Eye Medications

Medications for the eyes are used to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases of the eye, and most eye medications require a prescription from a doctor. There are some eye medications that are available over-the-counter such as artificial tears used to lubricate the eyes and ocular decongestants used to clear up eye redness. Eye medications come in pill form, injectable form, intravenous, drops and ointments, but salves and eye drops are the most common ways to medicate infected eyes.

Reasons for Eye Medications

Therapeutic uses for eye medications include:

Eye infections
Glaucoma
Inflammation of the eyes
Allergies in the eyes

Eye drops may be used to dilate the pupils for eye exams or to dye the ocular surface for exams. Anesthetic eye drops numb the eye for certain tests and procedures. Eye drops are also used to remove foreign objects from the cornea.

Directions for Using Eye Medications

If you are prescribed eye medication by your doctor, you will, of course, receive detailed instructions on proper use of the drug. Additionally, by following the suggestions below, you can maximize the effectiveness of the medication and minimize any complications from using the drug:

Wash your hands thoroughly before using any type of eye medication
Shake the medicine bottle vigorously to ensure it mixes well
Tilt your head back and look up to widen your eyes
Pull your lower eye lid away from your eye to form a pouch
Place the drops in the affected eye and close your eye. You want to prevent the liquid from entering your tear duct. For ointment, apply the salve and then close your eye.

Eye drops and ointments take about five minutes to be absorbed fully into the eye

Eye Medication Side Effects

Side effects of eye medication will vary from patient to patient; some effects may be severe and long-lasting while others may be mild and short-lived. Some of the most commonly reported eye medication side effects are:

Redness
Stinging
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Eye pain
Headaches
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Sweating

Side effects may be prevented by informing your doctor about all medications you are currently taking. You must also inform your doctor about any allergies to drugs (or any others you have).

If you believe that eye medication may help your eye condition, please contact an experienced eye doctor in your area today to schedule an initial consultation.