In what order should I use eye drops?
SEP 08, 2021
Question:
I use three eye drops: artificial tears, antibiotic, and corticosteroid drops. Which should be used first?
Answer:
There is no strict or recommended order for instilling drops, but the artificial teas should be used last to minimize the “wash-out” effect.
After instilling each drop, be sure to allow two to five minutes before using the next one, and close the eyes while applying gentle pressure to your tear ducts (where your eyelid meets nose) to make sure the drop is fully absorbed inside the eye. Also, some steroid drops need to be agitated (shaken) before using because they come in a suspension formula. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions for using your drops.