Which step is NOT part of the proper eye drop technique?

• A. Touch the bottle tip to the eye
• B. Check the bottle and label
• C. Tilt head back
• D. Apply drops into the conjunctival sac

Answer: (A)

Maintaining sterility is essential when administering eye drops. Touching the bottle tip to the eye is not part of proper technique because it can contaminate the tip and transfer bacteria into the medication or eye. You should keep the bottle tip away from the eye, check the bottle and label before use to ensure you have the right medication and it’s not expired, tilt the head back to position the eye, and administer the drop into the conjunctival sac so it lands in the correct space for absorption. Afterward, close the eye and follow any additional steps your facility uses to minimize systemic absorption and keep the bottle clean.