How to use eye drops that are good and correct so that they recover quickly

Most eye disorders can be treated with eye drops. However, did you know that there are many types of eye medications with different functions? So, so that you don't choose the wrong choice, here are the various eye drops that you need to be familiar with, along with tips for their proper use.

What types of eye drops are there?

Basically, eye drops can be divided into 2, namely those that are sold freely in pharmacies and those that can only be obtained by prescription.

Over-the-counter eye medications usually contain ingredients that can moisturize the eyes, such as humectants and electrolytes. Usually, these medications are used to treat dry eye conditions.

Meanwhile, prescription drugs are used to treat eye disorders that are more severe or chronic in nature, such as bacterial infections. Its use should not be arbitrary because of the potential for side effects.

In addition, eye drops can also be differentiated based on their content and function. Here are the types:

1. Artificial tears

Dry eye is a condition that many people may experience. To fix this, there are now drugs with ingredients that resemble natural tears.

Artificial tear drops contain electrolytes and lubricants that can help keep your eyes moist. The way it works is indeed shaped in such a way as to resemble real tears.

You can use artificial tear drops for dry eye conditions, irritation, or mild allergies to the eyes.

2. Drops for allergies

When you experience symptoms of red, watery, and itchy eyes, it is possible that you are experiencing an allergic eye reaction. These reactions can be triggered by dust, pollen, or animal dander. Well, eye medications that are suitable for this condition are those that contain antihistamines.

According to the Cleveland Clinic website, antihistamines will work to block the release of histamine, a substance that triggers an allergic reaction when the body is exposed to an allergen. Common antihistamine drops are:

• pheniramine
• naphazoline
• olopatadine
• ketotifen

3. Drops for red eyes

If you experience red eyes due to irritation, you can choose drops that are specifically for red eye conditions.

Usually, this medicine contains a decongestant that can shrink the blood vessels in the eye, so that the symptoms of redness can be reduced.

However, make sure you don't use decongestant drugs in your eyes too often. The reason is, excessive use of decongestants can actually worsen red eyes. Use according to the dosage listed on the packaging, or consult a doctor.

4. Drops for bacterial infections

Common eye infections are caused by bacteria. One of the most common eye infections is conjunctivitis. Now, to treat it, you need eye medication with antibiotic content.

This drug works by killing bacteria that enter your eye. However, because they contain antibiotics, you cannot use them carelessly. Antibiotics can only be obtained through a doctor's prescription.

5. Eye drops

For some eye disorders, you may need special drops to treat your condition. One of them is glaucoma, which is caused by high pressure on the eyeball.

The doctor will prescribe an eye medication that can help reduce pressure on the eyeball. Always use the medicine according to the prescription and direction of the doctor so that the drug can work optimally.

How to use eye drops that are good and correct

Using eye drops seems easy enough, but are you doing it right? How to use eye drops does not just drop onto the surface of the eyeball.

There are certain steps that you must take in order to use eye medication more effectively and efficiently. Listen here to find out more.

1. Wash hands

Before you put the drops in your eyes, make sure that you wash your hands with soap and running water. The goal is to prevent contamination of bacteria or other germs to the eye.

2. Remove your contact lenses

If you use contact lenses, remove them before you put the drops in, unless you shed artificial tears to moisturize contact lenses or according to instructions from an ophthalmologist.

3. Always check the eye drop packaging

Take and open the lid of the drug and see if there is a defect in the medicine package or not. You have to remember that the mouth where the medicine comes out is a sterile area so do not let the part come into contact with any objects, including your hands that you have washed earlier.

4. Lying down or looking up

You can choose the most comfortable position, whether lying down or looking up. But make sure to open your eyes wide and look upward.

5. Pull the lower eyelid before placing the eye drops

Using one or two fingers, pull on the lower eyelid so that it forms a pocket. The bag will be a place for you to put eye drops. Using your other hand, hold the medicine bottle and position the tip of the eyedropper 1 inch from your eye. Gently squeeze the eye medicine package so that the dose of the drug that comes out is not excessive. Be careful not to touch the tip of the medicine dropper, as this can become contaminated with germs.

6. Close your eyes, don't blink

Remove your hands from your lids and lower your head. Then close your eyes for 2-3 minutes to give the eyes time to absorb the medicine. Don't blink as this will push the medicinal fluid out of your eye before it is absorbed.

Press the middle corner of the eye, close to the nose. The goal is that the eye drops do not enter the tear ducts associated with the nose. If this is not done, the liquid that enters the nose will be absorbed into the blood, thereby reducing the dose of the drug that should be absorbed by the eye. In addition, your tongue will taste bad because the medicinal liquid may drip into the oral cavity.

7. Clean the rest of the medicine that dripped on the face

After 2-3 minutes, remove excess medicine using a tissue slowly and don't forget to immediately close the medicine package so that it is not contaminated by germs. Lastly, don't forget to wash your hands.

If you have to use more than one medication, give it 5 minutes before you administer the second dose. If it is given too quickly, the second drug will erase the first drug so you will have to repeat the second drug.

These are the kinds and ways of using the correct eye drops so that the health of your eyes is maintained. If you still have doubts, you can immediately consult a doctor or pharmacist.