Before You Buy EYE DROPS eyes. Before You Buy EYE DROPS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW EYE DROPS FOR DRY EYES...

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Today, there are a number of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) eye drops available to relieve many types of eye discomfort, such as dry eyes, red eyes, eyes irritated by allergies or contact lens wear, and more. In many instances an OTC eye drop may be all you need to address a particular symptom or condition; other times your eye doctor may recommend a prescription eye drop or medication to meet your particular needs. Most eye-related issues have symptoms that may look and feel similar to other conditions. Choosing a drop that is not designed for your condition may not alleviate your discomfort, may make your symptoms worse, or may even create a different eye problem. That is why it is important to seek the advice of your Eye Care Professional (ECP) before using any kind of eye drop. Your ECP will evaluate your symptoms and the severity of your condition before recommending the appropriate treatment for your condition, and will provide instructions on proper use in order to reduce your chances of developing problems that could affect your vision and the health of your eyes. Before You Buy EYE DROPS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW EYE DROPS FOR DRY EYES Artificial tears or lubricant eye drops are often the first line of therapy to minimize dryness and provide relief from key symptoms of mild to moderate dry eye disease (DED) such as blurry vision, dryness, irritation, grittiness, burning, and stinging. Often, this condition can be brought on or exacerbated by the overuse of digital devices, extended use of contact lenses, dry indoor or outdoor environments, laser eye surgery, diabetes, hormonal changes, or cosmetic use. Many doctors will also use artificial tears or lubricants in combination with other treatments, including prescription medications or other therapies that may be prescribed for more advanced cases of DED. Different brands of artificial tears use different combinations of active and inactive ingredients. Ask your ECP if there is a specific brand that he/she believes will offer consistent and continuous dry eye relief, comfort, and protection throughout the day. For dry eyes, don’t use products that strictly offer redness relief. While these products may eliminate the appearance of red eyes, they often do not treat the underlying dryness associated with this condition. DRY RED ALLERGY CONTACTS DRY

Transcript of Before You Buy EYE DROPS eyes. Before You Buy EYE DROPS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW EYE DROPS FOR DRY EYES...

Page 1: Before You Buy EYE DROPS eyes. Before You Buy EYE DROPS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW EYE DROPS FOR DRY EYES Artificial tears or lubricant eye …

Today, there are a number of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) eye drops available to relieve many types of eye discomfort, such as dry eyes, red eyes, eyes irritated by allergies or contact lens wear, and more. In many instances an OTC eye drop may be all you need to address a particular symptom or condition; other times your eye doctor may recommend a prescription eye drop or medication to meet your particular needs. Most eye-related issues have symptoms that may look and feel similar to other conditions. Choosing a drop that is not designed for your condition may not alleviate your discomfort, may make your symptoms worse, or may even create a different eye problem. That is why it is important to seek the advice of your Eye Care Professional (ECP) before using any kind of eye drop. Your ECP will evaluate your symptoms and the severity of your condition before recommending the appropriate treatment for your condition, and will provide instructions on proper use in order to reduce your chances of developing problems that could affect your vision and the health of your eyes.

Before You Buy EYE DROPS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

EYE DROPS FOR DRY EYES

Artificial tears or lubricant eye drops are often the first line of therapy to minimize dryness and provide relief from key symptoms of mild to moderate dry eye disease (DED) such as blurry vision, dryness, irritation, grittiness, burning, and stinging. Often, this condition can be brought on or exacerbated by the overuse of digital devices, extended use of contact lenses, dry indoor or outdoor environments, laser eye surgery, diabetes, hormonal changes, or cosmetic use. Many doctors will also use artificial tears or lubricants in combination with other treatments, including prescription medications or other therapies that may be prescribed for more advanced cases of DED.

Different brands of artificial tears use different combinations of active and inactive ingredients. Ask your ECP if there is a specific brand that he/she believes will offer consistent and continuous dry eye relief, comfort, and protection throughout the day.

For dry eyes, don’t use products that strictly offer redness relief. While these products may eliminate the appearance of red eyes, they often do not treat the underlying dryness associated with this condition.

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1. Wash your hands with soap and water; then dry them with a clean towel.

2. Start by tilting your head backward while sitting, standing, or lying down. With your index finger placed on the soft

spot just below the lower lid, gently pull down to form a pocket.

3. Look up. Squeeze one drop into the pocket in your lower lid. Don’t blink, wipe your eye, or touch the tip of the

bottle on your eye or face.

4. Close your eye. Keep closed for a short period without blinking.

5. Use a clean tissue to absorb and wipe away any drops that spill out of your eye and onto your eyelids and face.

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EYE DROPS FOR REDNESS

Red eye is one of the most common ophthalmologic conditions. Common causes include allergy, eye fatigue, dry eyes, or over-wearing contact lenses. However, redness of the eye sometimes can signal an infection such as conjunctivitis (known commonly as “pink eye”) or a more serious eye condition or disease. The cause of red eye can best be diagnosed through a careful eye examination with your ECP, who can choose the right remedy for your condition.

