When instilling an ophthalmic drop, where should the drop be placed?

When instilling an ophthalmic drop, where should the drop be placed?

• A. Directly onto the cornea
• B. Into the conjunctival sac
• C. On the eyelid margin
• D. On the sclera near the iris

Answer: (B)

Placing the drop into the conjunctival sac delivers the medication to the ocular surface safely and effectively. The conjunctival sac is the small space created when you pull down the lower eyelid, forming a pocket that holds the drop so it can spread across the eye as the person blinks. This method minimizes discomfort, reduces the chance of touching and injuring the cornea, and helps control how the medicine is absorbed. Directly onto the cornea can cause irritation or scratches and tends to run off quickly, leading to inconsistent dosing. Placing it on the eyelid margin doesn’t ensure the drug reaches the tear film and ocular surface properly. Administering near the sclera is uncomfortable and not appropriate for proper distribution of the drop.

Placing the drop into the conjunctival sac delivers the medication to the ocular surface safely and effectively. The conjunctival sac is the small space created when you pull down the lower eyelid, forming a pocket that holds the drop so it can spread across the eye as the person blinks. This method minimizes discomfort, reduces the chance of touching and injuring the cornea, and helps control how the medicine is absorbed.

Directly onto the cornea can cause irritation or scratches and tends to run off quickly, leading to inconsistent dosing. Placing it on the eyelid margin doesn’t ensure the drug reaches the tear film and ocular surface properly. Administering near the sclera is uncomfortable and not appropriate for proper distribution of the drop.