Types And Proper Use Of Artificial Tears
The artificial tears medication is commonly used in people with dry eyes. The incidence of dry eyes varies, but it is more common in people with mild symptoms of Bells palsy. This is a neurological disorder which is caused by facial nerve damage resulting in a paralysis on one side of the face. This facial nerve controls tear glands, thus the onset of dry eyes.
To treat dry eyes, artificial tears are generally used. These come in the form of lubricating eye drops. Artificial tears are also used in eye examinations as well as to moisten contact lenses. In severe forms of dryness, these eye drops are sometimes supplemented with other forms of treatment.
Artificial tears can be readily bought over-the-counter, while other medications need a prescription. Given its various types, one has to be familiar on which eye drop is best suited to one's dry eyes. These eye drops mainly contain salts, water and polymers but without the natural proteins typically found in natural tears. Some artificial tears contain preservatives, but if one needs to use it frequently (more than once in every three hours), one should choose those without any added preservatives or with non-irritating preservatives.
In the US, several brand names are commonly used. All of these eye drops contain hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (ophthalmic). Brands include Artificial Tears, Bion Tears, Gonak, Goniosoft, Isopto Tears, Just Tears, Lacril, Tears Renewed, Tearisol, Moisture Drops, Ocucoat, and Tears Naturale, just to name a few. But a few of these brands need a prescription as well as special instructions on its proper use. If you decide to use artificial tears without any prescription, be sure to read and follow its label's precautions carefully. You should also consider any allergic reactions to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or other substances such as preservatives. Moreover, be sure to use it properly by washing your hands first. Once clean, tilt your head and pull your lower eyelid away from your eye to form a pouch. You drop artificial tears to the pouch and close your eyes gently, not blinking for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure that the drops are absorbed. Precautions and Possible Side-Effects of Artificial Tears More commonly used as the initial treatment for dry eyes, artificial tears must be used with caution. Given the different cases of dry eyes, its application varies from a usage of four times a day to ten or even twelve times a day. If one has a severe case of dryness, thicker artificial tears may be used, but this temporarily blurs vision. You may not experience any bad side-effects, though side-effects may occur at your first usage, but these are sometimes normal as your body adjusts to the eye drops. But if you do experience changes in vision, eye pain, eye irritation which was not present before using this medication or continued redness while using artificial tears for more than three days, consult with your doctor immediately. Moreover, if you start to experience blurred vision, stickiness or matting of eyelashes, consult with your doctor at once.
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