It is not bad to taste eye drops. In fact, it is a completely normal and safe occurrence.
Why Can You Taste Eye Drops?
The reason you might taste eye drops after applying them is due to the natural drainage system of the eye. The tear ducts, located near the inner corner of your eyes, are connected to your nose and throat through passageways in your sinuses.
- When you put drops in your eye, some of the liquid can drain through the tear ducts.
- This drainage route leads directly to the back of your nose and throat.
- Because of this connection, you may experience a specific taste or sensation from the drops as they travel down this path.
As stated in the provided reference, "Since the tear ducts are connected to the nose and throat via the sinuses, you may end up being able to taste or feel the drops."
Is Tasting Eye Drops Safe?
Rest assured, experiencing the taste of your eye drops is completely normal and safe. The small amount of medication that reaches your throat this way is typically not enough to cause any harm. It is a common side effect reported by many people who use eye drops.
According to the reference, "Although this is completely normal and safe, you can prevent this from happening by gently pressing on the tear duct once you have applied your eye drops."
How to Prevent Tasting Eye Drops
If you find the taste unpleasant, there's a simple technique you can use to minimize the drainage of the drops into your nasal passages and throat:
- After applying the eye drops, close your eye gently.
- Immediately after closing your eye, use your finger to gently press on the inner corner of your eyelid, right next to your nose.
- Hold this pressure for about 1 to 2 minutes. This action helps to temporarily block the tear duct, allowing the drops to stay on the surface of your eye longer and reducing the amount that drains internally.
By following this tip, you can often prevent or significantly reduce the taste sensation without affecting the efficacy of the eye drops on your eye.
In summary: Tasting eye drops happens because of the connection between your eyes, nose, and throat. It is a safe and normal experience, although the taste can sometimes be undesirable. Using the tear duct pressure technique can help avoid the taste.
