Navigating Eye Drops!
Navigating over-the-counter eye drops:
If you’re suffering from dry, irritated eyes and head over to your local pharmacy to pick the eyedrop to answer your problems - you could find yourself terribly overwhelmed by the endless options staring back at you. Though most over-the-counter drops will provide some form of relief, choosing the right drop for your condition will not only ensure faster and longer-lasting results but prevent possible worsening of your condition also.
There are two main types of over-the-counter eye drops: decongestants and artificial tears (lubricant eye drops). Decongestants are vasoconstrictors designed to reduce visible redness by narrowing your congested blood vessels. Decongestants are a tempting quick fix, but should not be used regularly as long-term use can cause eyes to become dependent on them and can cause damage to the blood vessels with overuse. Artificial tears are designed to mimic real tears to act as a protective, moisturising barrier for your eyes. Besides lubricating your eyes, some artificial tears also promote healing of the eyes and others work to decrease tear evaporation. Artificial tears may also contain thickening agents, which keep the solution on the surface of your eyes longer.
There are two categories of artificial tears:
Eye drops with preservatives. This type often comes in multidose bottles and contains chemicals (preservatives) that discourage growth of bacteria once the bottle has been opened. The preservatives may irritate your eyes, especially if you have moderate or severe dry eyes.
Preservative-free eye drops. This type has fewer additives and is generally recommended if you apply artificial tears more than four times a day, or if you have moderate or severe dry eyes. Preservative-free eyedrops may come in single-dose vials.
There is no one brand of artificial tears that works for every form of dry eyes so you may need to try several different brands before you find the one that works best for you. Book in an appointment with us today to determine the best regimen for you.