generally safe. Applying drops before high-strain activities, such as screen time or flying, can provide extra relief.
Why Preservative-Free Drops Are Better for Frequent Use
Preservative-free drops can help prevent damage to the delicate surface of the eye. They are ideal for daily, repeated use. OPTASE preservative-free drops are formulated specifically for sensitive eyes, providing long-lasting comfort without the irritation common in preservative-containing products
FAQs About Eye Drop Use
Can I Use Eye Drops with Contact Lenses?
Although many OPTASE eye drops like OPTASE Comfort Drops and OPTASE Allergy Preservative Free Eye Drops are specifically formulated for use with contact lenses, not all eye drops are suitable for contact wearers. So, if you’re using drops not designed for lenses – or if you’re not sure – you should wait at least 15 minutes before inserting them. Always check the label for compatibility.
Can I Store My Eye Drops in the Fridge?
Storing eye drops in the fridge can offer a cooling and soothing effect, especially for tired or puffy eyes. However, you should always check the product label to ensure refrigeration is safe for that particular formula.
Should I Use Eye Drops Before or After Applying Eye Cream?
Always apply your eye drops first as this reduces the chance of irritation. Eye creams can then be applied gently afterward.
OPTASE: Expert-Recommended Eye Drops for Dry Eyes
Preservative-Free for Sensitive Eyes
OPTASE drops are what is known as ‘clean-label’ and completely preservative-free, making them ideal for those with sensitive or easily irritated eyes. Each formula is made with simple, safe ingredients that help soothe, hydrate and protect without causing stinging or redness. It’s everyday eye care you can rely on for pure comfort with no compromise.
Designed for All-Day Comfort
Whether your eyes feel dry after hours at a screen, during allergy season, or as a result of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), OPTASE has a targeted solution to keep you comfortable from morning to night. The Comfort Drops provide long-lasting hydration for everyday relief, while the MGD Drops support the eye’s natural oil layer to slow tear evaporation. Both are designed to work seamlessly with your daily routine – offering consistent, soothing relief without blur or residue. With balanced formulations that mirror the eye’s natural environment, OPTASE helps maintain healthy moisture levels and sustained comfort all day long.
Trusted by Eye Doctors Worldwide
OPTASE is supported by scientific research and recommended by leading eye care professionals around the world. Developed in collaboration with ophthalmologists and optometrists, each product is formulated to meet the highest standards of safety and effectiveness. Eye specialists trust OPTASE because it delivers real results – protecting and restoring comfort for patients with dry, sensitive, or irritated eyes. Suitable for all ages and safe for long-term, everyday use, the OPTASE range combines clinically proven technology with gentle, skin- and eye-friendly ingredients.
Conclusion
Proper technique is key to getting the most out of your dry eye drops. By developing a daily eyecare regime, learning how to use eye drops correctly, avoiding eye drop mistakes – and using high-quality preservative-free products like OPTASE – you can ensure consistent relief, reduce irritation and make every drop count.
Get the most from every drop. Discover OPTASE’s range of preservative-free eye drops, designed for comfort, convenience and clinically proven relief.
