Eye Drops & Wash
When you need relief from dry eyes or you are suffering from eye pain, eye drops can help relieve the pain and discomfort. Depending on what your needs are, these lubricants can help add moisture to provide dry eye relief or reduce irritation caused by allergies or conjunctivitis. These generally contain saline and other medications.
What are eye drops used for?Eye drops have a wide variety of uses that can prevent certain conditions from worsening while increasing your comfort. They can also alleviate some common ailments. Some of these include pink eye and glaucoma.
Dry eyes occur when a person does not produce enough quality tears to properly lubricate the eye. Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, happens when the white part of the eyeball becomes inflamed. Those who suffer from certain allergies may also experience red eyes or dry eyes. Glaucoma, meanwhile, occurs when the eye pressure becomes too great, potentially affecting vision. Medication in eye drop form helps release some of the fluid that is creating the pressure.
How do you use eye drops?While eye drops can help minimize symptoms for red, dry eyes, and provide you with relief, using the drops properly is important. To use this type of medication, there are several steps you should follow.
- Step 1: Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Whenever you need to touch your eyes, your hands should be clean to prevent bacteria and contagious germs from entering.
- Step 2: Fill the dropper with the medication. Avoid laying the dropper down or touching anything with the tip.
- Step 3: Tilt your head back and gently pull down on the lower eyelid. Hold the dropper with the other hand over the open eyeball. The dropper should be held as close as possible without actually touching the surface of the eye.
- Step 4: While looking upwards, squeeze the dropper until one drop of the medication is dispensed.
- Step 5: Close your eye for up to three minutes. Wipe away excess fluid. If you need more than one drop, wait five minutes before putting another in.
- Step 6: When finished, put the dropper away and wash your hands.
If you are using antibiotic medications for a viral infection such as conjunctivitis, you should follow the instructions that come with the medication. If you suffer from dry eye syndrome or symptoms of allergies, you may want to try over-the-counter brands. If the symptoms do not get better within a few days, it is recommended that you make another visit to your eye doctor.