Eye drops have the function of improving eyesight and protecting the eyes. Whether it is to relieve eye fatigue or remove foreign objects from the eyes, we often habitually use eye drops. However, there is a proper way to use eye drops. Are you using them correctly?
Types of Eye Drops
1. Hormone Eye Drops
Hormone eye drops contain corticosteroids. When using this type of eye drops, caution must be exercised. If used four times a day, one drop at a time, for more than four weeks, it may potentially induce glaucoma. If there is discomfort such as swelling and pain after use, medical attention should be sought promptly.
2. Lubricating and Soothing Eye Drops
These eye drops are mainly used to alleviate symptoms of eye fatigue caused by excessive eye use, such as redness, swelling, and dryness. They can help relieve eye congestion, reduce itching, and soothe fatigue-related discomfort in the eyes.
3. Antibiotic Eye Drops
Antibiotic eye drops, also known as anti-inflammatory eye drops, make up the largest category of eye drops. They are used to treat eye infections. Overusing this type of eye drops can disrupt the bacterial ecology of the eyes. Moreover, no single eye drop can combat all types of infections, so the use of anti-inflammatory eye drops must be based on the advice of a doctor.
How to Use Eye Drops Correctly
1. Eye drops are considered local medication, but they still have an impact on the whole body. Therefore, caution should be exercised, especially for special populations such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women. For patients with bronchitis, bradycardia, or heart failure, eye drops should be used with caution. Corticosteroids should be avoided in cases of herpes simplex dendritic keratitis. Patients with a history of allergy to sulfonamides or quinolones should not use these types of eye drops.
2. It is important to master the correct technique for using eye drops. Before using eye drops, hands should be washed. During application, avoid touching the eyelids or eyelashes with the dropper. Do not directly drop the eye drops onto the cornea. If both eyes require treatment, apply the drops to the healthy eye first, followed by the affected eye. If both eyes are affected, apply the drops in order from the less severe eye to the more severe eye. When using eye drops, the patient should sit or lie down, tilt the head slightly back, open the eyes and look up. Use the thumb and index finger of the left hand to hold open the upper and lower eyelids, while holding the eye drop bottle with the right hand. Position the bottle 1-2 cm away from the eye and instill 1-2 drops into the lower conjunctival sac. Gently lift the upper eyelid for 1-2 minutes to ensure the medication spreads throughout the conjunctival sac, then close the eye gently.
3. If using two or more types of eye drops at the same time, there should be a 10-minute interval between applications. Start with the less irritating eye drops before using the more irritating ones. Apply non-toxic eye drops before applying toxic ones. The technique for applying eye ointment is the same as for eye drops. The ointment can be directly squeezed into the conjunctival sac.
Foods That are Beneficial for the Eyes
1. Carrots
Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient for maintaining eye health, and the most important substance for eye health in vitamin A is the antioxidant beta-carotene. Carrots are the best choice for obtaining vitamin A. In addition to carrots, cabbage and lettuce are also foods with high vitamin A content.
2. Spinach
Spinach can prevent certain eye diseases. A substance called lutein, found in spinach, can prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.
3. Apricots
Apricots contain vitamin A, which can protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. Apricots also contain some carotenoids responsible for good vision.
