Eye Drops for Dry Eyes

Artificial tears are OTC eyedrops used to lubricate dry eyes and help maintain moisture on the outer surface of the eyes. Such eyedrops may be used to treat dry eyes that result from aging, certain medications, a medical condition, eye surgery or environmental factors, such as smoky or windy conditions and computer use.

OTC Artificial tears are available without a prescription

Besides lubricating the eyes, some artificial tears also promote healing of the eyes and others work to decrease tear evaporation. Artificial tears may also contain thickening agents, which keep the solution on the surface of eyes much longer.

There are two broad categories of artificial tears:

Eyedrops with preservatives. This type often comes in multidose bottles and contains chemicals (preservatives) that may prevent growth of bacteria once the bottle has been opened. The preservatives may irritate the eyes, especially if one has moderate or severe dry eyes.
Preservative-free eyedrops. This type has fewer additives and is generally the recommended artificial tears that are used more than four times a day, or if one has moderate or severe dry eyes. Preservative-free eyedrops usually come in single-dose vials.

Artificial tears are also available as nonprescription gels and gel inserts. These may cause temporary blurred vision. Gels may be used prior to bedtime.

Author

Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch

You Might Also Enjoy...

ANEURYSM

An aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50% of the vessel's normal diameter (width). An aneurysm may occur in any blood vessel, but is most often seen in an artery.

NITRIC OXIDE and Health

Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the critical components of the vasculature, regulating key signaling pathways in health. In macro-vessels, NO functions to suppress cell inflammation as well as adhesion.

SEPSIS

Sepsis is a serious condition in which the body responds negatively to an infection. The infection fighting processes turn on the body, causing the organs to work malfunction. Sepsis may progress to septic shock.

MERKEL CELL Carcinoma(MCC)

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule, often on the Face, Eyelid, Head or Neck.

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or by pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of a medical problem. It is not a medical condition by itself.

HEART FAILURE

HEART FAILURE is a condition in which the heart loses efficiency, leading to a chronic mismatch between the body’s need for oxygen and what it actually gets. There is chronic difficulty breathing, uncomfortable swelling in the arms or legs (or anywhere).