artificial tears -

[mickdg1]

when using the bottle of artifical tears last evening , i misjudged the distance between the tip of the bottle and my eyes and felt the 'tip' touch my eyelashes (they're quite long) ..this concerns me since I know nothing should touch the tips of these little bottles - should i wash the tip of the bottle/wipe it off with alcohol  or just buy a new supply ? i'm post-operative medicating with antibiotic drops+two other types...  I did of course thoroughly wash my hands and always do   thank you in advance for your reply

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[mickdg1]

Oh dear - i forgot in my initial inquiry to mention that i am post-op both eyes for cataract surgery - still on antibiotic drops, etc.  that's the major reason i was concerned about possibly infecting my eyes with that dropper ... thanks again.  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[mickdg1]

Hello - thank you for replying - i was concerned that i could cause 'infection' if i used the drops -- i will do as you suggest - i didn't know simply washing-off the tiop would be sufficient to render it 'safe' to use again  ...I wouldn't have minded throwing away the bottle  & starting with a new one if you recommended doing that  -- i would NEVER hesitate to pay for a new bottle - there is no-price on eyes - Sincere thanks !

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Just wipe it off with warm water and soft soap, rinse with cold water and you can start over.

JCH MD