If you live in Arizona, the desert will certainly dry your eyes out, which can lead to discomfort or future complications. As you get age, the more likely you are to naturally produce fewer tears, meaning your eyes are prone to dry out faster.
You may turn to contact lenses for dry eye relief in cases like these. But be warned…
Not all eyedrops are created equal nor are they all healthy for your eyes.
Let's take a look at the different types of eye drops and which ones we recommend you use and which you should avoid.
Contact Lens Moisture Lenses
Dry contacts can be very frustrating, especially when you're on your last pair or don't have glasses available.
Thankfully, there are over-the-counter eye drops that can help you with that.
A good bottle of eyedrops to use with contact lenses should do three things:
1) Relieve your eye from irritation and dryness.
2) Keep your eyes moist for an extended time.
3) Not shorten the life of your contacts.
While it’s important to note that not all eyedrops are to be used when your contacts are in your eyes, some are OK to use while you still have your contacts in. Pay attention to the labels on your eye drops. It's recommended you wait 10 minutes to put your contacts in your eyes after putting in eye drops with some brands.
What are some of the Pros of eye drops?
One of the biggest pros of using eye drops is that they can provide fast and effective relief from dry eye symptoms. But not all drops should be used for the same purpose.
For example, if you have an eye infection, using antibiotic eye drops can help to clear up the infection and reduce symptoms like redness and swelling. Some “eye drops” that you can buy in-store are actually artificial tears, which can be too thick a drop to use with contact lenses or for regular use. We usually recommend using an eye drop without preservatives that come in individual vials, like Systane Ultra, as the preservatives used in some bottled eye drops can irritate sensitive eyes. There are even drops to use at different intervals if you have seasonal or environmental allergies.
Another advantage of using eye drops is that they are easy to use and can be used almost anywhere. If your eyes feel dry on the go and you wear contacts, for example, you can put a few drops in and use your contacts as a barrier to seal the moisture into your eyes.
What are the Cons of using eye drops?
If you use them too frequently, some can make your symptoms worse. This is because overuse of eye drops can cause your eyes to become dependent on them, leading to a condition known as "rebound redness."
This can make your eyes even redder and more uncomfortable than they were before you started using the drops.
In addition, some people may have an allergic reaction to the ingredients in eye drops. This can cause symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching. If you experience any of these symptoms after using eye drops, you should stop using them immediately and give us a call. As we mentioned before, not every eye drop is right for every person.
Another potential disadvantage of constant eye drop use is that they can be expensive. Depending on the type of drops you use and the frequency with which you use them, the cost of eye drops can add up over time.
Our opinion?
Overall, eye drops can be a useful treatment option to ease some symptoms of dry eyes, but it's important to use them carefully and to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. By understanding the pros and cons of eye drops, you can make an informed decision about whether they are right for you.
At Invision Eye Care, your comfort and eye health are our top priorities. Come visit our office to meet our top-tier team and see if there is a drop that’s best for you and your lifestyle.
