Inflammation Eye Drops
Please read important reminders regarding ! – These are all corticosteroid eye drops that are used to treat inflammation related to eye problems or after eye surgery. Your doctor will instruct you on the frequency of using these medications, which often start out very frequently and require a tapering schedule.
These are usually in suspension form and need to be shaken before they are applied. All of these medications can potentially cause the eye pressure to silently increase over time and cause “steroid-induced glaucoma” which can be quite serious and lead to vision loss if not picked up and treated appropriately.
Prednisolone usually has more of a tendency to raise the eye pressure compared to Lotemax ®, Vexol ® and FML ®. Steroids like these can also worsen an infection, therefore they must be used under the guidance of your eye doctor. If you have completed your course of any of these steroid drops, discard them by returning unused portions to your pharmacist or your eye doctor for proper disposal.
- Steroid eye drops should definitely NOT be used on a chronic basis unless monitored by your eye doctor and should NOT be shared with family or friends.
- Other possible side effects of corticosteroid eye drops include dizziness, general malaise and fatigue.
- It is important to apply pressure to the corner of the eye(s) near the nose, after applying this drop so that it does not run down your throat into your body and cause such symptoms.
If you are unable to tolerate this medication, contact the office first to schedule a prompt follow-up (if you do not have one already). It is not recommended to stop steroids abruptly, since this can cause the inflammation to increase suddenly. This is a corticosteroid that is available in drop or ointment form. The drops are given to control inflammation as explained above. The ointment is usually used at bedtime in the affected eye(s). This is used to treatment inflammation caused by various eye problems and after eye procedures or surgeries. These are all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications that are akin to aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin or related drugs, you should not take these medications. They are usually used after cataract surgery, or to treat inflammation at the back of the eye(s). : About Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drops
Contents
What causes eye inflammation?
What is eye inflammation? – Eye inflammation occurs in response to infection, allergies, autoimmune disorders, irritation, injury, or trauma to the eyes, eyelids, or surrounding tissues. Different parts of the eye can be affected, depending on the cause of the inflammation.
Eye inflammation is common and can happen at any age. The length of time of the eye inflammation and treatment will depend on the type and severity of the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Most cases of eye inflammation can be successfully treated. However, in rare cases there can be a serious disease present, which is a threat to the eyesight.
Early diagnosis is very important. If you have any of the signs or symptoms of inflammation of the eye, visit your doctor or an eye specialist as soon as possible.
How many days can you use antihistamine eye drops?
How to use eye drops – Placing drops in your eyes can seem frightening for some, while others may feel squeamish. The truth is, it does not hurt and often it can provide quick relief for your symptoms. For best and safest results, here is the process:
- Be sure the drops are for the eye (“optic”). Products meant for the ear (“otic”) may not be used for the eye.
- Read and follow the directions on the product package.
- Check the expiration date to be sure the drops have not expired.
- Wash your hands.
- Remove contact lenses.
- Tilt head back or lie down.
- Gently pull your lower eyelid down, away from the eye. This will create a pouch for you to apply the medication.
- Look up and squeeze the bottle gently to let the drop fall into the pouch you just created. Do not touch the bottle to any part of the eye.
- Gently let go of your lower eyelid and close your eye.
- Keep eyes closed for three minutes. Avoid squinting, blinking and squeezing the eyes during this time. Use a finger to gently apply pressure where your eye meets your nose to help the medicine stay in your eye.
- If you are using multiple eye medications, wait five minutes between uses. If using drops and an eye ointment, use the drops first and wait 10 minutes before using eye ointment.
- Discard bottles that are designed for single use after one use. Throw away multiple use bottles after 30 days of opening.
You should not use most eye drops for more than 72 hours. If you are still experiencing red, itchy, watery eyes after 72 hours of use, stop using the drops and call your doctor, Remember that pharmacists are medication experts and will gladly answer any questions you have about what eye drops would be right for you.
How many days should you use eye drops?
When Should You Use a Drop, Gel, or Ointment? – Because eye drops, gels, and ointments have different characteristics, they should only be used when they’re the most appropriate for your symptoms. You may need to use your product multiple times a day, or at certain times of the day.
Eye drops can be used multiple times a day, depending on your symptoms. Some eye drop products can include preservatives to help discourage bacterial growth, but these could also affect your eye comfort if they’re used too frequently.Eye gels can provide comprehensive relief for a more extended period, but they may cause some blurriness right after you apply them. Some doctors may recommend using them once in the morning or right before bedtime,Eye ointments are specifically used for severe dry eye cases and can blur your vision the longest. We generally recommend using an ointment once before bedtime to help it soothe your eyes and treat your conditions while you sleep.
Is it safe to use redness relief eye drops everyday?
They are not meant to be used indefinitely and they are certainly not meant to be used daily. Take a good look at that first warning: MAY PRODUCE INCREASED REDNESS OF THE EYE. If you are using redness relief drops repetitively you are likely making your eye redness WORSE, not better.
