Dry eyes? Sudden itchiness in your eyes? They’re red? There’s a quick relief for those: eye drops. Several over-the-counter brands are out there, but beware of the contaminated ones. You either lose your vision or, worse, die.
Karan EmeryMar 28, 20235 Shares676 Views
Eye dropsare a popular and effective way of delivering medication directly to the eye.
They can quickly and easily penetrate the surface of the eye to provide relief from symptoms.
The use of eye drops, which come in different types, is common among people of all ages. They can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor.
Learn more about eye drops and find out which ones are recommended by experts and which ones should be avoided.
How To Apply Eye Drops Correctly - Singapore National Eye Centre
Eye drops are medications that are administered in liquid form directly into the eye.
They are used to treat a variety of eye conditions such as:
allergies
dry eyes
eye infections
glaucoma (a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and even blindness)
Eye drops are likewise use for other conditions that cause the following in the eyes:
inflammation
itching
redness
Eye drops work by either lubricating the eyes, reducing inflammation or pressure, or killing bacteria that cause infections.
Some eye drops contain drugs that constrict the blood vessels in the eye, which can help reduce redness and swelling.
There are several other names or terms for “eye drop,” including:
eye medication
eye ointment (while not a liquid, it is also used to treat eye conditions)
eye solution
ocular drops
ophthalmic drops
topical eye drops
Eye drops are available in different formulations, including:
a. Solutions
most common form of eye drops
made up of one or more active ingredients dissolved in a liquid
b. Suspensions
made up of solid particles that are suspended in a liquid
need to be shaken before use
c. Ointments
thicker and stickier than solutions or suspensions
often used at night to provide longer-lasting relief
Some important reminders when using eye drops:
1. Follow the instructions carefully.
2. Use them as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
3. Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface or your eye to prevent contamination.
4. Avoid using eye drops that contain preservatives for an extended period, as they may cause irritation and further dryness.
Lastly, some eye drops may cause temporary stinging or blurred vision after use. Therefore, it’s best to use them when you have a few minutes to sit and wait for any potential side effects to subside.
Small eye drops in unlabeled white container, with a black-rimmed round eye glasses blurred in the background
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of tears is poor, causing discomfort, irritation, and other symptoms such as:
burning
itching
redness
stinging
Eye drops for dry eyes can provide relief by:
lubricating the surface of the eye
reducing inflammation
restoring the natural moisture balance
There are several types of eye drops for dry eyes available over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription.
Some of the most common types include:
a. Artificial tears
These eye drops contain a lubricating solution that mimics the natural tears, providing relief from dryness and irritation.
Artificial tears are available in various formulations that can be used as often as needed throughout the day, such as:
saline
gel-based
oil-based
b. Anti-inflammatory drops
These prescription eye drops contain steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce inflammation and swelling in the eyes, helping to alleviate dryness and discomfort.
c. Prescription eye drops
If artificial tears or anti-inflammatory drops are not effective in relieving dry eyes, your doctor may prescribe other types of eye drops.
Two examples are cyclosporine (U.S. brand names: Gengraf, Neoral, SandIMMUNE) and lifitegrast (brand name: Xiidra). They can help increase tear production and reduce inflammation.
A gray-haired and bearded male eye doctor in his clinic using eye drops
As of February 22, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), through its website, warns the public not to use, “due to potential bacterial contamination,” these OTC eye drops:
Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment
Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears
EzriCare Artificial Tears
Indian pharmaceutical company Global Pharma Healthcare manufactures the aforementioned eye drops.
It is generally safe to use eye drops every day, but it’s important to follow the instructions and recommended dosage provided by your doctor or on the product label.
In general, it is safe to use OTC eye drops without consulting a doctor for minor eye irritations or dryness.
However, if you are experiencing severe or persistent eye symptoms (e.g., pain, redness, or changes in vision), seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare provider.
Furthermore, consult first with a doctor or pharmacist before using any eye drops if you:
While eye drops for dry or red eyes can be effective in relieving symptoms, they should not be used as a substitute for a proper eye examination by a qualified eye doctor.
In some cases, dryness or redness can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as an eye infection or injury.
Overall, eye drops can provide effective relief, but it is important to seek medical advice if the condition persists or worsens despite treatment.