You’re at the pharmacy searching for eye drops to relieve your eye irritation. When you get there, you're faced with a wide selection of eye drops. Many claim to do the same thing, but not all eye drops are created equal. So, which should you choose?
Unfortunately, there is no universal eye drop to cure all symptoms. Before reaching for a bottle, it's best to determine the underlying causes of your symptoms. You should always consult your VSP® network eye doctor first, as some symptoms may be signs of more serious health conditions or may require prescription medicine.
Over-the-counter eye drops can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription. You can choose from many different types of eye drops, so it may feel overwhelming to find the kind you need.
Here are two common types of over-the-counter eye drops you find at pharmacies:
Artificial tears: commonly referred to as lubricating drops, artificial tears are used to relieve dry eye and act as a protective, moisturizing barrier for your eyes. They are sometimes recommended for allergies because they help alleviate eye discomfort from allergens. Most artificial tear products can be bought over the counter. They can have side effects and possibly cause an allergic reaction, so talk with your eye doctor to determine what solution will work best for you.
Decongestants: decongestants can be purchased over the counter to provide short-term relief from red eyes. These drops temporarily reduce swelling of the eye’s blood vessels, causing the eye’s pink or red hue to disappear. They are not recommended for long-term use, and once the drops wear off, the redness can be worse than before once the drops wear off.
Your eye doctor may prescribe special eye drops for you, depending on what condition or symptoms you have. You’ll need a valid prescription to get these filled at a pharmacy. These eye drops can be prescribed to treat allergies and pink eye.
Antihistamines: for itchy, watery eyes caused by allergies, check with your doctor about antihistamine eye drops. Histamine is a chemical defense triggered by the body when it comes into contact with something that irritates it, such as pet dander.
Anti-inflammatory eye drops: for more serious allergic reactions like hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, and corneal inflammation, you may be prescribed corticosteroid (steroid hormones) or NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) eye drops. Use only as directed by your doctor.
Antibiotic eye drops: for conditions like pink eye or other bacterial eye infections, your eye doctor may prescribe an antibiotic eye drop. These work by killing the bacteria that entered the eye and caused the infection.
If you aren’t used to putting eye drops in your eyes, it can be difficult and a little frustrating. Here are some tips that can help you apply eye drops more easily:
Wash your hands with soap and water before using eye drops.
Do not touch the tip of the eye drop bottle or any other surface.
Tilt your head back and, with one hand, pull your lower eyelid down to create a pocket using the index finger.
Use your free hand to hold the dropper over your lower eyelid, look up, and let the eye drop fall into the pocket.
Close your eye and do not blink. Hold this for two to three minutes, or however long your eye doctor recommends.
Be cautious when dealing with your eye health; even over-the-counter eye drops should be treated with the same caution you would any other medication. Find a VSP network eye doctor near you to help you make informed decisions to keep your eyes healthy and happy.
Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.