Eye Medications

Written and medically reviewed by Dr Haziq Aziz Shamri, MBChB · Reviewed: 7 October 2026 · Last updated: 7 October 2026

A quick guide to common eye drops, so you know what each one is for. Always use your drops exactly as your doctor told you.

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How to put in eye drops

1
Wash your hands. Shake the bottle if the label says "shake well".
2
Tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid to make a small pocket.
3
Squeeze one drop into the pocket. Do not let the bottle tip touch your eye or lashes.
4
Close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes and gently press the inner corner, near your nose. This keeps the drop in the eye.
5
Using more than one drop? Wait about 5 minutes between different drops.

Lubricating drops (artificial tears)

Used to soothe dry, gritty or tired eyes. Many can be bought at a pharmacy. They have no set cap colour.

Tears Naturale

Artificial tears

Lubricating drops for dry eyes. Usually used up to 4 to 6 times a day, or as needed.

💡 Needing them more than 6 times a day? Ask about preservative-free drops, which are gentler.

Lacri-Lube

Lubricating ointment

A thick ointment for very dry eyes, usually used at night.

💡 Vision is blurry for a while after use, so put it in just before you sleep.

Antibiotic drops

Used to treat or prevent eye infections, for example bacterial conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and after eye surgery. Cap colour: tan.

Chloramphenicol

Drops and ointment

For bacterial eye infections such as sticky conjunctivitis. The ointment is often used at night.

💡 Finish the course your doctor gives you. Do not keep leftover drops for next time.

Fusidic acid

Common brand: Fucithalmic

Thick antibiotic drops for bacterial conjunctivitis, usually used twice a day.

💡 It comes out like a gel and melts into the eye after a few seconds.

Oxytetracycline

Common brand: Terramycin ointment

Antibiotic ointment for eyelid and eye infections, such as infected styes and blepharitis.

💡 Put a small amount inside the lower eyelid or along the lid edge, as your doctor shows you.

Tobramycin

Common brand: Tobrex

For bacterial eye infections, including after eye surgery.

💡 Mild stinging for a moment is normal.

Moxifloxacin

Common brand: Vigamox

A strong antibiotic for more serious infections such as corneal ulcers, and to prevent infection after surgery.

💡 For corneal ulcers it may be needed very often, even hourly at first. Follow your doctor's plan exactly.

Steroid drops

Used to calm inflammation (swelling), for example after cataract surgery, or in uveitis. Cap colour: pink.

Fluorometholone

Common brand: FML

A milder steroid for eye inflammation and some allergies.

💡 Shake well before use.

Dexamethasone

Common brand: Maxidex

A strong steroid, often used after eye surgery and for uveitis.

💡 Shake well. Do not stop suddenly unless your doctor says so.

Dexa + antibiotics

Common brand: Maxitrol

A steroid mixed with antibiotics (neomycin and polymyxin B), for inflammation when infection also needs preventing.

💡 Shake well. Use only for as long as prescribed.

Prednisolone

Common brand: Pred Forte

A strong steroid, often used after cataract surgery and for uveitis.

💡 Shake well, as it is a cloudy liquid. The dose is usually reduced step by step.

Steroid drops are prescription only. Used for a long time, or without an eye doctor checking, they can raise eye pressure (glaucoma), cause cataract, and make some infections, like herpes or fungal ulcers, much worse. Never use leftover or borrowed steroid drops.

Dilating drops

Used to widen the pupil for eye checks, and to rest a painful eye in uveitis or after an injury. Cap colour: red.

Cyclopentolate

Common brand: Cyclogyl

Widens the pupil and relaxes focusing, often for eye tests in children to check for glasses. Wears off within about a day.

💡 Vision is blurry and bright light is uncomfortable for some hours. Wear sunglasses and do not drive until it wears off.

Atropine

Long-acting dilating drop

Used in uveitis to ease pain, and sometimes to treat a lazy eye. A very weak (low-dose) form is used to slow short-sightedness in children.

💡 The full-strength drop can last 1 to 2 weeks. Wash your hands after use and keep it away from children, as it is harmful if swallowed.

Glaucoma drops

Used to lower the pressure inside the eye and protect the optic nerve. Usually used every day, for life, even if you feel fine.

Latanoprost

Common brand: Xalatan

Lowers eye pressure. Used once a day, at night.

💡 Keep unopened bottles in the fridge. Over months it can make eyelashes longer and darken the coloured part of the eye.

Timolol

Common brand: Timoptol

Lowers eye pressure. Usually once or twice a day.

💡 Tell your doctor if you have asthma, COPD, or a slow heart rate, as timolol may not be suitable.

Brimonidine

Common brand: Alphagan

Lowers eye pressure. Usually twice a day.

💡 Can cause tiredness, a dry mouth or an itchy red eye (allergy). Not for babies and young children.

Travoprost + timolol

Common brand: DuoTrav

Two glaucoma medicines in one bottle, used once a day.

💡 The same cautions as timolol apply: tell your doctor if you have asthma, COPD or a slow heart rate.

Brinzolamide

Common brand: Azopt

Lowers eye pressure. Usually twice a day.

💡 Shake well. Vision may blur for a moment, and some people notice a bitter taste.

Missed a dose? Use it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next one. Do not double up. Never stop glaucoma drops without talking to your eye doctor.

Getting help

If a drop makes your eye very red, itchy, swollen or painful, stop it and contact your clinic.
Not sure about your drops? Ask your pharmacist, eye nurse or doctor, or bring them to a Community Eye Clinic.

Community Eye Clinics

References

American Academy of Ophthalmology. How to Put In Eye Drops. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/how-to-put-in-eye-drops
American Academy of Ophthalmology. Color Codes for Topical Ocular Medications. https://www.aao.org/education/clinical-statement/color-codes-topical-ocular-medications
NHS. Chloramphenicol eye drops and eye ointment. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/chloramphenicol/
NHS. Latanoprost. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/latanoprost/
NHS. Timolol eye drops. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/timolol-eye-drops/
Glaucoma UK. Glaucoma medication. https://glaucoma.uk/
Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc). Patient information leaflets for Lacri-Lube, Fucithalmic, DuoTrav, cyclopentolate and atropine eye drops. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc

This page is for general education and does not replace advice from your own doctor or pharmacist.