Contents:
- Medical Video: What Contact Lenses Are Best for Dry Eye Syndrome?
- What are the choices of drops for dry eyes?
- Drops for dry eyes with preservatives
- Drops for dry eyes without preservatives
- What is the difference between drops for dry eyes with and without a doctor's prescription?
- OTC eye drops
- Eye drops from a doctor's prescription
- Consideration before choosing dry eye drops
Medical Video: What Contact Lenses Are Best for Dry Eye Syndrome?
The eyes need the right flow of tears and moisture to work properly. However, factors from the environment, medical conditions, aging, to problems in the eye structure can inhibit the flow of tears which eventually makes the eyes dry. One treatment that is believed to be effective is to use drops for dry eyes.
What are the choices of drops for dry eyes?
Dry eye conditions can interfere with vision and make you less comfortable. Do not panic immediately, because you can immediately deal with it using drops for dry eyes. But beforehand, first identify eye drops that are suitable for your condition.
Drops for dry eyes with preservatives
Preservatives in eye drops aim to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the medicine bottle. Even so, this drug is not recommended to be used more than four times a day. Some people complain of side effects such as irritation. That is why, only mild dry eye conditions that can use drops with preservatives.
Note, eye drops that contain preservatives are usually packaged in small bottles. In addition, the expiration date is also quite long from the date of production.
Drops for dry eyes without preservatives
Preservative eye drops are recommended for those of you who experience moderate to severe dry eye categories. Why? Because severe dry eye conditions require you to drop the medication more than six times a day. Meanwhile, if you use drops with preservatives, over time can damage the fine cells on the surface of the eye to cause inflammation.
Drops for dry eyes that do not contain preservatives are generally packaged in very small tubes. After the tube is opened, the drug will usually expire within 1-2 days.
What is the difference between drops for dry eyes with and without a doctor's prescription?
Some conditions require you to buy over-the-counter medicines from a pharmacy or from a doctor's prescription. Here's the difference:
OTC eye drops
This drug contains humectants (substances that are able to maintain moisture), lubricants, and electrolytes. The choice of over-the-counter drops for dry eyes can be a gel or ointment.
Eye drops from a doctor's prescription
As the name suggests, these drops can only be obtained through an ophthalmologist's prescription. Cyclosporine is one example of prescription drops for dry eye, to help treat infections that make dry eyes. Usage rules twice a day with a span of 12 hours according to the doctor's recommendation.
Consideration before choosing dry eye drops
Eye drops that are bought freely or from a doctor's prescription contain different ingredients. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist to get eye drops according to your dry eye conditions. Other problems in the eye also determine what eye drops are right for you.
