Many people habitually use eye drops to relieve discomfort when experiencing dry eyes or blurry vision, but did you know that eye drops are considered "medication" and not skincare products? Improper use may lead to negative effects. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare reminds the public to follow these 5 key guidelines to keep eyes healthy when using eye drops.
First, carefully read the product leaflet before use to understand the correct usage. Second, maintain hygiene—wash your hands before use and avoid letting the tip of the bottle touch your eyes to prevent infection. Additionally, if you need to use multiple types of eye drops, it is recommended to wait at least 5 minutes between each application. If using both eye drops and eye ointments, the interval should be extended to more than 10 minutes.
When using eye drops, hygiene is essential. Wash your hands first and avoid letting the tip of the bottle touch your eyes. (Photo source: Pexels)
For storage, eye drops should be kept according to the instructions, avoiding direct sunlight. Eye drops that have exceeded their expiration date or have been opened for more than 28 days should be discarded immediately to prevent harm to the eyes.
Lastly, if you experience adverse reactions such as eye pain or blurry vision after using eye drops, stop using them immediately and seek medical attention. In addition, do not purchase foreign eye drops from unknown sources, as they are not covered by the national drug injury compensation system, and you will be taking on the risk yourself.
