Eye Drops – When To Use Them, Their Side Effects, And The Different Kinds Available
Eye drops are a simple and convenient way of administering medicine or lubricating the eye. Eye drops are usually very effective because upon administration, they relieve itchiness, redness, and allergy symptoms in the eyes. However, each eye drop is different and the level of relief will depend upon the eye condition and the contents of the eye drop.
Just like all other medications out there, eye drops can have some minor side effects. Most side effects are mild and can be found on the pamphlet provided when purchased. It is important to realize that side effects tend to diminish after continued use. However, If side effects persist with and you continue to experience irritation, headache or swelling, it is important to speak with your eye care professional as soon as possible.
The different types of eye drops and their use
The two main categories of eye drops include over the counter eye drops and prescription eye drops. The former eye drops are cheaper than the latter, but prescription eye drops have a more specialized function. The following are specific types of eye drops and the conditions that they are used to address.
Eye drops for treating soreness, discharge, or swelling
Establishing the underlying cause for the above conditions is very important before using any eye drops. Soreness can result from straining, tiredness, or dryness, but excessive soreness should always lead you to an eye professional. The best eyedrops for these conditions are lubricating as they provide relief from irritation, eye stress, allergies, and inflammation. However, in the event of the production of a yellowish, thick discharge from the eyes, it is important to go for prescription eye drops.
Eye drops for treating Dry eyes
Dry eyes is one of the most common eye conditions and eye drops can help an individual to cope with the problem effectively. The eye drops used in this case are usually lubricating, and they play the role of tears in the eyes. These eye drops will often work for people with dryness resulting from windy conditions, staring at a computer for long hours, tiredness, or extremely sunny conditions. It is important to consult your eye care professional for advice regarding Dry eyes.
Eye drops for treating an eye allergy or itch
Antihistamine eye drops are best for allergies or itchiness. These eye drops treat an allergy by reducing the histamine in the eye tissue. Allergies can cause an individual to develop redness, itchiness, swollen eyes, and watery and puffy eyes. It is a good idea to begin with over the counter medicine if the allergies or itchiness is not too much; however, it is important to visit a doctor if the symptoms persist.
Eye drops for treating redness
Several conditions can lead to eye redness, with the presence of tiny and visible blood vessels on the sclera (white section of the eye) being one of them. In the case of reddening, an individual should go for whitening or decongestant eye drops, which shrink the blood vessels causing the eye to become white. A concern here is that these decongestants can hide a serious eye problem, which is the reason why an individual should contact an eye professional first.
Eye drops for treating pink eye
Pink eye is a condition that describes a number of very common conjunctivitis infections. The eye drops will depend on the type of conjunctivitis, whether bacterial or viral. The bacterial conjunctivitis requires a doctor to prescribe medication while the viral conjunctivitis can go away on its own after causing a lot of discomfort.
Eye drops for contact lens wearers
Wearing contact lenses is a major cause of discomfort and dryness, giving you enough reasons to go for rewetting drops. These drops provide the required relief and help to lubricate the eyes, though it is recommended that you visit an eye care professional as this may be a sign that you need a different brand of lenses.