The Most Common Uses for Eye Drops

There are many different types of eye problems, all ranging in seriousness and being treatable in different ways. Some of the most common eye problems include glaucoma, irritated eyes and conjunctivitis. Eye drops are one of the most common ways to treat, prevent or control the problem as they provide soothing effects, helping the problem of the sufferer.

There are different eye drops to suit different conditions. Natural eye drops are usually used to treat conjunctivitis, irritated or dry eyes as they act as a lubricant and can help to sooth the eye. Natural eye drops are usually recommended as they don’t contain any preservatives, making sure the problem isn’t made any worse. The lubricating eye drops will act as artificial tears and are especially used for dry eyes. Lubricant eye drops may also be used for those who wear contact lenses. These may be specially prescribed, however natural eye drops are usually sufficient.

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Eye drops may also be prescribed for serious eye conditions, including glaucoma. The eye disease is due to a damaged optic nerve, caused by pressure behind the eye. Eye drops won’t cure the disease however it can prevent it from getting worse and control the condition. If the eye drops are prescribed it is likely they will contain medication to ease the problem, meaning over the counter eye drops may not be sufficient to treat the problem. Glaucoma usually affects both eyes and can eventually lead to complete loss of sight; therefore it is important to take sufficient steps to prevent it. Antibacterial eye drops are also prescribed to those who have infections in the eye. Keratitis is caused by a virus, bacteria or parasite which can be caused by using contact lenses whilst swimming or not taking proper care of the lenses.

These are the most common types of eye problems and it is important to visit your GP if necessary or take the appropriate measures to help the infection or problem in the eye.

How To Treat Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis can be caused by numerous factors. Whether it is cold, flu or other illnesses, allergies or an eye infection, it can range in severity and can be very painful. Allergies to things such as hay fever and even make up can cause conjunctivitis. It is a bacterial infection and can be very contagious.

The symptoms of conjunctivitis are very prominent. Itchy eyes and excessive redness are probably the two most common symptoms. Swelling of the eye, excessive watering and the inability to open the eye are also symptoms of the infection.

It can be quite easy to treat leaving it to heal if it is a mild form can work. Regularly bathing the eye in warm water and administering natural eye drops, preferably lubricating ones to reduce the swelling and itchiness of the eye should significantly help. It is important you don’t itch the eye to prevent passing it to your other eye or other people and as not to irritate it further. Washing your hands regularly will help to prevent any bacteria from being passed on. 

If the problem persists it is important to visit your GP or out of hours doctor. They can prescribe stronger eye drops, which should relieve the problem. Antibiotics are unlikely to help your recovery so they aren’t often administered, there may be some exceptions if the infection has been present for over two weeks. Untreated conjunctivitis shouldn’t cause major complications.

Side effects such as blurred vision can be a side effect of the eye drops you are using as well as a short sensation of burning in your eye. If this problem persists stop using the eye drops and go back to your GP. You could be allergic to the drops that have been prescribed and alternative ones can be given.

If you are suffering from blurred vision due to conjunctivitis or eye drops, don’t operate heavy machinery and avoid driving. 

Administering Eye Drops to a Child

The nature of children means that they are forever susceptible to afflictions and illnesses. The willingness to come into contact with one another and anything means that they are likely to pig up diseases and bugs. This is especially true when it comes to afflictions of the eye. Viral conjunctivitis is a common affliction amongst children as a side-product of a viral infection. This may require the administering of Eye Drops. This can be difficult due to the evasiveness of children and their unwillingness to cooperate. Here are a few tips to safely and easily administer Eye Drops to a child.

Firstly, it is important to make sure that your hands and fingers are free of dirt and completely clean. Wipe any dirt from the face of the child with a clean cloth. Shake the Eye Drops bottle, remove the lid and throw away the plastic seal.

Choose the position that they are most comfortable and cooperative in. Either:

• Tilt the child’s head back in the standing or sitting position
•  Lay the child flat on their back
•  Keep your child held in a safe position by somebody that they trust

If you are administering the Eye Drops to a baby or a small child, wrap them in a blanket to keep their legs and arms still.

Gently pull down the lower eyelid of the child and without touching the bottle against the child squeeze in one drop. Aim for the inside of the lower eye lid and allow the child to blink a few times. This allows the Eye Drop to spread around the full extent of the eye.

Wipe away any excess Eye Drop residue with a clean cloth. If you are administering a second, different Eye Drop to the child, wait for a few minutes for the initial Eye Drop to sink in. If you are administering the Eye Drop to counter dry eyes then use Dry Eye Drops. Similarly, use Contact Lens Eye Drops when administering to a child wearing contact lenses.