Over 117
million Americans
reported using some kind of eye drops in 2020. A visitor
to a typical pharmacy or grocery store may see entire aisles of eye drops, with
a wide range of formulations and active ingredients to choose from.
Ophthalmologists also use or prescribe different types of eye drops for eye
exams and treatment.
If you find the wide world of eye drops confusing, you'll
have a better idea of what you're using and why once you understand the
different purposes of these products. Take a look at the following five types
of eye drops and their effects.
1. Eye Drops for Dry Eyes
Dryness can plague your eyes with redness, itching,
irritation, and light sensitivity. In addition to occasional dryness from
exposure to dry or windy environments, many people suffer from chronic dry eye
syndrome. If you have this problem, either you don't produce enough tears or
the tears you produce evaporate too quickly.
Over-the-counter eye drops can help to correct such
imbalances, at least temporarily. These products usually contain a blend of
lubricants, electrolytes, and ingredients that help to preserve your eye
moisture. Your ophthalmologist may recommend eye drops with or without
preservatives, depending on the severity of your dry eye problem.
Some dry eye sufferers may benefit from specialized
prescription eye drops. These eye drops contain extra ingredients that
encourage tear production and/or reduce chronic inflammation.
2. Eye Drops for Removing Redness
Red eyes can occur for many reasons above and beyond dry eye
syndrome. Allergies, infections, contact lens irritation, or sheer fatigue can
cause blood vessels to swell up, leaving you with bloodshot eyes. Decongestant
eye drops bring the swelling down while also (in some cases) lubricating the
surface of the eye.
Keep in mind that decongestant eye drops often produce an
unwanted rebound effect after about 72 hours of relief. For this reason, you
should avoid using them on a long-term basis.
3. Eye Drops for Pupil Dilation
When you receive a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor
will usually apply eye drops that dilate your pupils. This dilation permits a
clearer view of more of the eye's interior, helping the eye doctor identify the
telltale physical signs of macular degeneration, optic nerve damage (from
glaucoma), and retinal injuries that might cause blindness.
The benefits of these eye drops come with some temporarily
annoying side effects. You may experience a stinging sensation when the eye
drops first go in. The dilation occurs after 20 or 30 minutes and may last for
several hours, creating blurred vision and light sensitivity. (Have a pair of
UV-blocking sunglasses on hand.)
4. Eye Drops for Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the optic nerves, usually due to elevated
fluid pressure inside the eye. Although this condition can lead to severe,
irreversible vision loss if it goes untreated, modern treatment methods can
prevent it from doing additional damage. Medicated eye drops serve as the first
line of defense against glaucoma.
Different eye drops fight glaucoma in different ways, with
the same primary goal of reducing pressure. Some eye drops contain drugs that
help the eye drain excess fluid more normally. Others actually reduce the
amount of fluid produced within the eye. Whichever kind you use, you'll
probably need to use it every day.
5. Eye Drops to Treat Injuries or Infections
Eye infections and injuries can both cause pain, swelling,
redness, and damage to the affected eye. Your ophthalmologist may use eye drops
as part of your treatment plan in such cases. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
eye drops can ease your symptoms, but you can only get them if you have a
prescription.
If you have a bacterial eye infection, your eye doctor can
give you a prescription for antibiotic eye drops. This direct approach to
eliminating the bacteria should yield results in a matter of days.
Calvert Ophthalmology Center can serve as your information
resources for all kinds of eye conditions and treatment methods, including the
safe, proper, effective uses of eye drops. Contact any of our ophthalmology locations
today to schedule a consultation, examination, or eye disorder treatment.
