| Allergies
Be sure to let your ophthalmologist (and all
of the doctors who care for you) know if you have any allergies
to any medications. Any medicine can cause allergic reaction
or allergy, even nonprescription eye drops containing chemical
preservatives. Sometimes eye medications are chemical "relatives"
of drugs that may have caused you problems in the past. It
is very important to tell your doctors of any past allergic
reactions. Allergic reactions to eyedrops often include itching,
swelling, or a rash around the eyes. If your eyes or eyelids
become more red, itchy, or swollen after you begin using an
eye drop, you should contact your ophthalmologist.
Eyedrop during an examination
DILATING DROPS
Your ophthalmologist uses eye drops to dilate,
or enlarge, the pupils of the eye. This allows examination
of the inside of your eye. Because driving may be difficult
immediately after a dilated eye examination, ask your ophthalmologist
if you need to make arrangements for a ride home after an
eye exam.
ANESTHETIC DROPS
Anesthetic are painkillers that numb the eyes
within a few seconds. These drops should be used only in the
doctor's office and never at home. Repeated use at home can
harm the surface of the eye, which could lead to an infection
or serious scarring of the cornea.
Non-prescription Eye
drops
 You
can buy many eye drops without prescription. Even though these
drops are over the counter, these eye drops may contain medications.
Eye drops should be used according to the directions of your
physician and the directions on the package. Be aware of any
symptoms you might experience since nonprescription eye drops
can also cause an allergic reaction. Drops called Artificial
tears are solutions that can soothe irritated
or dry eyes. You can use them as often as needed. Eye drops
without preservatives are available. Descongestant eye drops
contain a medicine that whitens the eyes by shrinking, or
constricting, blood vessels. While decongestant drops don't
improve the health of your eye, they make the eye appear less
red. If you use these eye drops infrequently and for a short
duration of time, they are usually not harmful. If you use
them often, your eyes may actually become more red and irritated
when the eye drops are discontinued.
Click
here for more information about this Eye drops
Prescription Eye drops
 STEROIDS
(CORTICOSTEROIDS) EYEDROPS
These eye drops are extremely potent and should
be used only under your ophthalmologist's guidance. Using
them for an eye problem without telling your ophthalmologist
is dangerous. Whenever corticosteroids are used, they reduce
your eye's ability to fight infection and to repair injury.
Using them over time can lead to glaucoma or cataracts, which
can cause loss of vision. In spite of the risks, the benefits
of using steroids are so important in treating certain conditions
that they must be prescribed. The Brand names are: Econopred,
Econopred Plus, Pred Forte.
The generic names of common corticosteroids
are:
- Prednisolone
- Dexamethasome
- Hydrocortisone
- Fluoromethalone
- Medrysone
- Rimexolonne
EYE DROPS TO TREAT INFECTION
Your ophthalmologist may prescribe eyedrops
if you have an infection that can be treated by a certain
medicine. Not all "red" or "pink" eyes
necessarily mean an infection is present.
| Alpha
Agonists
They can cause:
- a red eye or red skin around the eye
- dry mouth
- fatigue or decreased energy
|
Carbonic
Anhydrase Inhibitors
They can cause:
- eye redness or irritation
- skin rash (especially in individuals
with known allergy to Sulfa drugs)
- change in taste (especially with carbonated
beverages)
- stomach upset or nausea
- fatigue and decreased energy
|
Antibiotics
|
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
|
| Prostaglandamin
Analogs or Prostamides
They can cause:
- eye redness or irritation
- a change in eye color (mostly in hazel
or blue to green eyes)
- increase in thickness and number of
eyelashes
- joint aches or flu-like syndrome
|
Miotics
They can cause:
- blurred vision
- headache
- retinal detachment
Retinal detachment is rare. If you notice
dark floating spots or flashing lights in your vision,
call your ophthalmologhist immediately. many new eye
drops are becoming available. As with any medication,
eye medications can cause eye allergies, irritation,
or other side effects, as listed above. If you experience
any side effects, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
Tell your other doctors if you are using any eye drops
for glaucoma.
- Cyclogyl
- Homatropine
- Pilocarpine |
How to use the Eye drops
Follow these steps:
1. Wash your hands prior to using eye drops
2. Remove the cap, Do not touch the upper tip
3. Tilt your head back slightly
4. Pull your lower lid away from the eye to
form a "pocket" by:
5. Hold the dropper tip directly over the eyelid
pocket. (You may brace your hand against your face or forehead
to keep it steady)
6. Look up and let the eye drop fall into the
pocket without touching the bottle to your eye or eyelid (to
prevent contamination of the bottle)
7. Close your eyes (do not blink) and apply
pressure to the point where the lids meet the nose. Hold for
two to three minutes.
8. Before opening your eyes -and this is very
important- wipe unabsorbed drops and tears from the closed
lid with a tissue. Then open your eyes.
9. If you need to make more than one kind of
eye medication at the same time, wait three to five minutes
before using the second drop.
|
