What is the purpose of pressing the corner of the eye after administering eye drops?

Pressing the corner of the eye after administering eye drops primarily serves the purpose of preventing the medication from draining out of the eye. This technique is known as punctual occlusion, where the puncta, or tear duct openings, are lightly pressed. By doing this, it helps to keep the medication in contact with the eye’s surface longer, maximizing its therapeutic effects. This action enhances absorption and efficacy by reducing the amount of medication that may otherwise be absorbed into the systemic circulation or drained away, thus increasing the availability of the drug for its intended action on the target tissues.

While ensuring the drops stick to the eye, helping the patient relax, and making the drops feel more comfortable are important considerations in the administration of eye drops, they are secondary to the main goal of ensuring effective medication retention and absorption.