Eye drops are commonly used to treat dry eye symptoms. Are over-the-counter drops up to the task, or not?
Eye drops are a common, simple way to deal with dry eye symptoms. And, of course, over-the-counter options are easier to get than prescription versions. Let’s take a look at whether they can be effective.
Eye drops used for dry eye are generally not designed to fix whatever the dry eye’s underlying cause is, rather to alleviate the symptoms. To achieve this, they contain substances which help the eyes retain moisture, lubricants, and electrolytes.
A main difference between over-the-counter and prescription eye drops is that prescription drops can also include medication to treat chronic eye problems. For this reason, most prescription drops should not be used for standard dry eye.
There are two types of over-the-counter eye drops: those with preservatives, and those that are preservative free.
Eye drops which contain preservatives will have a longer shelf life, as the preservative chemicals prevent bacteria from growing. For a customer, this means the bottle can be used for an extended length of time without concern of anything growing in the solution.
However, the chemicals can cause irritation to worsen, if used too often. For this reason, doctors recommend you not use these drops more than four times daily.
Preservative-free drops more commonly come in single-use vials, to prevent contamination of an open bottle. Due to the lack of preservatives, you will need to purchase more of it. However, if you need to apply the drops more than four times a day, this is the better option.
Preservatives: Potential risks from eye drops can include the potential irritation if drops with preservatives are used too often. Additionally, some people may be sensitive to an ingredient in the preservatives, also leading to eye irritation. For people with particularly sensitive eyes, preservative free drops may be the safer option. Always take care to check the label of the eye drops you purchase.
Contamination: If the tip of the eye drop bottle touches the eye or another surface, it can become contaminated. To avoid this, be very careful when handling and applying the bottle while it is open.
Eye drops can lead to side effects, such as cloudy vision just after the application. Generally speaking, you should avoid operating a vehicle or heavy machinery for several minutes following the application of eye drops.
Allergic reactions can also occur in some cases, so be alert for signs of an allergic reaction following application.
Over-the-counter eye drops can be a great option for alleviating symptoms of dry eye. However, it is still advisable to speak with an eye doctor prior to starting the use of eye drops. If you would like to make an appointment for a consultation, you can contact American Family Vision Clinic at (360) 491-2121.
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