What is the first step when applying eye medications?

When applying eye medications, the correct first step is to pull down the lower eyelid. This action creates a small pocket in which the medication can be placed. Properly positioning the eyelid ensures that the medication can be instilled accurately and minimizes the risk of it spilling out or being improperly applied. It is essential for the effective delivery of the medication to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome, such as treating an infection or reducing inflammation.

The other options, while they may play a role in the medication administration process, do not represent the most effective initial step. For example, shaking the bottle is typically not necessary for eye medications unless specified by the product instructions. Closing the eye after application is a common practice, but it occurs after the medication has been instilled, not before. Applying ointment first may not be appropriate, as the order of medication application can depend on the specific medications being used and might also involve liquids or solutions first. Therefore, pulling down the lower eyelid is critical for successful administration of eye medications and is recognized as the correct first step.