The College of Optometrists

how do you roll back upper eyelid? i do it wwith my index finger and seem to always cause pain.

use a cotton bud. ask the px to look down, gently pull the upper lashes toward you, and place the bud in the centre. push the bd down as you pull the lashes and turn the lid.

hope this makes sense. ask a collegue at work to do it - it'll be easier if you see some1 doing it.

I occasionally use my thumb or finger but this only works with patients with loose lids. If the lids are tight use a cotton wool bud (I'd also suggets doing this in an exam setting as it looks beter and works more often!). You need to place it high up on the eyelid just below the bone of the orbit, so that it is above the tarsal plate, then you grasp the eyelashes firmly but gently and pull slightly forward and then upward, pushing down gently with the cotton wool bud.

Thanks AMS & TIM for sharing better way.

One other tip is to use a cable needle (like a small, thin knitting needle) - I find this easier than a cotton bud as it doesn't have the ends in the way if you then slide it out whilst the patient's lid is everted.

Sue