Eye problems are fairly common, especially among older adults. However, issues such as dry eyes, irritation in the eyes, and infections can affect people of all ages. Eye drops are an effective solution for such problems while also being incredibly easy to find and use. What’s more? The drops generally carry minimal side effects and other issues commonly associated with other healthcare products. Here are a few things to know about eye drops:
How to use eye drops?
The usage is fairly straightforward. Here is how one can get the best results from eye drops:
- The first step is tilting the head and looking up.
- After that, one needs to pull the lower eyelid down and away from the eyeball using one hand and hold the bottle upside down in the gap created between the eyelid and the eyeball using the other hand.
- After letting the prescribed number of drops settle into the gap, one needs to close the eye for a minute and press their finger gently on the tear duct. This prevents the drops from draining into the nose.
Benefits
Some of the most significant benefits of using eye drops are:
Relieve dry eyes: As the name suggests, dry eye syndrome is a health condition in which the eyes lose moisture. This tends to cause problems such as temporary visual impairment and persistent irritation in the eyes. Eye drops restore much-needed moisture when used regularly.
Provide lubrication: The front portion of the eye needs constant lubrication so that there is no friction between moving parts. Friction can increase the likelihood of irritation and scratchiness in the organ. Eye drops provide the smoothness and lubrication that are essential for optimal eye health.
Relieves redness: Many individuals have health issues that cause their eyes to turn red frequently. Specialized eye drops designed for relieving redness are great options here.
Types
Here are the common types of eye drops widely used by consumers:
Artificial tear drops: This product is used to treat dry eye syndrome. Also known as dry eye drops, the product is designed to stimulate tear production in the eyes. Older adults often use such drops, as the condition becomes more common with age. Further, one normally uses such drops to restore tears in low-humidity weather.
Anti-allergy drops: In addition to redness, allergies cause itching in the eyes. Certain triggers cause a chemical that causes itching to become activated. The eye drops designed to relieve allergy symptoms counter the effects of this chemical and reduce issues like redness and itching.
Anti-redness drops: These drops contain ingredients that constrict blood vessels in and around the eye to reduce redness. Many may notice redness in their eyes with changes in weather, making these drops the perfect option for such occasional use. However, they contain many powerful chemicals, which is why it is important to use these drops in moderation and only if one has a prescription for the product.
If one is dealing with an eye condition, they should consult a doctor and seek their guidance regarding the most suitable type of eye drops to deal with specific symptoms.