Most OTC redness reliever eye drops use an ingredient called a vasoconstrictor, which shrinks the blood vessels on the white part of your eye, making them less visible. However, these drops are not intended for long-term use as your eyes can develop a tolerance effect if you use them too often, resulting in more redness. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding length of use and if you notice continued redness or irritation lasting more than 72 hours, stop use and contact your ECP.

EYE DROPS FOR ALLERGIES

If you are one of the estimated 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, it’s likely that you may experience eye irritation as well. Allergy eye drops provide relief from symptoms of eye allergies, which may include itchy, watery, red eyes caused by dust, pet dander, pollen molds, or other common allergens. The type of allergy eye drop your ECP recommends will depend on the cause of your allergy and your symptoms. For example, if you have itchy, watery eyes, he/she may recommend antihistamine eye drops to help you feel better. If your eyes are red and/or bloodshot, decongestant allergy eye drops may be suggested.

Talk to your eye doctor about the safety of using allergy eye drops if you are also taking other cold and/or allergy medications. He/she may recommend or perform additional allergy testing to identify the allergen(s) causing your problem.

EYE DROPS FOR CONTACT LENS WEARERS

Contact lens discomfort can occur for a variety of reasons such as allergies, age, poor fit, extended wearing time, excessive smartphone/computer use, certain medications, or even infection. Symptoms may include dryness, stinging, burning, blurred vision, redness, and/or a feeling as if something is in the eye. There is an increased risk for eye infection in contact lens wearers, so it is important to see your ECP if you wear contacts and exhibit any of these symptoms.

Artificial tears can relieve occasional dryness. However, not all drops are designed and approved for use with contact lenses. There are rewetting drops that are specifically formulated for contact lenses that can provide relief for dry eyes and discomfort associated with contact lens wear. Check with your eye doctor about which artificial tears or rewetting drops are most compatible with your brand of contact lenses.

STEPS FOR PUTTING IN EYE DROPS

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The American Optometric Association (www.aoa.org) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (www.aao.org/eye-health) provide doctor-reviewed, doctor-approved information about the most common eye conditions.

The National Eye Institute (www.nei.nih.gov/health) is part of the federal government’s National Institutes of Health. It offers information on a variety of eye diseases and disorders and eye health resources.

AllAboutVision.com (www.allaboutvision.com) provides visitors with an unbiased source of trustworthy information on eye health and vision correction options.

The Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (www.tearfilm.org) was created to advance the research,

literacy, and educational aspects of the scientific field of the tear film and ocular surface.

RESOURCES

Talk to your Eye Care Professional about any questions or concerns you have about your condition and treatment. There are other sources you can access for additional information:

Most manufacturers provide important product information via their websites. The type of information will vary by company.

The Intrepid Eye Society (www.intrepideyesociety.com) is a diverse group of emerging thought leaders in optometry, committed to advancement of optometry through

innovative thought sharing on topics related to future medical therapeutics, diagnostics, practice development, research and development, and collaborative care with ophthalmology.

CEDARS/ASPENS (www.cedarsaspens.org) is a not-for-profit Society

of anterior segment surgeon educators whose mission is to expand the knowledge of ophthalmic surgery and foster excellence in patient care through clinical experience, peer-to-peer exchange, and practice education.

This information was developed by The Mentholatum Company, distributors of Rohto® Dry-AidTM, in conjunction with The Intrepid Eye Society and CEDARS/ASPENS Group. For product information and discount coupons, visit www.rohtoeyedrops.com.

CEDARSASPENS

Rohto® Dry-Aid™ is a trademark of The Mentholatum Company

© The Mentholatum Company, 2017

DO follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and storage. These are generally listed on the product’s packaging. Talk to your eye care provider about the appropriate frequency, duration, and proper administration of eye drops.

DO read the label to see if the eye drop you are using can be used while wearing contact lenses or if your lenses should be removed before using.

DO stop using the product immediately if you experience eye discomfort, vision changes, redness, irritation of the eye, or other problems and promptly contact your Eye Care Professional.

DO wait at least five minutes if you need to put a second eye drop in the same eye to allow time for the first drop to be fully absorbed. If you use both a medicated eye drop and a lubricating eye drop on the same eye, ask your doctor which one he/she prefers you start with.

DON’T share your eye drops with anyone else. Avoid touching the dropper with your fingers or to your eye or to any surface to avoid contamination. Place a clean tissue on the counter to rest the cap. Make sure to replace the cap after each use.

DON’T use eye drops if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy. Discontinue and discard eye drops that are contaminated or expired.

DO’s AND DON’T’S WHEN USING EYE DROPS