How to Know Which Eyedrops are Best for Which Condition

Every day, our eyes are exposed to a number of irritants. For this reason, eyedrops have always occupied an important place in our medicine cabinets. There are, however, different types of eyedrops and it is necessary that you know which type will best address a specific condition.

The eyes are endlessly beset by factors that often make them red and itchy, foremost of which is our working for many hours at a computer terminal. For some, it may be using contact lenses for too long. Circumstances and conditions relating to the environment, such as wind, dry heat, pollution, and the sun's rays, are possible contributing factors. Dust, pollen, and other allergens are common irritants, while the use of certain medications (decongestants, antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and drugs to treat ulcer or maintain normal blood pressure) may all play a significant part in unduly straining the eyes.

There are three distinct classes into which eyedrops are grouped, each class having a specific purpose: Decongestants remove redness in the eyes; combinations of antihistamines and decongestants alleviate itching and eliminate redness; and lubricants restore normal moisture in dry eyes.

But let's not stop at just having identified the different types of eyedrops and how they work; each type has specific negative features which we must likewise consider. For example, using a combination antihistamine-decongestant eyedrops for over a week may subject you to what is known as the "rebound" effect. This means that the itching and redness are likely to recur and may even become chronic. In decongestants, any one of three known ingredients - naphazoline, phenylephrine, or tetrahydrozoline - may even worsen itching and redness and may serve as a cause for conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the eyes characterized by viscid discharge and of experiencing such a sensation as if the eyes have grits in them, especially upon waking in the morning). It is strongly advised that you see your doctor once these problems become manifest and continue after you have used the eyedrops for a week.

Of the three types of eyedrops, the safest for long-term use are the lubricants. However, a number of these eye lubricants contain some preservatives which, when used for long, may result to erosion in the cornea's surface. This condition (a form of inflammation), although completely reversible, is too vexatious. And in infrequent instances, a serious allergic reaction may develop from having too much of these preservatives.

In cases of chronic eye problems, there are certain types of eyedrops which your doctor may prescribe. These prescription eyedrops contain antihistamines and such other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ingredients. For glaucoma, consult your doctor as to which type of eyedrops is best for the condition. [Read the Original Article]