What is the primary method of administering eye drops?

The primary method of administering eye drops is placing drops into the lower eyelid pocket. This technique is effective because it allows for accurate placement of the medication while minimizing discomfort. When the lower eyelid is pulled down to create a small pocket, it securely holds the drops, ensuring that the medication remains in contact with the eye surface for a longer duration and is better absorbed. This method also helps to reduce the risk of the medication spilling out or being wiped away, which can happen if drops are simply placed directly onto the eye's surface.

Using the lower eyelid pocket also permits the patient to blink, which can help distribute the medication evenly across the eye. Furthermore, this method is less likely to trigger the reflex tearing response that might occur if drops are applied directly onto the eye, leading to a more effective delivery of the medication.

In contrast, administering drops directly onto the eye can result in less control over the amount of medication delivered and increases the likelihood of the drops spilling out. Spraying into the air above the eye is not a recognized method for delivering eye drops, as it would not ensure the medication reaches the eye. Dropping into the pupil is not a feasible method since the pupil is an internal part of the eye, and drops cannot reach