Sometimes when we look in the mirror, our upper eyelids seem to droop a little, don't they? This gives the face a tired, sleepy look. This can happen with age or for other reasons. So today we are talking about a special eye drop that helps temporarily lift the drooping eyelids and give the eyes a fresh look. That medicine is Oxymetazoline.
What is Oxymetazoline?
Simply put, Oxymetazoline is a medication that temporarily tightens, or contracts, the tiny muscles that help hold the eyelids up. When applied to the eye, these muscles activate and lift the drooping eyelids up slightly. This makes the eyes look more open and refreshed.
This is medically known as 'acquired blepharoptosis'. It is a condition in which the eyelid droops due to a cause that is not present at birth, but develops later. This medication is mainly used to treat that condition. You may see this medication under brand names like `Upneeq` or `Visine LR`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Okay, this part is very important. Before the doctor gives you this medicine, he needs to know the complete details of your health condition. Because we need to be very careful when using this medicine with some medical conditions. See the table below.
| Tell your doctor if you have these conditions. | Why is it important? (Simply) |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high or low blood pressure, or a history of stroke | This medicine may slightly affect blood vessels and heart rate, so it is important to be careful in those who already have such conditions. |
| Glaucoma disease | Since this medication may affect eye pressure, a doctor should determine whether it is appropriate for glaucoma patients. |
| Diabetes | Since diabetes affects blood vessels, care should be taken when using this medicine. |
| Thyroid disease | Because thyroid hormone levels can affect heart rate, it is important to inform your doctor. |
| Difficulty urinating due to enlarged prostate | Some medications in this class of medications can affect the urinary system, so you should inform your doctor if you already have any problems. |
| Autoimmune diseases such as Raynaud's phenomenon, Scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome | Because these conditions affect blood circulation, it is essential to inform your doctor. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is imperative to inform the doctor, as care must be taken to determine whether the effects of the medication are passed on to the baby in the womb or through breast milk. |
| If you have had an allergic reaction to oxymetazoline or any other medicine, food, or dye | This is essential to know in advance if you may have an allergy. |
How do you use this eye drop correctly?
Okay, now let's see how to do this exactly. Don't worry, it's very easy. Just follow these steps.
1. Wash your hands: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean them.
2. Keep it clean: Do not let the tip of the medicine bottle/tube touch your hands, eyes, fingertips, or anywhere else. Doing so can introduce germs.
3. Prepare the eye: Tilt your head back slightly and look up. Now, with your index finger, gently pull the lower eyelid down. This will create a small pouch-like space between the eye and the lower eyelid.
4. Apply the medicine: Apply exactly the amount of medicine drops that the doctor prescribed (usually one drop) into the formed pouch.
5. Close your eye: After applying the medication, close your eye and allow the medication to spread well for a few seconds. Holding the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) with your finger can help reduce the chance of the medication going down your throat.
6. Take only the prescribed dose: Never use more than the prescribed dose.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for the eyes only. Do not take it by mouth or use it in any other way.
Do you wear contact lenses?
If you wear contact lenses, be sure to ask your doctor whether you need to remove them before applying this medication and how long you should wait before putting them back in. Some eye drops can damage contact lenses.
What if I forget to take the medicine? What if I take too much?
If you forget to take your medicine
If you forget to take your medicine at the right time, take the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the right time. Never take two doses at once just to make up for a forgotten dose.
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic. But immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
When you use this eye drop, you should also tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as some medications may interact with this one and cause side effects.
| Drug category | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| MAOIs (some older medications used for depression) | These medications can dangerously increase the effects of Oxymetazoline. |
| Medications for high blood pressure and heart disease (e.g. beta-blockers, digoxin) | These medications can affect each other's actions, so your doctor should be aware. |
| Medications for enlarged prostate (e.g. alfuzosin, doxazosin) | It is important to inform your doctor about these medications as they can affect blood pressure. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about everything you take, including vitamins, herbal products, and non-prescription drugs .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. But most people don't. Let's see what these are.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Sudden changes in vision | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, and loss of vision. |
| Usually not serious, tell your doctor if it persists | |
| Eye discomfort | Dry eyes, slight burning, itching, or redness of the eyes. |
| Headache | Mild or moderate headache. |
How to store medicine safely?
To maintain the quality of the medicine, it is also important to store it correctly.
- Keep away from children: Keep it out of the reach and sight of children and pets. This is very important.
- Proper temperature: Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from extreme heat (e.g. near a window) or extreme cold (e.g. in the refrigerator).
- Original packaging: Keep the medicine in the original bottle or packet it came in.
- Expiration: Be sure to throw away any medications that have passed their expiration date. Do not use them.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
Take-Home Message
- Oxymetazoline is an eye solution that helps temporarily lift drooping eyelids.
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have (especially heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma) and all other medications you are taking.
- When applying eye drops, use the tip of the bottle cleanly, avoiding touching the eye or anywhere else.
- If you experience eye pain, sudden changes in vision, or severe allergic symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others. Talk to your doctor about any problems you may have.
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