Home Health & Personal Care

How to give eye drops to a young child

If your baby or younger child has ever had an eye infection, you know how difficult it is to give eye drops to a squirmy child who doesn't want anything coming near his or her eyes. And since many kids will keep their eyes closed, there is an easy way to give eye drops by taking advantage of this.

Ask your child to lie down flat, preferably on something like the bed without the pillow. It is easiest if the head is facing up. If your child's eyes are already closed, you are ready. If not, ask him or her to close them "as if sleeping". It will be easiest if they are not completely scrunched up, although it will work if needed!

Place the eye drop right where the tear duct is in the corner closest to the nose. Then ask your child to look at you. When they eyes open, the eye drops will naturally fall into the eyes once the eye lids aren't preventing them from falling in. Repeat if neccessary, then you are done!

And yes, this trick will also work for older children and even adults who aren't happy about getting eye drops either!

Always check with your doctor of pharmacist before giving eye drops in this manner, especially if there are any problems with the tear ducts.