Which of the following is essential when administering eye drops?

Maintaining the dropper at eye level is essential when administering eye drops to ensure proper delivery of the medication into the eye. This positioning helps control the flow of the drops and allows for accurate placement directly onto the conjunctival sac, which is the most effective area for absorption. Keeping the dropper at eye level can help prevent it from becoming contaminated and minimizes the risk of inadvertently applying too many drops.

In addition, approaching from the front can sometimes compromise the precision needed for proper administration and could lead to accidental contact with the eye or eyelids, which increases the risk of contamination. Touching the eye with the dropper can introduce bacteria and other pathogens, leading to infection, while applying in large quantities can create waste and may wash away the therapeutic effects of the medication. Therefore, the correct technique emphasizes precision, cleanliness, and appropriate dosage, making maintaining the dropper at eye level the most crucial aspect in this context.