Which Drops Are Best for Your Itchy, Red or Dry Eyes

Which Drops Are Best for Your Itchy, Red or Dry Eyes

Eyes that are itchy, dry and red are the worst, but what’s even more frustrating is the abundance of over-the-counter eye drops available at your local pharmacy. How do you determine which eye drops will be the best for Itchy, dry ,or red eyes? The majority of my red eye problems could be traced back to this dehydrated area. Not only that, but some of the moisturizing creams and ointments don’t even work so well in those situations.

 

1. Allergy drops

How they operate: In response to allergens such as pollen, dust, or animal dander, the body releases histamines. They alert your body to the presence of allergens, and in response, your body causes the usual allergy symptoms: a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.

“These drops prevent the body from overreacting to allergies,” he says. The majority of allergy eye drops contain an antihistamine (such as pheniramine or naphazoline) or a newer, long-acting antihistamine (such as olopatadine or ketotifen), which prevents the body from generating histamines. Employ allergy drops to relieve the redness, itching, and watering associated with seasonal allergies. Use as needed in accordance with the directions on the label.

 

2. Anti-Redness Drops

How they operate: This reduces the redness by constricting the blood vessels on the surface of the eye, a process known as vasoconstriction. Generally, these drops may contain antihistamines and mild lubricants. As the name suggests, they are used to lessen the redness of irritated eyes.

They are acceptable for infrequent use. However, excessive use may cause your eyes to become reliant on the medication, and prolonged use may exacerbate your redness. “Regularly using redness relievers for persistently red eyes may disguise more significant eye conditions that require medical attention.”

 

3. Fake tears

If you have extremely dry eyes that feel gritty and irritating, artificial tears can provide relief. The primary purpose of artificial tears is to keep your eyes wet and lubricated. Dr. McGannon explains, “They are designed to function similarly to real tears in the eye.” They contain electrolytes and lubricants to maintain the health and lubrication of the eyes. Use them as needed to treat dry eye or to relieve irritation from contact lenses or minor allergies. However, do not mix fake tears with anti-redness drops, which Dr. McGannon advises using sparingly.

 

When to Consult an Eye Specialist

As needed, it is acceptable to use over-the-counter eye drops if your seasonal or pet allergies have been well-documented by your doctor. “But, if you experience sudden eye irritation following a recent upper respiratory infection or exposure to someone with a red eye, there is a strong likelihood that you have a viral or bacterial infection,” explains Dr. McGannon. “Eye disorders that do not improve with over-the-counter medications, deteriorate rapidly, or are accompanied by severe pain or vision alterations or loss should be investigated immediately by a physician,” he advises.

 


 

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