Eyes are red, itchy, and stinging... At times like these, many of us run to the pharmacy to buy an eye drop. Although it may seem easy, it can actually be dangerous. Did you know that not every eye drop works for every condition? Sometimes using the wrong medicine can actually make the eye problem worse. So, today we'll talk about what you need to know about these eye drops.
Simply put, what are these eye drops?
Eye drops are liquid medicines. We put one or two drops of this directly on the surface of the eye, that is, on top of the eye. We call these ``topical`` medicines because they are applied directly to the area where they are needed. Once applied to the eye, the medicine can do its job properly.
These eye drops can contain a variety of medications and compounds. Therefore, they are used to treat a variety of eye conditions, symptoms, and problems. However, the problem is, choosing the right eye drop for your problem.
What happens with eye drops?
The effectiveness of eye drops depends on what they contain. Some eye drops can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription. We call these ``Over-the-Counter (OTC)``. However, some stronger eye drops require a doctor's prescription.
Over-the-counter (OTC) Eye Drops
These are usually used for minor problems, like dry eyes or a little redness.
| Action | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Lubricate the eyes | These are called 'artificial tears'. They reduce dryness and soreness in the eyes, and provide comfort to the eyes. These contain substances called ``demulcents''. |
| Reduce redness of the eyes | These contain ``Vasoconstrictors.'' These work by constricting the tiny blood vessels on the surface of the eye, temporarily reducing redness. |
| Reduce discharge | Ingredients called ``Astringents'' break down and reduce the accumulation of debris in the eye. |
| Irrigate and flush the eye | When something like dust gets in your eyes, it's much safer to wash them with a special solution like this than with tap water or any other water. |
Prescription Eye Drops
These are used for more serious eye conditions. Never use these without the advice of a doctor.
| Action | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Bacterial infection | Antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infections of the eye (e.g., eye infections). |
| Allergy reduction | Antihistamine eye drops are given to control allergy symptoms such as itchy and red eyes. |
| Reducing inflammation | Eye drops containing strong medications such as corticosteroids are given for inflammatory conditions of the eye. |
| Reducing eye pressure | This is very important. In conditions like glaucoma, the pressure inside the eye increases. There are special eye drops to control it. |
| Eye twitching | Anesthetic drops are used to numb the pain before an eye exam or minor surgery. |
| Dilate the black eye | When you need to examine the inside of the eye, these are inserted to temporarily enlarge the pupil. |
But, you also need to be aware of these risks!
Although eye drops have many benefits, they also have disadvantages if not used properly.
- A serious underlying disease may be hiding: Imagine your eye is red. You brought an eye drop from the pharmacy to reduce redness. The redness decreased. But what if the eye is actually red due to a serious cause, such as increased pressure inside the eye (glaucoma)? You are only suppressing the symptom and allowing the disease to grow from within. That is why it is recommended to see a doctor first.
- The wrong medicine can make the condition worse: There are many reasons why your eyes hurt. It could be dry eyes or glaucoma. If you put the same medicine you use for dry eyes on top of glaucoma, it could make the condition worse.
- Risk of germs entering the eye: Our eyes have natural defenses. But when we put in eye drops, those defenses are bypassed. So, if the eye drop bottle gets dirty, those germs can go straight into the eye and cause serious infections.
- Substandard products: Some companies, in the interest of profit, manufacture eye drops without proper standards. Using such products can cause serious damage to your eyes.
When do you need to see a doctor?
In short, if you have a new problem with your eyes, the best thing to do is to see an eye specialist rather than running to the pharmacy.
In addition, be sure to talk to your doctor in cases like this.
- If the eye drops you are using don't seem to be working anymore.
- If unexpected side effects occur (e.g. eye irritation, blurred vision).
- If you have questions about how to take or store medication.
Most importantly: Only a doctor should advise you on which eye drops are right for your condition and how to use them. It is not appropriate to ask the person at the pharmacy.
How to use eye drops safely? - Be sure to follow these instructions
- Wash your hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before applying medication. Touching your eyes with dirty hands increases the risk of getting sick.
- Do not touch the tip of the bottle to your eye: When applying eye drops, never let the tip of the dropper on the top of the bottle touch your eye, eyelid, or fingers. Doing so will allow germs to get inside the bottle and contaminate the entire medicine.
- Do not use someone else's medicine: A medicine prescribed by a doctor is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, nor use someone else's medicine.
- Throw away expired medicine: Every eye drop has an expiration date. After that date, the medicine may lose its effectiveness and become harmful.
- Close the cap tightly: After use, be sure to tighten the cap on the bottle.
- Don't put eye medication in your ears: Sometimes eye and ear medication look like the same bottle. Don't get confused. Eye medication is for the eyes only.
- Get used to it: It may be difficult to put eye drops in at first. The eye will close on its own. Don't worry about it. Be patient and get used to it. If you can't, ask your doctor for help.
Don't even think about buying medicine from the pharmacy for such serious illnesses!
There are some medical conditions that cannot be treated with OTC eye drops. Medical advice is definitely needed.
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma condition
- Retinal diseases, e.g. macular degeneration
- Eye damage caused by diabetes (Diabetes-related retinopathy)
Take-Home Message
- If you have a new problem with your eye (redness, itching, pain), the first thing to do is not to go to the pharmacy, but to see a qualified doctor.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops are only available for very minor conditions, such as dry eyes. A prescription is required for serious conditions.
- When applying eye drops, do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eye. This can cause serious infections.
- Always check the expiration date on the eye drop bottle. Do not use expired medication.
- If your symptoms get worse instead of better while using eye drops, or if new problems arise, see your doctor immediately.
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