Are Eye Drops Needed?

Basically, eye drops contain a saline solution to lubricate the eyes. However, most eye drops also contain medication to treat diseases of the eye. Some even include tear-replacement solutions with the saline. Some of the more common medications in eye drops include antihistamines, steroids, anti-inflammatory, non-steriodal anti-inflammatory, and topical anesthetics.

Some of the things for which you might need to apply eye drops include allergies, dryness, soreness, redness, itching, swelling, or infection. You should consult with an eye doctor if you have an infection or any of these other symptoms are severe.

It really is important that you use eye medication properly and wisely. Prescription eye drops are extremely potent and should only be used with the guidance of an eye doctor. Always follow the instructions on the packaging or from your physician and watch for any allergic reaction.

Many people commonly suffer from dry eyes when they spend all day at the computer or they are reading for a long time. For relief from short-term dryness, an ordinary over-the-counter (OTC) would be sufficient. OTC means that you do not need a prescription from a physician. However, when dryness persists, you should go to an eye doctor and be tested so special treatment may be administered. Eye dryness can also be caused by dehydration when you fail to drink enough water.

It's exciting to read about reports from Italy about special eye drops that may reverse some sight loss. These drops protect the retinal and optic nerve cells in patients battling glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.