Patient Resources
Sequoia Eye Group, Redwood City
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Practical guides for everyday eye care: eye drops, dilation, protecting your eyes, screens, contact lenses and more.
Having surgery with us? See Active patient resources (password from our office). Want to learn about a specific condition? Visit Patient education.
Call us right away at (650) 839-2020 if you have sudden vision loss, new flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, a curtain or shadow over your vision, a chemical splash, an eye injury, or eye pain or redness that is getting worse. If we are closed or it is a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. For a chemical splash, rinse the eye with clean water for 15 minutes first.
Eye care guides
Practical guides anyone can use, no password needed.
How to use eye drops
- Wash your hands and check the label so you have the right drop for the right eye
- Tilt your head back or lie down, look up, and gently pull down your lower eyelid to make a small pocket
- Squeeze one drop into the pocket. Do not let the tip touch your eye, lashes or fingers
- Close your eye gently. Do not blink hard or squeeze
- Press lightly on the inner corner of your eye, next to your nose, for 1 to 2 minutes so more medicine stays in the eye
- Wipe away any extra with a clean tissue and put the cap back on right away
Using more than one drop
- Wait at least 5 minutes between different drops so the first one is not washed out
- If you use a gel or ointment, put it in last
- Shake the bottle first if the label says to
- Remove soft contact lenses before most drops and wait 15 minutes before putting them back, unless your drop is made for contact lenses
- Not sure the drop went in? It is fine to put in one more
- If you miss a dose, use it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next one. Do not double up
- Use a phone alarm or a written schedule, and bring your drops to every visit
Caring for your eye drops
- Store drops as the label says. Some need the refrigerator, most do not
- Check the expiration date, and follow the label for how long a bottle is good after it is opened
- Single use vials of preservative free drops are meant to be used once and thrown away, unless the label says otherwise
- Never share eye drops, even with family
- If drops sting, cause redness, or are hard to afford, tell us. There are often other options, including generics
If your eyes are dilated
- Dilating drops widen your pupils so we can see the back of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve
- Your vision may be blurry and sensitive to light for several hours
- Bring sunglasses, and consider having someone drive you home
- Reading and screens may be hard until the drops wear off
Protect your eyes
- Wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB light
- Wear safety glasses for yard work, power tools, home projects and sports
- Keep fireworks, chemicals and cleaning sprays away from your face
- Do not rub your eyes, especially if they are itchy or irritated
Screens, reading and eye strain
- Follow the 20 20 20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Blink fully, since we blink less while reading and using screens
- Keep screens about an arm’s length away and a little below eye level
- Use good lighting and cut glare from windows and lamps
- Store bought reading glasses are fine for many people for reading, but they do not replace an eye exam
- For children, time outdoors in daylight may help lower the risk of nearsightedness
Contact lens safety
- Wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses
- Never sleep in your lenses unless your eye doctor says they are made for it
- Keep water away from your lenses, including tap water, showers, pools and hot tubs
- Use fresh solution every time and never top off old solution
- Replace your lens case often and your lenses on schedule
- Take your lenses out and call us if your eye is red, painful or your vision is blurry
Dry eye at home
- Use preservative free artificial tears as directed
- Take screen breaks and blink fully
- Use a humidifier when the heat or air conditioning is on
- Warm compresses can help if you were told you have oil gland dryness
- Point car and fan vents away from your face
Learn more about dry eye treatment.
Your eyes and your overall health
- Diabetes: have a dilated eye exam at least once a year, even if your vision seems fine
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol can affect the blood vessels in your eyes
- Smoking raises the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration
- Glaucoma and macular degeneration can run in families, so tell us about your family history
- Some medicines, such as steroids and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), need regular eye checks
- Pink eye spreads easily. Wash your hands often and do not share towels, pillows or makeup
See how often to have an eye exam and eye conditions we treat.
Forms and information
Eye care FAQs
How long should I wait between eye drops?
Wait at least 5 minutes between different drops so the second drop does not wash out the first. If you use a gel or ointment, use it last.
What if I am not sure the drop went in?
It is fine to put in one more drop. The eye only holds about one drop at a time, so extra simply runs out.
Can I drive after my eyes are dilated?
Dilation makes vision blurry and sensitive to light for several hours. Many people prefer to have someone drive them. Bring sunglasses either way.
When are floaters an emergency?
A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain or shadow over your vision can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment. Call us the same day.
Are store bought reading glasses okay?
For many people they work well for reading. They do not check for eye disease, so you still need regular eye exams.
How often should I have an eye exam?
It depends on your age, your health and your risk for eye disease. People with diabetes, glaucoma or a family history of eye disease usually need more frequent exams.
Take the next step. It’s easy.
Let’s take care of your eyes
Call, text or request an appointment online. We verify your insurance before your visit.
162 Clinton Street, Redwood City, CA 94062 ยท Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm