What is the recommended action after administering eye drops?

What is the recommended action after administering eye drops?

• A. Keep eyes open during administration
• B. Keep eyes closed after administration
• C. Rinse with water
• D. Wait 1 minute before blinking

Answer: (B)

Keeping the eyes closed after administering eye drops ensures the medication stays on the surface long enough to be absorbed. Closing the lids reduces drainage through the tear ducts and prevents the drop from being washed away by blinking, so more of the drug can act where it’s needed. Opening eyes or blinking immediately can cause the drop to run off, lowering effectiveness. Rinsing with water isn’t needed, and waiting a full minute before blinking isn’t required for retention—keeping the eyes gently closed is the key step to maximize absorption. If helpful, you can briefly press on the inner corner of the eye to minimize systemic absorption while the drop works.

Keeping the eyes closed after administering eye drops ensures the medication stays on the surface long enough to be absorbed. Closing the lids reduces drainage through the tear ducts and prevents the drop from being washed away by blinking, so more of the drug can act where it’s needed. Opening eyes or blinking immediately can cause the drop to run off, lowering effectiveness. Rinsing with water isn’t needed, and waiting a full minute before blinking isn’t required for retention—keeping the eyes gently closed is the key step to maximize absorption. If helpful, you can briefly press on the inner corner of the eye to minimize systemic absorption while the drop works.