Quick Answer
Link each dose to something you already do daily, such as brushing your teeth.
Then back it up with a phone alarm that you cannot dismiss until the drop is in.
Almost everyone forgets eye drops at some point. Drops take seconds, and they rarely give you any feedback. A routine you build once can do the remembering for you.
Using drops for glaucoma? Read how to remember your glaucoma eye drops. It explains why missed doses matter more in glaucoma and what to do about them.
Dr Shibal Bhartiya is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator with over 25 years of experience. Her approach focuses on identifying risk before damage is irreversible, simplifying treatment decisions, and protecting vision long-term. Emphasis on early detection, risk assessment, and continuity of care.
Why Do We Forget Eye Drops?
Eye drops sit outside most daily routines. Many do not sting or give any sign that they are working. Courses can run for weeks or for life. Some people also use several bottles at different times.
Forgetting is not a character flaw. It is what happens when a new task has no fixed place in your day.
How Do I Make Eye Drops Part of My Daily Routine?
Attach each dose to an activity you never skip. Brushing your teeth, your morning tea or coffee and your meals all work well.
Keep the bottle where you will see it, such as next to your toothbrush. Use the same times every day. Check the label first, because some drops need to be kept in the fridge and some do not.
Which Reminders Actually Work?
- A repeating phone alarm. Do not switch it off until the drop is in. If you cannot stop, snooze once. When it rings again, use the drop.
- Sticky notes. Put them on the bathroom mirror, the fridge or your computer screen.
- A drop buddy. Pair up with a family member or friend who also uses drops. Text each other after each dose.
- A diary or tick chart. Mark each dose. Aim for a streak of days with no misses, and treat yourself when you reach a milestone.
How Do I Keep Track of Several Drops?
Use two pouches. Keep all your bottles in the first pouch. After each drop, move that bottle to the second pouch. You can then see at a glance what you have used and what remains.
If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about five minutes between them, unless your doctor says otherwise. Write the time of day on each bottle with a marker. Read how to put in eye drops correctly.
Does the Type of Drop Change What I Should Do?
| Type of drop | Why missing doses matters | Extra tip |
|---|---|---|
| Glaucoma | Eye pressure can rise with no symptoms | Read the glaucoma guide |
| Antibiotic | The infection can return or last longer | Finish the full course your doctor prescribed |
| Steroid or anti-inflammatory | Stopping suddenly can bring inflammation back | Follow the schedule your doctor gave you |
| Allergy | Many work best used regularly through the season | Ask whether yours is for daily or as-needed use |
| Dry eye | Lubricants work best with regular use, not only when eyes sting | Read why dry eye drops may not be working |
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
Use the drop as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the missed one. Never use a double dose to catch up.
Check the leaflet for your drop. For antibiotic or steroid drops, call your doctor if you miss several doses, because the schedule matters.
What Do Doctors Often Miss About Eye Drop Habits?
Nobody asks how the drops are going. Tell your doctor honestly if you miss doses. They cannot fix a problem they do not know about.
Side effects and cost lead to quiet stopping. Stinging, burning or price pushes people to stop without a word. There is often an alternative.
Too many bottles. Ask whether any of your drops can be combined or reduced.
Technique. A remembered drop that misses your eye does nothing. Check your technique.
When Should I See a Doctor?
See a Doctor Urgently
Seek same-day care if you have:
- Severe eye pain
- Sudden loss of vision
- Severe headache with nausea or vomiting
- Halos around lights with a red eye
- Swelling of the lids or face, or trouble breathing after using a drop
See a Doctor
Book a visit if:
- You miss doses often
- You cannot get the drops into your eye
- Stinging or burning does not settle
- Redness or discharge worsens despite using your drops
- Your bottle has expired or run low
What Does This Mean for You?
A habit works better than good intentions. Pick one anchor, one alarm and one place for your bottles.
If you still forget, tell your doctor. A simpler plan may exist, like fixed dose combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I remember to use my eye drops?
Link each dose to a daily habit, such as brushing your teeth. Add a repeating phone alarm as a backup. Keep the bottle where you will see it.
What should I do if I forget an eye drop?
Use it when you remember, unless your next dose is almost due. Do not double up. Ask your doctor if you miss several doses of an antibiotic or steroid drop.
How long should I wait between different eye drops?
Wait about five minutes between drops in the same eye. This gives each drop time to absorb. Follow your doctor’s order if they gave you one.
Do I need my eye drops if my eye feels fine?
It depends on the drop. Glaucoma drops protect your eye even when you feel nothing. Antibiotic drops need the full course. Ask your doctor before you stop any drop.
Can I use an app to remember my eye drops?
Yes. Any repeating alarm or reminder app works. The best one is the one you will not dismiss.
Book a Consultation with Dr Bhartiya:
Struggling with your drops? Upload your reports and current prescription or meet her at her clinic in Gurgaon. Discuss with Dr Bhartiya whether your regimen can be simplified. Here’s a list of what you need to bring to the clinic.
Book an Appointment:
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This article is part of a series of articles on Using Eyedrops, which aim to help you use your eye drops as required. You may want to read How to remember your glaucoma medication, Tips and tricks on how to use your eye drops, Whether refrigerating eye drops helps, How to manage side effects of glaucoma drops, Why my dry eye drops are not working, How to reduce glaucoma drops, Glaucoma drops not working, Does stinging mean my eye drops are working, Glaucoma progressing despite eye drops, and Do Eyedrops Expire After Opening?
Learn how to put eye drops here.
About the Author
This article was written by Dr Shibal Bhartiya, fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator, Clinical Director at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, known for ethical, patient-centred glaucoma care and independent glaucoma second opinions. She is also the Program Director for Community Outreach & Wellness; and for the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine.
She has published peer-reviewed research on glaucoma management, examining how treatment decisions should balance medical evidence, patient preferences, and long-term vision outcomes.
As Editor-in-Chief of Clinical and Experimental Vision and Eye Research and Executive Editor of the Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice (Pubmed Indexed, official journal of the International Society of Glaucoma Surgery), Dr Shibal Bhartiya brings editorial and research depth to every clinical decision. Her 200+ publications, including 90+ PubMed-indexed publications and 28 edited textbooks span glaucoma biology, surgical outcomes, health equity, and emerging diagnostics.
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Last Reviewed: October 2026