Types of eye drops based on your eye needs

When you complain of an eye problem, surely the first thing that comes to your mind is to use eye drops. Whether it's because of red, dry, itchy or sore eyes. However, when you go to a pharmacy or drugstore, you will see tons of eye drops lined up neatly on the shelves with a wide selection of brands and prices.

So, because of the many types of eye medications that are served, you may be confused about which one is the best for eye health care. Relax, know the tips for choosing eye drops according to the symptoms and eye conditions in this article.

Which should be considered before choosing eye drops

Eye drops are fluids used to relieve various eye problems, such as red, dry eyes, allergies, or after eye surgery.

Well, the first thing to consider before buying eye drops without a doctor's prescription at a drug store is a complaint about the eye condition you are currently experiencing. For example, do the eyes feel itchy due to allergies? Are your eyes red from frequent exposure to dust or smoke? Do your eyes feel dry from staring at the computer screen for too long or are you tired? If you already know what you need, the next step is to choose the type of eye drop that suits your condition.

But remember, eye drops are only recommended to be used temporarily or in the short term. If you experience discomfort that doesn't get better, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist.

Determine the type of eye drops according to your needs

1. Dry eyes

Dry eyes are generally caused by staring at a computer screen for too long, being outdoors with windy conditions, dry air, the effects of eye surgery, or eye fatigue. Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can provide some relief for dry eyes in the short term. This eye drop works by adding a tear element to moisturize your dry eyes so that they make them more moisturized.

It is recommended that you avoid eye drops that contain decongestants. Usually eye medications containing this substance are often advertised to treat red and irritated eyes. Decongestants can reduce eye redness, but they can worsen dry eye symptoms because they work by shrinking blood vessels.

2. Red eyes

Red eye can be caused by fatigue, allergies or infection. Decongestant eye drops may help. These drops work by shrinking blood vessels and making your eye sclera appear whiter. Although in most cases mild red eye can be treated by using decongestant eye drops, also pay attention if long-term use has the potential to cause serious problems, such as dry eyes, irritation, dilated pupils and other side effects.

You also have to be careful, because the eyes can also become addicted to these eye drops. If you are addicted, this drug will force your eyes to use more and more when the medicinal effect wears off. Therefore, do not use this type of eye drops frequently. If your eyes do not get better, consult a doctor immediately.

3. Itchy eyes due to allergies

Itchy eyes can be caused by allergies. Remember, rubbing your eyes is not the right solution because it will release more histamine which will only make your eyes itch more. You can choose eye drops that contain antihistamines. Antihistamine eye drops are specially formulated to treat itching due to allergies. This drug works by reducing the histamine in the eye tissue.

If your itching is severe and does not improve with over-the-counter drug treatment, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist.

4. Conjunctivitis and other infections

If you complain of red eyes accompanied by the appearance of dry eyes and watery eyes, then the cause is probably an infection or more accurately known as conjunctivitis. Artificial tears can provide temporary symptom relief. However, generally bacterial conjunctivitis usually makes your eyes really red and sore, which is accompanied by a thick, sticky discharge that requires antibiotic eye drops. If you have this, then the drugs used must be prescribed by a doctor.