Eye drops and artificial tears contain various ingredients designed to comfort your eyes in different ways. So which one is the best for you depends on the eye condition you want to relieve and potential side effects. This health blurb focuses on which types are better for the most common eye conditions, particularly dry eyes, red eyes, pink eye, allergy caused itchy, irritated eyes.
Eye drops are available both OTC or by prescription only. Under most circumstances, eye relief may be gotten from the options in the isle of your local drug store. In the event these options fail to work, you can seek greater strength prescribed by your health care provider.
Artificial Tears for Dry Eye Condition
The most basic type you can buy without a health care provider’s order are artificial tears. Dropping in tears made artificially can assist in relieving dry eye conditions.
Artificial tears contain lubricants to help your eye surface stay moist, such as carboxylmethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Some brands add electrolytes, such as potassium and bicarbonate, to promote healing. One ingredient you should consider when making your choice is whether it contains preservatives.
Preservatives are added to artificial tears to maintain effectiveness longer and discourage bacteria growth. Although the benefits of preservatives are important, they can cause eye irritation because of a sensitivity or allergy. Also, long term use can cause damage to your cornea. If either matches your situation, look for artificial tears free of preservatives (usually highlighted on the label).
Artificial tears that exclusively lubricate only provide temporary relief because they wash off easily. If you want longer staying power, try eye drops containing surfactants and lipids. Surfactants are thickening agents that help create a gel over your eye, but this ingredient can cause eye irritation. Lipids help prevent evaporation and products containing them may be labeled eye ointments. However, these products are best used while you sleep because their oils often result in sustained blurred vision.
You may have to try different types of artificial tears to discover which works best for you. And severe or chronic cases of dry eyes should be evaluated by an eye care professional.
Decongestant Eye Drops for Red Eye Condition
Decongestant eye drops decrease eye redness by constricting blood vessels. This results in your eyes to looking less red. But in the process the decongestant can cause dryness and irritation. Therefore, do not use these eye drops if your eyes are red and dry.
Decongestant eye drop typically have “relief for red eyes” on the label. And only use as a short term treatment because your eyes can become dependent.
Eye Drops for Allergies
One key indication your eyes are bothered by allergies is if they itch. And itching them only makes your condition worse. Allergens can also cause conjunctivitis (red, watery and swollen eyes) because histamine and prostaglandin can be released in response, what’s referred to as an allergic reaction. Fortunately, there are a couple of eye drop choices you can try for relief.
Two of your options are explained above. Artificial tears can be used to wash allergens out of your eye to prevent symptoms. Decongestant eye drops can be used to get the red out.
Another beneficial type of eye drop for allergies include antihistamine, which blocks the action of histamine. NSAID eye drops work similarly by inhibiting the production of prostaglandin. OTC labeling for these eye drops may state for “itchy eyes” prominently. If your eye condition does not improve, drops containing steroids are available with a prescription.
Eye Drops for Pink Eye
Pink eye is contagious conjunctivitis caused by bacteria and virus infections or STDs. Lubricating artificial tears can soothe the symptoms of your eye infection, but they do not treat the pathogen. Your body can combat a virus on its own. For bacteria caused conjunctivitis you might need to treat it with antibiotic eye drops, which are only available by a prescription.
Some folks can experience a severe allergic reaction to an ingredient in artificial tears or other eye drops. Seek emergency medical assistance should your start developing any of these symptoms after initial use:
- hives
- eye pain
- severe burning
- vision changes
- breathing difficulty
- swollen face, lips, tongue or throat
It is probably best to stop usage should you notice mild burning, stinging, itching, redness, watery eyes, blurred vision or an unusual mouth taste. And if you wear contacts, only use eye drops specially formulated for use with them. Otherwise, you may cloud or gunk up your lense surface.