What this covers
Eye drops treat conditions from allergy and dryness to infections and glaucoma, but the eye is delicate and unforgiving of misuse. Correct technique, hygiene, and knowing when a red eye needs a professional rather than a pharmacy shelf protect your sight.
Safe-use guidance
- Wash hands before use, tilt the head back, pull down the lower lid, and drop into the pocket without touching the bottle tip to the eye.
- Close the eye gently for a minute after instilling; pressing lightly on the inner corner reduces drainage and side effects.
- Leave a few minutes between different eye drops so the first is not washed out.
- Discard opened bottles after the period stated on the pack — old drops grow bacteria.
- Never share eye drops, even within a family — infections spread easily this way.
Cautions
- Steroid eye drops used without supervision can worsen infections and raise eye pressure, silently damaging sight.
- A painful red eye, vision change, or light sensitivity needs urgent professional assessment — not just any drop.
- Avoid traditional remedies (urine, breast milk, herbal washes) in the eye — these cause serious infections and blindness.
- Remove contact lenses before using most drops unless told otherwise.
- Glaucoma drops must be used every day for life — missing them costs vision permanently and painlessly.
How GoDoctor helps
Describe your eye symptoms to a GoDoctor clinician with a photo or video consult, and get the right drops delivered — or an urgent referral when your eye needs to be seen in person.
Prescription medicines always require an in-app consultation with a licensed doctor first — the e-prescription then goes straight to a licensed partner pharmacy for dispensing and delivery.