Though the most common type of eye drops sold is the over-the-counter, lubricating type of eye drop, there are a wide variety of eye drops tailored specifically for different purposes. Non-prescription varieties of eye drops either lubricate or eliminate redness, while the majority of specialized, medicated eye drops require a physician's consent.
Non-Prescription Lubricating
1. Non-prescription lubricating eye drops give temporary relief for dryness for which there is no serious underlying cause.
Most people experience dry eyes if they've had a sleepless night, stared at a television or computer screen for too long, spent time in a dry room that desperately needs to be humidified or are experiencing dehydration.
While eye drops containing preservatives prevent bacteria from spreading, allergic reactions or sensitivity to these preservatives can make the preservative-free eye drops a better choice. The majority of preservative-free eye drops come in single usage doses, in an effort to prevent bacterial growth.
Non-Prescription Decongestant
2. The next most common type of over-the-counter eye drops are the decongestant, or anti-redness drops. Redness can occur when the eyes have become dry and dehydrated. Frequently, eye redness is caused by allergies, fatigue or dry climate.
Decongestant eye drops whiten the eyes by shrinking blood vessels in the eye. Unfortunately, anti-redness decongestant drops work only up to a point; the more they are used, the more drops your eyes will need to achieve the desired result. They can also cause pupil dilation if used excessively. A traditional lubricating eye drop is best to moisten the eye and eliminate redness.
3. Allergies are most likely the cause of eye problems when the dryness and redness are accompanied by itchiness and/or wateriness. Hard though it is not to rub your eyes when they itch, doing so releases histamine--a biogenic substance secreted by your body while in the throes of allergies--from eye tissue and only makes the eyes more irritated. Non-prescription allergy eye drops are often referred to as anti-histamines, meaning they work to reduce the histamine in the eye tissues which causes itching and irritation.
Prescription Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drops
4. There are two kinds of anti-inflammatory eye drops: corticosteroids (steroid hormones) and nonsteroidals. According to optometrist Burt Dubow, the first type is used to treat iritis or conjuctiva and/or corneal inflammation. These eye-drops are prescription-only for a good reason: failure to use them properly can lead to cataracts, glaucoma and eye infections. Diclofenac is a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, while prednisolone is a common corticosteroid.
Prescription Antibiotic and Anti-Viral Eye Drops
5. Bacterial or viral conjunctivitus, also known as "pink eye," can be treated with specially formulated drops. Symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitus include red, sore eyes with a sticky, yellowish secretion or residue. Symptoms of viral conjunctivitus include red, sore, wet-looking eyes with a clear-to-white secretion.
Bacterial conjunctivitus is often treated with drops which contain antibiotics. It's possible to treat milder forms of viral conjunctivitus with regular moistening eye drops, but remember not to let the bottle of eye drops come into contact with your eye, as it could spread the contamination. Triflurthymidine is the most frequently prescribed eye drop for viral conjunctivitus.
Prescription Glaucoma Eye Drops
6. Eye drops designed specifically for glaucoma are designed to lessen fluid production of the eye, or to induce proper drainage of the eye. Because of the serious and irreversible damage that can result from untreated or ill-treated glaucoma, medicated eye drops designed to treat glaucoma are prescription-only, and your eyes must be checked regularly by your physician.
Common side effects resulting from use of glaucoma eye drops include: blurred vision, arrhythmia, headache, trouble breathing and sexual dysfunction.
How to Easily Put Eye Drops in Your Eyes
Instructions
1-Before applying drops make sure you have a cotton ball soaked in warm water and a few tissues. Wash your hands well with soap and water, then dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Standing in front of a mirror, close your eyes and with a clean wet cotton ball, wipe the outside of your eyelids to remove any crusting or drainage.
2-If you are right handed, grasp the container, shake it gently and remove the cap. Place the cap on a dry tissue. Since the eye drops should remain sterile, make sure not to touch the dropper tip with your fingers. Turn the bottle upside down in your hand and place the back of your thumb against your forehead just above your right eye. Tilt your head backwards, keep both eyes open and stare at a point on the ceiling.
3-With the forefinger of your left hand just beneath the lower lid, gently pull the lower lid down. This will form a pocket for the drop. With the tip of the eye drop container bottle approximately 3/4 inch above your eye, squeeze the bottle lightly to allow the drop to fall into the pocket you created. (See image) Gently close the eye immediately without tightly squeezing it closed. Gently blot around the outside of the lid and keep the eye closed for 30 seconds to allow the medication to remain in contact with the eye. Replace the bottle cap and store the eye drops as directed by your pharmacist.
4-If you also need to apply eye drops to your left eye, wait at least five minutes after applying drops to the right eye.
How to Put In Infant Eye Drops
Many adults have problems administering eye drops to themselves, let alone putting them in a child's eyes. But you can put eye drops in infant eyes with a little finesse. Infant pink eye (conjunctivitis) is a common infection where eye drops are prescribed. Babies may need saline solution administered if their eyes appear crusty, red or irritated. As always, consult with your pediatrician before attempting to give any medication---prescription or not.
1-Wash your hands before attempting to put in eye drops.
2-Get another adult to help you, if possible. Sometimes it really helps to have another person acting as a distraction. They can hold up a rattle or make funny faces at baby during this whole ordeal.
3-Relax. Babies feed off your emotions so you want to remain calm and in control. If you appear nervous or in a rush, your infant will likely give you a hard time. Speak softly and be prepared to hold your baby firmly, but gently.
4-Lay your baby down with his back to the floor. If he's a newborn, you may want to swaddle him in a blanket to keep him secure. If your infant is older, you can keep him sitting upright. Do whatever is easiest for both of you.
5-Keep baby's head still. If baby's lying on the floor, put your knees next to her head to keep her steady. If she's sitting upright, cradle her in your arms and position her head near your armpit so she's snug between your arm and your body.
6-Take your index finger below his eyelid and gently pull down. At the same time, put your thumb on his forehead and pull up. Do not stretch. You are only gently pulling baby's eye open. Your hand should form a V.
7-Hover the dropper about an inch above baby's eye and squeeze in the recommended amount of drops. Try to be as steady as possible.
8-Repeat on other side.
9-Wash your hands again when you're done administering drops.
0 comments:
Post a Comment