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Why use eye drops?

Eye drops are necessary to prevent dry eyes. However, using eye patches correctly takes a bit of practice. The following information should help make using eye drops a smoother and more pleasant experience.

One of the reasons why eye drops can be difficult to apply is that the movement of the eyeball is a natural reflex of the eye, which makes it difficult to get the drops in the right place. Most people prefer to have a partner or family member help them with applying eye drops. Even if it is possible to ask someone for help, it's still a good idea to learn how to put the drops on yourself so that you can do it whenever you need to.

How to use eye drops correctly?

1. The easiest way to apply eye drops is lying down. If you can't lie down, tilt your head back slightly;

2. If you are right-handed, hold the eyedrop bottle with your right hand using your thumb, index finger and middle finger. If you are left-handed, use your left hand;

3. Using the two index fingers of your right hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid and use the index finger of your left hand to pull up your upper eyelid;

4. Hold the eyedrop bottle directly in front of the eye. Look at the bottle or slightly past it;

5. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one or two drops;

6. After putting the drops in, release the eyelids and close the eye for about a minute;

7. Repeat with the other eye.

Good to know:

• Eye drops work effectively when applied to the eyeball or pink area at the corner of the eye near the nose;
• If the eye drops fall on the upper or lower lashes, you should try applying the drops to the eye again, as they do not properly irrigate the eye through the lashes;
• Always wash your hands properly before applying eye drops;
• If you need to use different types of eye drops, you should wait at least 3 minutes between each application. This will allow the first drops to absorb properly before applying the next drops.

How many eye drops should I use and when is too many?

If you find yourself constantly reaching for eye drops, it may be time to start looking into a deeper problem: Why do you feel the need to use them so often? They're a quick fix for itchy or irritated eyes, but they don't cure what may have caused the irritation in the first place.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says that eye drops should not be used regularly for more than a few weeks unless your eye doctor has recommended it.

According to Dr. David McGarey, the regularity of eye drops depends on the type of eye drops, but there is still a concern about regular use of eye drops: "Unless your doctor has told you to use over-the-counter medications, you should not use them on a daily basis. They are not intended for long-term eye care, they only provide temporary relief," she explains.

Three signs that you might be using too much eye drops:

1. You consistently exceed daily use recommendations;

2. You think eye drops are a long-term treatment rather than a temporary fix;

3. You have set up a regular monthly eye patch subscription package.

Not all eye drops are the same. Read here to find out which eye drops YOU use:

Neither artificial drops nor medicated eye drops require a prescription. They are different from antibiotics or steroid drops.

Risks of overuse of eye drops:

1. Excessive use can cause blood vessels in the eye to constrict. In this case, the white lining (sclera) of your eye doesn't get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. If you use eye drops too much, your eyes may get used to them and if you don't use them, your eyes may become itchy and an infection may develop.
2. Excessive use can reduce the natural tear production of the eyes. Excessive use can cause dryness in the eye and make it difficult for natural tears and natural moisturisers to appear in the eye when needed.
3. Excessive use may mask more serious problems. Some skin rashes, for example, may just be a grass allergy, but sometimes it could be a worse bacteria. Itchy, red eyes could be hiding a more serious illness, so get yourself checked if you need it.

Overuse of eye drops can mask deeper underlying conditions:

Pink eye (conjunctivitis): a viral or bacterial eye infection that causes itching, burning and swelling in one or both eyes. In some cases, the body can fight it on its own; in others, antibiotics are needed.

Trauma: rubbing or scratching the eye can cause blood vessels to rupture, making the eye red and itchy. In some more serious trauma, surgery or prescription of eye patches is necessary.

Blepharitis: inflamed and red eye sockets caused by bacterial infection, dry eyes, gland dysfunction or parasites, all of which require further treatment.

Eye strain: Concentrating all day at work can leave you with tired, strained and irritated eyes, and you may end up needing glasses.

Allergies: allergies to pets, for example, can manifest as dry, itchy eyes. In this case, it is advisable to visit an allergist and find out the exact conditions causing the allergy.

Foreign bodies: there may be a foreign body in the eye - dust, eyelash hair, or other. If you have a long-standing problem with dry or itchy eyes, make sure the foreign body is not the culprit.

Look after yourself and your eye health!

Material used:

https://www.ksa.ee/ksa-blog/a-short-introduction-to-using-eye-drops-correctly

https://www.goodeyes.com/dry-eye/are-you-overusing-eye-drops/