Dry Eye Drops: Which Are Better?

Eye drops for the treatment of dry eyes: types and effectiveness. How to choose drops for dry eyes. Alternative methods of treatment of dry eye syndrome

Dry eyes can occur with aging, be a symptom of arthritis or thyroid disease, a reaction to dry or dirty air, or a side effect of antihistamines, birth control pills, or high blood pressure medications. The best treatment for dry eye syndrome is eye drops, most of which are sold without a prescription.

Eye drops for the treatment of dry eyes

There are several types of eye drops that are used depending on the cause of dry eyes.

• Artificial tears are the most popular drops available without a prescription. There are many brands out there, and it's common for people to try a few different ones to find the best fit.
• Cyclosporine drops are used to treat certain infections that cause dry eyes. They help the eyes produce more tears and are used twice a day.
• Lifitegrast is an integrin molecule antagonist that reduces T-cell inflammation in keratoconjunctivitis sicca. While it is not available in our country.
• In severe cases, when the patient's dry eyes do not respond to medical treatment, drops based on blood serum are created. Blood is taken from the patient, red blood cells are removed and mixed with a salt solution.

Drops may not be enough to treat dry eyes. If the unpleasant symptom is caused by another disease, the main efforts are devoted to its elimination.

What to consider when choosing eye drops

Avoid drops that eliminate redness of the eyes: they are often not intended to treat dry eyes, they can cause tearing and make the situation worse (watery tears do not moisturize the conjunctiva).

If a person has glaucoma or other eye disease, even over-the-counter products should be used on the recommendation of a doctor.

Drops of different brands have different ingredients (hyaluronic acid, hypromellose, carbomer, povidone, etc.) Some people like them, others don't. If the drops are ineffective, you will have to try others.

There are two types of artificial tears: some contain preservatives, others do not. Preservatives can cause irritation in some people. Remember this if after using the drops you felt burning and pain in the eyes.

Some eye drops can cause side effects: increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, tearing, redness of the eyes, discomfort, stickiness of the eyelashes, swelling of the eyelids. In such cases, you should immediately stop using the drug and consult a doctor.

If dry eyes do not last long, they are usually not dangerous. If unpleasant symptoms persist for a week or longer, you should consult a doctor.

Alternative methods of treating dry eyes

Eye drops are the most popular, but not the only, remedy for dry eyes. Some medicines are released in the form of a gel and are used in cases where the eyes dry quickly due to increased evaporation of tears.

If the cause of dry eyes is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed. They reduce swelling of the eyelids, and the normal amount of natural lubrication is restored.

Additional treatment options: patches that slowly release the active substance over a long period of time; special contact lenses and closure of tear ducts. Also, patients are often recommended to start a humidifier at home and in the office, to distract themselves from the computer or TV screen, to change contact lenses to glasses.