No one likes to deal with dry and itchy eyes. If you do right now, then you’re probably searching for quick remedies for immediate relief. One of the common solutions is to use eye drops, which an eye doctor in Bloomington IN would probably recommend, too.
But before you get eye drops, it’s best to discuss it with your doctor and to learn more about the pros and cons. We’ll get the pros and cons covered, so read on!
Pros of Eye Drops
If you’re looking for affordable glasses near me from places like Dr. Tavel, you’re also probably wondering about the need for eye drops or customized lenses for the computer so you can reduce eye strain.
Here are the benefits different eye drops offer:
- Lubricating eye drops help replace our eyes’ natural moisture when they don’t make enough themselves. Eye drops can also relieve dryness and irritation, lessening any feelings of discomfort.
- In injured eyes, artificial tears can promote surface healing, also increasing comfort by reducing feelings of surface scratches and flushing out residual contaminants and injurious particles. They also prevent further damage by keeping the eyes lubricated.
- Artificial tears have varying formulations and viscosities. Some might contain bicarbonate ions in various viscosities and tonicities. Some may not have preservatives, being more preferred and dispensed in sterile containers.
- There are also anti-allergic eye drops available, which can alleviate any burning or stinging feelings around the eyes, which are common allergy symptoms. This can help keep the eyes comfortable during allergy season and can reduce any risk of systemic side effects from drugs used, as long as it’s applied correctly.
- If you have glaucoma, there are glaucoma eye drops prescribed to reduce the risk of blindness. These drops will relieve pressure in the eye which could harm one’s sensitive retina.
Cons of Eye Drops
While eye drops have their benefits when properly used, there are also risks to note of, such as:
- Steroid and antibiotic eye drops are typically used to treat eye infections. They also help prevent bacterial infection after ocular surgery. You need to continue using these drops only for as long as prescribed or the infection can come back.
- Glaucoma drops will reduce fluid in the eye, promoting drainage. These drops would have alpha-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and prostaglandins.
- Mydriatic eye drops, or dilating drips, are used for eye specialists to look into the eye through the pupil. The patient might experience light intolerance, eye-watering, and fuzzy vision for a short period. It’s recommended to avoid driving and have someone drive you home after use.
- Redness-relieving drops have decongestants, which construct the conjunctiva’s blood vessels, making eyes appear whiter. These should only be used for a few days at most or they can cause side effects like dryness, eye irritation, and pupil widening. Your eyes might also stop responding to these drops over time.
Wrapping It Up
Before using eye drops, speak with your eye doctor about it to see if this is a good option for any symptoms you feel.