How to Give Children Eyedrops

Eye drops deliver medication directly into the eye to treat an infection, decrease eye irritation or after a surgical procedure. They are quick to administer and begin working right away. Giving eye drops to children can be a challenge because the eye must be kept open and children often have difficulty holding still. Eye drops can cause a stinging sensation making the child more resistant to additional doses. Follow several steps to administer eye drops to your child.

Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands with soap and water prior to handling the eyedropper. Have your child lie on his back on a comfortable surface. Very young children might need to be held by a second person. Swaddle an infant in a blanket to keep his arms or legs from hitting the eyedropper.

• 2

  Fill and hold the eyedropper in one hand. With the other hand, gently pull down one of the child's lower eyelids. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the eye then close the eye for several seconds. Wipe medication that escapes the eye with a tissue. Repeat on the opposite side.

• 3

  Modify this technique if the child is very resistant and you cannot open the eyelid. Turn the child's head toward you and squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the inner corner of the child's eye (next to his nose). Encourage the child to blink or gently rub the medication on the eyelashes to be absorbed when the child opens his eyes.