Last Updated: January 2026 | Reviewed by Dr. Davinder Sidhu, OD
The correct technique doubles how long your eye drops work. Most patients I see are applying drops wrong—they blink immediately, the drop runs down their cheek, and they wonder why they're not getting relief. One small change (punctal occlusion) can keep the formula on your eye 2-3x longer.
Here's the 5-step method that actually works.
How Do I Apply Eye Drops Correctly?
Think of your eye as a shallow bowl. If you splash water onto the edge, most runs off. With proper technique, you place the drop directly into the lower pocket of your eye, giving the formula maximum time to spread and stabilize your tear film.
A 2015 study in Ophthalmology found that patients using correct technique with punctal occlusion had 2-3x higher drug concentration in their tears compared to those who just blinked and walked away.
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Not a quick rinse—a thorough scrub with soap and water. Dry with a clean towel. This prevents introducing bacteria onto your eye's surface.
Step 2: Check the Bottle Tip
The dropper tip is sacred. Never let it touch your fingers, eyelid, lashes, or any surface. This protects the sterility of the solution inside. If the tip touches something, wipe it with a clean tissue before using.
Step 3: Create the Pocket
- Tilt your head backward, looking up toward the ceiling
- With your non-dominant hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid
- This creates a small pocket where the drop should land
Step 4: One Drop Only
Hold the bottle with your dominant hand. Position the tip directly over the pocket you've created. Squeeze slowly to release one drop.
Your eye can only absorb one drop at a time—anything more overflows and runs down your face. That's wasted product and wasted money.
Step 5: The Punctal Occlusion Seal (Most Important)
This is the step most people skip—and it's the most important one.
- After the drop enters your eye, gently close your eye (don't squeeze)
- Use your index finger to press lightly on the inner corner of your eye, right next to your nose
- Hold for 1-2 full minutes
This technique, called punctal occlusion, blocks the tear duct opening. Without it, the drop drains into your nasal passage within seconds. With it, the formula stays on your eye's surface 2-3x longer, dramatically improving absorption and relief.
What Are the Most Common Eye Drop Mistakes?
| Mistake | Why It Happens | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Drop gets pushed right out | Blinking or squeezing eyes immediately after application | Keep eyes gently closed for 1-2 minutes. Don't squeeze. |
| Adding multiple drops | Thinking more = better | Wait at least 5 minutes between drops. One drop is all your eye can absorb at once. |
| Using expired bottles | Not checking dates | Discard opened bottles after 3-6 months. Check the label. Expired drops risk contamination. |
| Skipping punctal occlusion | Don't know about it | Press inner corner of eye for 1-2 minutes after every drop. |
Which Systane Product Should I Use?
The technique above works for all Systane products. Here's how to choose:
| If You... | Try This |
|---|---|
| Want an all-in-one solution | Systane Complete Twin Pack — covers all dry eye types |
| Use drops 4+ times daily | Systane Complete Preservative-Free — no chemical buildup |
| Have sensitive eyes | Systane Ultra Hydration PF — extra gentle with hyaluronate |
| Are pregnant or nursing | See our pregnancy guide — preservative-free is safest |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many times a day can I use eye drops?
With preservative-free drops, as often as needed—most patients use them 4-6 times daily. With preserved drops, limit to 4 times daily to avoid preservative buildup on your cornea.
Q: Should I remove contact lenses before applying drops?
For most drops, yes—remove contacts first, wait 15 minutes, then reinsert. Some preservative-free drops (like Systane Ultra PF) are safe with contacts, but check the label.
Q: Why do my eyes sting when I put in drops?
Brief stinging is normal, especially if your eyes are very dry. If stinging persists or worsens, the drops may contain a preservative you're sensitive to. Try switching to preservative-free.
Q: Can I use eye drops before bed?
Yes—nighttime is actually ideal. Your eyes don't blink during sleep, so moisture evaporates faster. A thicker gel formula like Systane Gel Drops works well for overnight protection.
Get the Right Drops at MyPEAR.ca
Proper technique only works if you're using quality drops. Here's where to start:
- Systane Complete Preservative-Free — our most recommended
- Systane Complete Twin Pack — best value
- All Preservative-Free Options
15% off your first order. Fast Canadian shipping, free returns.
About the Reviewer
Dr. Davinder Sidhu is an optometrist based in British Columbia with a focus on dry eye management and preservative-free solutions. Learn more at TheGenuwineOD.com or follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
