How to Apply Eye Drops Like a Pro After Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery can do wonders for your vision, your appearance, and your confidence—but the recovery process plays a big role in getting those results. Whether you’ve had an upper blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, or lower eyelid rejuvenation, following post-operative care instructions is key. And one of the most important parts of recovery? Knowing exactly how to apply your eye drops.

At the Eyelid Center of Utah, we educate every surgical patient in Salt Lake City and beyond on how to use their medications effectively and safely. Improper technique can delay healing, cause unnecessary irritation, and reduce the effectiveness of your medication. On the flip side, doing it right can help you heal faster and more comfortably.

Here’s a complete guide to help you apply your eye drops like a pro after eyelid surgery.

Why Eye Drops Are Essential After Eyelid Surgery
Many patients don’t realize just how vital eye drops are after eyelid surgery. Whether you’ve had cosmetic or functional surgery, your eyes and surrounding tissues will need a bit of help during the healing process. Your post-op regimen may include:

• Antibiotic drops or ointments to prevent infection
• Anti-inflammatory drops to reduce swelling and irritation
• Lubricating drops to combat dryness or sensitivity

These drops keep the eye moist, minimize the risk of complications, and support proper healing. But the benefits are only as good as your technique. If the drop doesn’t land in the right place or gets contaminated, it won’t do much good.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Eye Drops the Right Way

Let’s break it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps you can practice at home:

1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
   This is the most important first step. Before touching your eyes or any medication, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Dry them with a clean towel.
2. Position Yourself Comfortably
   Sit in a chair or lie back in bed. Tilt your head slightly backward and look up toward the ceiling. If you have trouble with your head position, a mirror can help guide your movements.
3. Hold the Bottle Correctly
   Using your dominant hand, hold the eye drop bottle between your thumb and fingers. With your other hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket between your eye and lid.
4. Aim for the Pocket
   Hold the dropper about an inch above your eye—don’t let it touch your eyelid or lashes. Squeeze out one drop into the pocket. Most medications only require one drop per dose, even if more comes out. Avoid blinking excessively right away.
5. Gently Close Your Eye
   After the drop goes in, gently close your eye and press your fingertip against the inner corner of your eye (near the nose) for about 30 seconds. This keeps the medication in your eye and prevents it from draining into your tear duct.
6. Wait Between Drops
   If you’re prescribed more than one drop or medication, wait at least 5 minutes between each to allow proper absorption.
7. Store Medications Properly
   Keep your medications in a cool, dry place. Some drops may require refrigeration—check your labels and follow instructions carefully.

Pro Tips for Easier Eye Drop Application

If you’re nervous or have shaky hands, don’t worry—many patients feel the same way, especially during the first few days after surgery. Here are some helpful tricks:

• Use a mirror to watch your movements and guide your aim
• Lie flat on your back if sitting isn’t comfortable
• Set reminders on your phone or write down your schedule to stay consistent
• Keep your drops by your toothbrush or another visible location so you don’t forget

In our Salt Lake City clinic, we often recommend practicing a few times before surgery so you feel confident when it counts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
While applying eye drops seems simple, a few common errors can affect your results:

• Touching the tip of the bottle to your eye or lashes, which can introduce bacteria
• Blinking excessively right after the drop, which can flush the medicine out
• Applying multiple drops too quickly, which reduces absorption and wastes medication
• Missing doses or skipping days, which can compromise healing

If you’re ever unsure whether your technique is correct, Dr. Eftekhari and the team at Eyelid Center of Utah are happy to review your routine with you during your follow-up visit.

What If You Miss?

Life happens. If you forget a dose of your eye drops, apply it as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed one and stick to your normal schedule. Never double up unless specifically instructed to do so.

When to Call the Doctor

After eyelid surgery, it’s normal to experience mild redness, slight burning after applying drops, and some tearing. But you should reach out to our office if you experience:

• Persistent pain or increasing redness
• Significant swelling that doesn’t improve
• Discharge from the eyes
• Sudden vision changes
• Difficulty opening or closing the eyelid

At the Eyelid Center of Utah, we provide every post-op patient in the Salt Lake City area with detailed instructions—and we’re always available to address concerns that come up during your recovery.

How Long Will You Need Eye Drops?

The length of time you’ll need eye drops depends on the type of surgery and how your body heals. Most patients use antibiotic drops for the first 7 to 10 days, while lubricating drops may be recommended for several weeks. Anti-inflammatory drops are typically tapered over time.

Dr. Eftekhari tailors each recovery plan to your unique needs, so it’s important to follow the exact schedule given to you at your appointment.

Healing Is a Team Effort

Your surgical skill matters, but so does your aftercare. Applying your drops correctly and consistently helps ensure the best possible outcome from your eyelid procedure. In many cases, patients who are diligent with their eye drop routine experience:

• Faster healing
• Less swelling and irritation
• Lower risk of infection
• Better cosmetic and functional results

At Eyelid Center of Utah, we consider ourselves your partners in the recovery process—from the first consultation to the final follow-up.

Your Eyes Deserve the Best

Whether you’re preparing for eyelid surgery or already on the road to recovery, mastering your eye drop routine is a must. With guidance from Dr. Kian Eftekhari and a little practice, you’ll be applying your drops like a pro in no time.

Need help or have questions about your post-op care? Contact Eyelid Center of Utah in Salt Lake City today. Our experienced team is here to support your recovery, every step of the way.