Which location is proper for administering eye drops?

Which location is proper for administering eye drops?

• A. Directly onto the client's eye
• B. Into the client's lower conjunctival sac
• C. Underneath the client's pupil
• D. Onto the inside corner of the client's eye

Answer: (B)

Eye drops work best when placed in the lower conjunctival sac, the pocket formed between the lower lid and the eyeball. This space acts as a reservoir, so the drop stays near the surface and spreads evenly across the eye as you blink. It also protects the cornea from direct contact, minimizing irritation or damage, and reduces the chance that the droplet contaminates the applicator. After placing the drop, gently closing the eye and applying light pressure at the inner corner helps keep the medication from draining into the tear duct, which lowers systemic absorption. Dropping directly onto the surface of the eye can cause stinging and may not deliver the medicine effectively. Placing it under the pupil or on the inside corner of the eye isn’t a proper delivery site and can lead to poor distribution or rapid drainage away from the eye.

Eye drops work best when placed in the lower conjunctival sac, the pocket formed between the lower lid and the eyeball. This space acts as a reservoir, so the drop stays near the surface and spreads evenly across the eye as you blink. It also protects the cornea from direct contact, minimizing irritation or damage, and reduces the chance that the droplet contaminates the applicator. After placing the drop, gently closing the eye and applying light pressure at the inner corner helps keep the medication from draining into the tear duct, which lowers systemic absorption.

Dropping directly onto the surface of the eye can cause stinging and may not deliver the medicine effectively. Placing it under the pupil or on the inside corner of the eye isn’t a proper delivery site and can lead to poor distribution or rapid drainage away from the eye.