A second way to ensure penetration of the eye drop into your eye is to perform “punctal occlusion.” This involves pressing your finger (your index finger is recommended) near the inside corner of your eye for 2 minutes after instilling the eye drop.
What is the punctal occlusion technique?
Punctal occlusion is a painless procedure in which the puncta (small openings in the corners of the eyes through which tears drain—the tear ducts) are blocked. Blocking the puncta increases the number of tears available to bathe the front part of the eye by decreasing the number of tears that drain away from the eye.
How do you perform nasolacrimal occlusion?
Below are the step-by-step instructions on how to apply the NLO technique.
- Tilt your head back. Using your middle finger, gently press the corner of the eye by the side of the nose.
- Use your index finger to pull down the lower lid. Then apply the eye drop medicine. ...
- After applying the eye drop, let go of your lower lid.
