Table of contents:
- What are the eye drops for dry eyes?
- Drops for dry eyes with preservatives
- Drops for dry eye without preservatives
- What is the difference between drops for dry eye with and without a doctor's prescription?
- Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops
- Prescription eye drops
- Considerations before choosing dry eye drops
Eyes need the right flow of tears and moisture to work properly. However, factors from the environment, medical conditions, aging, to problems with the eye structure can inhibit the flow of tears, which in turn makes the eyes dry. One treatment that is believed to be effective is to use drops for dry eyes.
What are the eye drops for dry eyes?
Dry eye conditions can interfere with vision and make you uncomfortable. Don't panic right away, because you can immediately treat it using drops for dry eyes. But first, identify eye drops that are suitable for your condition.
Drops for dry eyes with preservatives
The preservative in eye drops aims to prevent harmful bacteria from growing in the medicine bottle. Even so, this drug is not recommended to be used more than four times a day. Some people complain of side effects in the form of irritation. That is why, only mild dry eye conditions can use preservative drops.
Note that eye drops that contain preservatives are usually packaged in small bottles. In addition, the expiration date is still quite long from the date of production.
Drops for dry eye without preservatives
Eye drops without preservatives are recommended for those of you who experience moderate to severe category of dry eye. Why? Due to severe dry eye conditions require you to drip the drug more than six times a day. Meanwhile, if you use drops with a preservative, over time it can damage the delicate cells on the surface of the eye, causing inflammation.
Drops for dry eye that do not contain a preservative are generally packaged in a very small tube. Once the tube is opened, this medication will usually expire in 1-2 days.
What is the difference between drops for dry eye with and without a doctor's prescription?
Some conditions require you to buy over-the-counter medicines from pharmacies or from a doctor's prescription. Here are the differences:
Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops
This medicine contains humectants (substances that can keep moisture), lubricants, and electrolytes. Over-the-counter drops for dry eyes can be gels or ointments.
Prescription eye drops
As the name suggests, these drops can only be obtained by prescription from an ophthalmologist. Cyclosporine is an example of a prescription drops for dry eye to help treat infections that make your eyes dry. Rules of use twice a day with a span of 12 hours as directed by the doctor.
Considerations before choosing dry eye drops
The eye drops that are purchased over-the-counter or from a doctor's prescription contain different ingredients. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for eye drops that are suitable for your dry eye condition. Other eye problems also determine which eye drops are right for you.