12 Conditions requiring eye drops & bull; hello healthy

Eye drops are fluids used for various eye conditions, such as red eye and after eye surgery. The eye drops usually contain saline as a base. Depending on their intended use, eye drops may also contain artificial tear lubricants, or anti-redness agents, as well as medications. There are eye drops that can be purchased at convenience stores, some are prescription from a doctor, and some are only used by eye specialists.

When are eye drops needed?

Eye drops are commonly used for the following conditions:

1. Cataract surgery

This surgery to remove the lens and replace it with an artificial lens requires eye drops. Before surgery, eye drops are used to prevent infection, make the pupil bigger, and numb the eye area. After surgery, eye drops can reduce the risk of infection and aid in healing.

2. Conjunctivitis (infectious eye disease)

Conjunctivitis is an infection or irritation of the conjunctiva (the thin, clear membrane on the inside of the eyelid that covers the whites of the eye). The causes are bacterial or viral infections, environmental irritants, and allergies. In addition, conjunctivitis can also be caused by toxicity or allergy to eye drops, or by contaminated eye drops.

Symptoms include itching, heat, redness, and swelling. Treatment of the condition can be done using antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops, or by relieving irritation of the eye.

3. Wetting contact lenses and lubricating the eye surface

If your eyes sometimes feel dry when wearing contact lenses, choose eye drops that are specially used for contact lenses, as other eye drops can change the color of your lenses or temporarily change their position.

4.Corneal infection (keratitis)

The cause could be viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Bacterial or parasitic infection is the most severe complication of wearing contact lenses and it is more common in long-term contact lens wearers. In addition, inadequate lens hygiene can also be the cause, such as not replacing and cleaning lenses as recommended, and swimming using contact lenses.

Minor infections can be treated with anti-bacterial eye drops. Whereas more severe infections may require antibiotic eye drops, or with further treatment, including surgery. Remove contact lenses immediately if you suspect your eye is infected, and don't forget to seek treatment right away.

5. Corneal transplant surgery

This is a surgery to replace the diseased or injured cornea with a healthy cornea, which is usually obtained from an eye bank. After surgery, eye drops are needed to aid healing and prevent rejection of donor tissue.

6. Dry eyes

Dry eyes are caused by low tear production as well as aging. If the quality of the outer and inner layers is poor, tears will not be able to lubricate the eye for a long time. This can cause the eyes to feel "gritty" and itchy. Other symptoms include:

• Hot or stinging feeling
• Pain and redness
• Sticky eye discharge
• Vision fluctuates
• Excessive tears ("reflex" tears can't help relieve dry eyes because they haven't been in the eye long enough)

Artificial tears (eye drops) can be used to lubricate dry eyes during the day. Other medications may be used in more severe cases.

7. Allergies to the eyes

Symptoms of this allergy include itching, watering, redness, soreness, and burning. Many types of eye drops can help you relieve symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. The eye drops that can be used are those that have artificial tears, do not contain drugs, and contain some medications, such as antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, decongestants, and prescribed corticosteroids.

If you have eye allergies and wear contact lenses, ask your eye doctor about eye drops that can help keep the lenses clean when exposed to allergens.

8. Eye examination

During a complete eye exam, the eye doctor uses eye drops to:

• dilate the pupil (to create a "bigger window" so you can see inside the eye)
• numbing the eye during a glaucoma trial

9. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an increase in fluid pressure in the eye, which if left untreated can cause serious optic nerve damage and vision loss. Eye drops can be used to lower eye fluid pressure by reducing the production of eye fluid.

If you have galucoma, do not use eye drops that contain vasoconstrictors (topical decongestants). This makes the small blood vessels smaller and can exacerbate the pressure that has built up in your eye.

10. Herpes simplex (viral) eye infection

Early symptoms of this infection include painful sores on the surface of the eye (eyelids) and inflammation of the cornea. Prompt treatment using anti-viral eye drops can prevent more serious eye damage.

11.LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis)

LASIK can improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Anesthetic eye drops are used before surgery to prevent pain. After surgery, eye drops are used to aid healing and prevent infection.

12. Lubrication and protection

The main ingredients of eye drops that are sold in the market are usually hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (ophthalmic) or carboxymethylcellulose. Although artificial tears are considered very safe, it is imperative that you get checked out if:

• You are allergic to all types of preservatives
• You have never had an unexpected or allergic reaction to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or carboxymethylcellulose

How to use eye drops correctly

Sometimes when we use eye drops, we feel confused about what to do, especially when using eye drops on ourselves. Therefore, the following are some of the steps for using the correct eye drops:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Check the tip of the eye drop to make sure it is not chipped or cracked.
3. Avoid touching the dropper tip in your eye or anything else (keep eye drops clean).
4. Tilting your head upwards, pull the undercoat of your eye into a pocket.
5. Hold the eye drop face down, and position the eye drop as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
6. Squeeze the eye drops slowly, so that the liquid falls into the bag that you made on the lining of the eye.
7. Close your eyes for 2-3 minutes with your head lowered. Try not to blink and squeeze your eyelids.
8. Place your finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.
9. Wipe the excess liquid on your face using a tissue.
10. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, wait 5 minutes before adding the next drop.
11. Put it back on and screw the cap on the eye drop bottle. Do not wipe or rinse the tip of the dropper.
12. Wash your hands to remove any medication.