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Eye drops are commonly used to treat dry eye symptoms. Are over-the-counter drops up to the task, or not?
Preservatives: Potential risks from eye drops can include the potential irritation if drops with preservatives are used too often. Additionally, some people may be sensitive to an ingredient in the preservatives, also leading to eye irritation. For people with particularly sensitive eyes, preservative free drops may be the safer option. Always take care to check the label of the eye drops you purchase.
Contamination: If the tip of the eye drop bottle touches the eye or another surface, it can become contaminated. To avoid this, be very careful when handling and applying the bottle while it is open.
Overuse: Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops are designed for occasional use. Regular and prolonged use of these drops can lead to a condition known as rebound hyperemia, where the eyes become excessively red and irritated. It may also decrease the natural tear production of your eyes, leading to chronic dryness. If you are in Hixson, and you are experiencing these symptoms, don't hesitate to contact us at (423) 710 3965.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to certain ingredients in OTC eye drops. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, redness, and discomfort. If you notice any of these symptoms after using eye drops, discontinue their use and consult with our eye care professional. Our practice in Hixson is equipped to handle such situations.
Masking Serious Conditions: While over the counter eye drops can provide temporary relief from minor irritations, they should not be used as a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination if symptoms persist. Prolonged irritation or discomfort may be indicative of more serious conditions such as infections, allergies, or chronic eye diseases that require professional attention from our eye doctor.
Drug Interactions: Certain ingredients in OTC eye drops may interact negatively with other medications you are taking, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Always discuss with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are on any other medication before using eye drops.
Incorrect Usage: Incorrect usage of eye drops can cause harm. For instance, using the wrong type of drops for your condition, such as using drops designed for redness relief on an infected eye, can potentially worsen the condition. It's also important to note that some eye drops should not be used while wearing contact lenses. Always read the instructions carefully and consult with an optometrist if in doubt.
Dependency: Some eye drops, particularly those designed for redness relief, can cause dependency with long-term use. This means that your eyes may become accustomed to the drops and require them for normal function. Discontinuing the drops may then lead to increased redness and irritation.
Eye drops used for dry eye are generally not designed to fix whatever the dry eye’s underlying cause is, rather to alleviate the symptoms. To achieve this, they contain substances which help the eyes retain moisture, lubricants, and electrolytes.
A main difference between over-the-counter and prescription eye drops is that prescription drops can also include medication to treat chronic eye problems. For this reason, most prescription drops should not be used for standard dry eye.
There are two types of over-the-counter eye drops: those with preservatives, and those that are preservative free.
Eye drops which contain preservatives will have a longer shelf life, as the preservative chemicals prevent bacteria from growing. For a customer, this means the bottle can be used for an extended length of time without concern of anything growing in the solution.
However, the chemicals can cause irritation to worsen, if used too often. For this reason, doctors recommend you not use these drops more than four times daily.
Preservative-free drops more commonly come in single-use vials, to prevent contamination of an open bottle. Due to the lack of preservatives, you will need to purchase more of it. However, if you need to apply the drops more than four times a day, this is the better option.
Eye drops can lead to side effects, such as cloudy vision just after the application. Generally speaking, you should avoid operating a vehicle or heavy machinery for several minutes following the application of eye drops.
Allergic reactions can also occur in some cases, so be alert for signs of an allergic reaction following application.
Over-the-counter eye drops can be a great option for alleviating symptoms of dry eye. However, it is still advisable to speak with an eye doctor prior to starting the use of eye drops. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over Tennessee, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from Hixson, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Middle Valley.
Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.
He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.
It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.
Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!
Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.
Thank you!
Seems much less frustrated with life
Reads non-stop and fast
Spelling abilities have been hugely improved
Seems much more confident
Thank You!!!
When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!
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