Antibiotic Eye Drops for toddler

My son has pink eye which he caught from pre school and has been in pain last few days with discharge and swelling around the eye area. Dr prescribed Eye drops to help relieve symptoms but it’s an absolute mission to use drops anywhere near his eyes. I’m struggling and have tried to put few drops while he sleeps but he’ll wake up crying. Anyone gone through this and how did you manage? I want him to get better especially as it’s important to finish the antibiotic course but don’t want him getting distressed 😞