Have you ever had a swollen eye, dry eyes, pink eye, or even red eyes or itchiness? Eye drops tend to be a common remedy for these ailments. But how do you know if you are choosing the right one?
The best approach to solve this issue is to first call Utah Eye Centers at 801-476-0494 and schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. Your doctor will help you know which eye drop is right for you and your situation.
Over-the-counter eye drops vs. prescription eye drops
Over-the-counter eye drops are appropriate in many cases. They also can be cheaper and more convenient. These eye drops, however, won’t be the right remedy when symptoms worsen or persist. That’s why you should always consult your eye doctor to rule out a potentially sight-threatening infection or disease.
In addition, many over-the-counter eye drops tend to dry out your eye and can create more problems. That is where prescription eye drops are more beneficial. You will need to see your eye doctor to get a prescription eye drop.
Eye drops for dry eyes
Dry eyes are a common symptom for many people. Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can be purchased over the counter and can provide temporary relief for dry eyes. If your symptoms are more severe, you may need a prescription eye drop, gel or ointment.
Eye drops for red eyes
Decongestant eye drops, also known as whitening eye drops, get rid of red eyes by shrinking the tiny blood vessels on the white part of the eye (sclera), which in turn, makes them less visible. While these eye drops can eliminate redness, they can be masking a more serious problem. These eye drops can also dry out your eye, which can lead to even more redness for some people.
Eye drops for allergies
Antihistamine eye drops help to remedy itchy eyes due to allergies. If itching, however, persists even after using these eye drops, visit your eye doctor to get prescription eye drops or any needed oral medications.
Again, before using any of these eye drops, consult an eye doctor. You can schedule an appointment with us at Utah Eye Centers to fully evaluate your eye condition. This way, you can rest assured that if there is a serious problem or not, you will be taken care of.