How to Numb the Cornea

Eye injuries or infections require a trip to the optometrist, who diagnoses the problem and prescribes the appropriate medication for your eyes. If you experience extreme physical discomfort caused by an eye injury, the optometrist administers eyedrops to temporarily numb the cornea, which provides relief and allows for examination of the eye without further discomfort. Prescribed eyedrops should only be used as directed by your eye specialist as eye damage is possible if the potency of the drops is too high.

Things You'll Need

• Prescription eyedrops
• Liquid handsoap
• Lint-free towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands with warm, running water and soap to disinfect them. Dry your hands using the lint-free towel.

• 2

  Remove the cap of the eyedrops, and gently pull the bottom of your eyelid down.

• 3

  Tilt your head up and hold the medication bottle 5 to 6 inches away from your eye.

• 4

  Gently squeeze the bottle to drop the prescribed amount of medication into the eye needing relief.

• 5

  Blink three to four times to evenly distribute the medication throughout the eye. Place the cap back on the medication bottle to prevent contamination.