Eyedrop Lid Colors

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
What is the reason for different colors of cups or hoods of eyedroppers?  

Answer:
Different types of eye drops have different lid colors. Many times, patients have difficulty remembering or pronouncing the names of their medications. Lid color is an easy short hand to convey important information. For example, amongst the glaucoma medicines, usually yellow lids are beta blockers, purple lids are alpha agonists, orange lids are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and green lids are miotic agents.

Answered by: James M. Heltzer, MD

Categories: General Eye Health

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