Eye drop

Eye drop is a saline-based liquid that is used to alleviate discomfort in the eye or to administer medication for various eye conditions. Eye drops can be over-the-counter or prescription, depending on the ingredients and their intended use.

Types of Eye Drops

There are several types of eye drops, each designed to treat specific conditions or symptoms. These include:

• Artificial tears: These are used to treat dry eyes. They provide lubrication and can help to remove irritants.

• Decongestants: These are used to reduce redness in the eyes. They work by shrinking the blood vessels in the eyes.

• Antihistamines: These are used to treat allergies that affect the eyes. They work by blocking the action of histamine, which is a substance that the body produces during an allergic reaction.

• Steroids: These are used to reduce inflammation in the eyes. They are often used to treat conditions such as uveitis and macular edema.

• Antibiotics: These are used to treat bacterial infections in the eyes. They work by killing the bacteria that are causing the infection.

Usage

Eye drops are typically used by tilting the head back, pulling the lower eyelid down to create a pocket, and then squeezing the bottle to release a drop into the eye. It's important to avoid touching the tip of the bottle to the eye to prevent contamination.

Side Effects

While eye drops are generally safe, they can sometimes cause side effects. These can include temporary blurred vision, stinging or burning in the eye, and increased sensitivity to light. In rare cases, eye drops can cause more serious side effects, such as changes in vision, eye pain, or signs of a new eye infection.

See Also

• Eye Care
• Ophthalmology
• Optometry

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