Eye drops are a liquid you apply to the surface of your eye. They are often used to treat eye pain, discomfort, infection or disease. There are many kinds of eye drops, from over-the-counter products to those you need a prescription to buy.

There are specific steps to follow to put eye drops in safely and correctly. Follow your eye doctor’s directions for how much of the eye drops to use and how often to use them.

Like any medicine, eye drops can have side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor about any problems or side effects you notice after starting to take eye drops.