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How to Give Your Child Eyedrops or Eye Ointment: Care Instructions

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Many eye problems are treated with eyedrops, eye ointment, or both. If your child needs both eyedrops and eye ointment, give the eyedrops first. Wait at least 10 minutes before giving the ointment. If your child has an eye infection, don't let your child wear contact lenses while using the eyedrops or ointment. Eye ointment can cause some blurred vision, but it doesn't last long.

5 tips to prepare for giving your child eyedrops or eye ointment

  • Make sure you have the correct eyedrops or eye ointment for your child. Read the directions.

  • Wash your hands. Wear disposable medical gloves if you'd like.

  • Check to make sure the dropper or tube tip is clean. Don't touch it with your fingers or let it touch your child's skin or eye.

  • Create a calm environment. Tell your child what the medicine is for and how it might feel.

  • Have your child lie down with their eyes closed. If you need to, hold your child gently but firmly.

How to give your child eyedrops

1. Squeeze an eyedrop into the inner corner of your child's eye.

2. Have your child open their eyes and blink.

The drops will run into their eye. Wash your hands when you're done.

How to give your child eye ointment

1. Pull your child's lower eyelid to create a pouch.

Place a thin line of ointment into the pouch.

2. With their eyes closed, have your child move their eyeball from side to side.

This will move ointment around the eye. Wash your hands when you're done.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter B853 in the search box to learn more about "How to Give Your Child Eyedrops or Eye Ointment: Care Instructions".

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.