Popular eye drops better not to use: Be careful!
An ophthalmologist named an eye remedy that should not be used (photo: Freepik)
Some popular eye drops may do more harm than good. They should be avoided due to the risk of side effects and the possibility of masking an underlying condition, reports HuffPost.
What to avoid
Optometrist Michelle Holmes named a habit you should never do: do not use drops that reduce eye redness. That’s because redness is a symptom of a more serious condition.
When your eye is irritated, as it can be with conjunctivitis or certain allergies, the blood vessels located at the front of the eye expand and swell. This is what causes the white part of the eye to appear red and irritated.
These blood vessels serve an important function — when they are inflamed, it’s a signal that something is wrong. It may be a minor issue like a cold or dust in the eye, or it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an infection, glaucoma, or corneal damage.
Redness-reducing eye drops are designed to constrict these blood vessels and make them less visible. Temporarily, this returns the eyes to a white appearance, but these drops may only mask the problem.
This redness can help an ophthalmologist diagnose an eye disease. In certain eye conditions, time is critical. If untreated, they may worsen and lead to complications, including infections, and in serious cases, vision loss.
What to use instead
The doctor recommends using lubricating artificial tears. These are generally considered the safest type of eye drops when they are preservative-free.
Ultimately, if your eye is red and irritated, consult an ophthalmologist to determine the cause.
Earlier, we wrote about the 8 best foods for eye health.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
