Eye irritation has many causes, from environmental pollutants such as dust and smoke, to colds and allergies. Severe cases, especially when they are accompanied by a discharge, may be a sign of conjunctivitis, and infection that should be treated by your doctor, not with over-the-counter eyedrops. If you have a mild eye irritation, eyedrops will “get the red out,” as the ads promise, but the relief is only temporary and it is not without risk.
Many over-the-counter eyedrops contain decongestants, which reduce the appearance of inflammation by shrinking blood vessels in the eye. These drops may trigger allergic reactions in some
people and should be used only with the approval of an eye doctor by anyone who wears contact lenses or has glaucoma.Excessive use of decongestant eyedrops can also cause a rebound effect –the eyes become so accustomed to the constrictor in the eyedrops that they redden automatically as the medicine wears off. Do not use eyedrops causally or for
more than 2 weeks at a time. If irritation persists, try to identify the source and either remove it or protect your eyes from it. Wear watertight goggles when you swim in a chlorinated pool, for example.Another problem with eyedrops is that they can help spread infection. New drops come from manufacturers in sterile containers, but once you break the seal, you open the way to contamination. Squeeze bottles are the safest dispensers, as long as you do not touch the nozzles; eyecups are the worst.
Eyedroppers are acceptable if the applicator end is never set down on a surface. Be sure to wash your hands carefully before and after you roll back your eyelid to apply the medication, and do not touch any part of the eye with the applicator. Do not share eyedrops with anyone. That’s all. Thanks for reading.