Eyedrops are a small yet essential investment for your eye health. They’re like a refreshing shower for your eyes – a quick pick-me-up to combat dryness, irritation, and redness. But with so many types and brands of eye drops in the market, where do you begin? This blog post will take you through a comprehensive guide to choosing the right eye drops for your eyes.
Read the label
Always look for an ophthalmologist-recommended label on the eyedrop packaging. Also, take note of the specific eye issue the eyedrop aims to address. For instance, lubricating drops or artificial tears are ideal for those with dry eye syndrome, while allergy eye drops are formulated to treat allergies that cause itching or redness.
Preservatives or Non-preservatives
The majority of over-the-counter eyedrops contain preservatives. The preservative helps keep the drops sterile after opening and prevents bacteria from contaminating the medicine. However, they can be irritating to your eyes and, when overused, may have long-term effects such as cornea damage. Non-preservative drops, on the other hand, expire quickly but are gentler for your eyes.
Consider the Severity of Your Condition
If you have severe dry eyes, you may need to consider a thicker, gel-based drop that can stay on the eye surface longer. In contrast, those with minor irritation may opt for a thinner, watery drop. You can also consult an eye doctor for a prescription drop for more severe eye conditions like glaucoma or chronic dryness.
Avoid Redness-Relieving Drops
While redness-relieving drops may seem ideal for bloodshot eyes, they come with side effects. In most cases, these drops constrict the blood vessels in the eye, reducing the appearance of redness. However, they cause the eyes to become dependent on the drops, leading to chronic redness and irritation instead. It’s best to avoid these drops and find the underlying cause of your eye redness.
Apply the Drops Correctly
The correct application technique is crucial to getting optimal results. Before applying the drops, clean your hands thoroughly. Then, tilt your head back and, using clean hands, gently pull the lower eyelid downward to create a tiny pocket. Squeeze the bottle gently to release a drop on the pocket without touching the dropper to your eye. Close your eye and hold your eyelid shut for two minutes to allow the drop to spread evenly over the eye surface.
With the above guide, choosing the right eye drop for your eye health doesn’t have to be cumbersome. Always read the label, consider the severity of your condition, and avoid redness-relieving drops. Remember to apply the drop correctly for optimal results. You can also consult your eye doctor for the best eye drop recommendations for your specific eye condition. Refreshed, healthy eyes are only a drop away!
