What should a patient do after administering ophthalmic drops to ensure effectiveness?

Using punctual pressure for 2 to 3 minutes after administering ophthalmic drops is important to ensure the medication remains in contact with the eye surface and increases its effectiveness. This technique reduces the drainage of the drops through the tear ducts, allowing for better absorption and enhancing the therapeutic effect. By applying gentle pressure on the tear ducts located at the inner corners of the eyes, the medication is retained in the eye for a longer duration, which can improve the treatment outcome.

Other options, such as keeping the eyes open or blinking rapidly, may not allow adequate absorption of the medication and could promote a quicker drainage of the drops. Squeezing the eyes tightly shut might also cause discomfort and does not provide any benefit to the absorption of the medication. Therefore, utilizing punctual pressure is the best practice following the administration of ophthalmic drops.