Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which your eyes are not properly moisturized owing to inadequate tear production, blocked glands, or an imbalanced tear composition. Many people run to the local pharmacy in search of the right eye drops that will provide them with the comfort they require so that they can return to focusing on other things.
Finding the best artificial tears to treat dry eyes, on the other hand, may be a difficult task. There are so many selections on the eye drops rack at the medicine store that it is difficult to know which ones are suitable for you.
Furthermore, some of them may aggravate your symptoms. Not all eye drops are made equal; there are now six different types of artificial tears available over the counter. Selecting fake tears based on your unique requirements will help you limit down your choices.
Types of Eye Drops
- Artificial Tears that have been preserved
Preservatives are added to preserved artificial tears to extend their shelf life and keep germs at bay once the container is opened. Unfortunately, in individuals who are sensitive, it also causes inflammatory dry eye illness and an allergic reaction, resulting in redness, irritation, and inflammation.
While these drops may provide immediate comfort, they may cause more damage than good in the long run. Furthermore, preservatives have the potential to create residue on contact lenses.
- Artificial Tears with No Preservatives
Artificial tears without preservatives are ideal for contact lens wearers since they do not induce preservative build-up on the lenses. They are also good for people with sensitive eyes because they have fewer chemicals that might irritate them. Preservative-free eye drops are usually packaged in a box with 28 to 30 tiny vials that may be carried in a pocket or handbag.
To use these drops, just remove the cap and place them in your eyes. Some of these vials can be recapped to extend their usage time to up to 24 hours, but not beyond that. To avoid bacterial development, keep unsealed vials refrigerated between uses.
- Artificial Tears Made of Oil
Preserved and preservative-free varieties of oil-based tears are available. Because they feature an oil-based composition, they are thicker than ordinary eye drops. The oil prevents the tears watery part from evaporating too rapidly.
Oil-based artificial tears may be a good alternative if you have moderate or severe dry eyes. However, they are not advised for contact lens users since the oils may adhere to the lenses’ surface, making cleaning them difficult.
- Spray or mist eye drops
These preservative-free sprays are intended to alleviate dryness and irritation in the eyes as well as the eyelids. They are simple to use, especially for people who have trouble putting drops in their eyes. Simply close your eyes and spritz the spray onto your closed eyelids.
Tears will fall into your eyes as soon as you blink. If you are wearing makeup, lotions, or creams on your eyelids, don’t use the spray since it may cause the makeup or lotion to enter your eye.
- Gel for Artificial Tears
Artificial tear gel coats the eyes with a thick layer of tears and can be used at any time of day or night. The thicker substance of the gel drop, on the other hand, may cause visual blurring for many minutes. The gel is administered similarly to eye drops. It efficiently soothes the eyes and gives long-term comfort for dry eyes ranging from moderate to severe.
Because most artificial tear gels include preservatives, they may only be used four times per day and are typically not suitable for contact lens users.
- Ointment for Artificial Tears
Ointments for dry eyes are thick and cover the front of the eye and can be used as a للعين قطره (eye drop). They is generally taken once or twice a day, as needed. It is probably better to use them before sleep because they will make your eyesight blurry.
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