Prepared by : SIG, Dermatology Nursing, IADVL

 clean the eye of discharge and crusts  prior to eye drop installation  soothe eye irritation  prevent corneal damage/abrasion in the unconscious/sedated patient.

 Position of patient: sitting or lying with their head tilted backwards and chin pointing upwards  Explain to the patient what you are about to do  Ensure good light source, patient’s privacy  Wash hands, put on gloves  • Place sterile towel around the patient’s neck  Ask the patient to close their eyelids, to avoid damage to the cornea

 With a gauze swab dampened in the saline 0.9% gently swab from the inner aspect (nasal corner) of the eye outwards. Use a new swab each time until all discharge has been removed  Repeat the procedure for both eyes.  • Dry the patients eyelids gently to remove excess fluid.

 Check the patients prescription sheet for the date and time of administration.  Make sure that you have the correct eye ointment/drop for each eye  Ensure the patient is in a comfortable position – head tilted back and supported.  • Wash your hands thoroughly and put on gloves.

 • Using a gauze swab under the lower lid gently pull down.  Ask the patient to look up and instil the eye drop.  Ask the patient to close the eye.  • Ensure the patient is comfortable.

 Hold the tube 2.5cm above the lower lid  Gently squeeze the tube applying the ointment from the inner corner of the eye outwards.  Ask the patient to close the eye and wipe any excess ointment.