Tips for choosing eye drops and popular options to consider

Tips for choosing eye drops and popular options to consider

In today’s digital age, we stare at our screens for hours together while working or using cell phones. As a result, our eyes get highly overworked, and we become vulnerable to several eye disorders. When diagnosed with a vision problem, doctors recommend many eye care solutions and treatments to manage the discomfort, the most common being eye drops. They can soothe your eyes and keep them healthy if used correctly.

Factors to consider while choosing eye drops
You must consider several factors when buying these solutions. Some tips are discussed below:

Look for active ingredients
Active ingredients are biologically active components that prove more effective when dealing with eye problems. They even neutralize certain elements and reactions that cause allergies in eye drop users. The list of active ingredients should be mentioned on the product’s label.

Choose preservative-free products
Preservatives irritate the eyes and can aggravate dryness. So, look for preservative-free drops for dry eyes and general use. While preservatives may not have an adverse effect initially, prolonged use can lead to toxic reactions and other issues.

Select a suitable type
There are many options from different brands and at various price points. However, most serve specific purposes. For instance, there are drops for infections, redness-relieving drops, lubricating drops, itch-relieving drops, pressure-lowering drops, and many more. So, choose one as per your need.

Popular eye drops to consider
If you are confused about selecting a product, consider using these after consulting with a doctor:

Bausch + Lomb Alaway® Antihistamine Eye Drops
It is among the most popular for preventing allergies, thanks to the presence of a powerful antihistamine. The drops’ effects last for up to 12 hours after application. Price: $10-20; Dosage: One drop in the affected eye twice daily.

LUMIFY Redness Reliever Eye Drops
Another Bausch + Lomb product, these drops constrict veins instead of arteries in the eye. This eliminates redness efficiently without damaging the optic blood vessels as arterial vasoconstrictor eye drops do. Its active ingredient can provide an instant illuminated effect to your eyes post usage. Price: around $19; Dosage: one drop every six to eight hours.

SYSTANE® Gel Drops
These drops’ gel-like consistency makes them an ideal lubricant for dry eyes. They are preservative-free and contain several natural and organic ingredients to ensure long-lasting eye moisture. Apart from dry eyes, these gel drops are effective for sensitive eyes. Price: $11-13; Dosage: one to two drops whenever needed.

REFRESH OPTIVE MEGA-3® Lubricant Drops
These drops contain active ingredients that treat meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), one of the primary causes of dry eyes and other optic ailments that develop with age. Its manufacturer claims the drops support all three layers of tear film destroyed by dry eyes in advanced age. Price: $10-20; Dosage: one to two drops in the affected eye whenever needed.

OPTI-FREE® Replenish® Rewetting Drops
These are ideal for contact lens wearers since these lenses can cause severe dryness if used for long without eye lubrication. The drops instantly moisturize the lenses and remove dust particles that may cause irritation, dryness, and redness. The only downside is that it contains a few preservatives, so frequent usage is not advised. Price: $10-12 Dosage: two drops whenever needed.