How to use artificial tears for dry eye syndrome

I have dry eye syndrome. My eyes are dry even normally, so I often use artificial tears.

Artificial tears help lubricate and moisturize the eyes when they are dry.

However, I know that artificial tears should be used correctly, but I didn't know the exact details.

I still put in eye drops if my eyes are dry.

Here is how to use artificial tears for dry eye syndrome.

 

 

What is artificial tears?

Artificial tears are liquids that lubricate dry eyes and help maintain moisture on the outer surface of the eye, serving as a primary treatment for people suffering from dry eye syndrome.

The artificial tear function mimics the composition of real tears. However, the composition may vary depending on the brand, and more precisely, it includes one or more of the following elements.

• Eye lubricant: Included in all brands. Heals the surface of the eye when damaged.
• Gua Guam: Often found in oily droplets and alleviates severe dry eye symptoms.
• Preservative: Prevents bacteria from growing inside the liquid.

Artificial tears can be purchased at the pharmacy without a prescription. Before finding the most suitable brand for yourself, you should try several different brands. For more severe conditions, ointments or gels are used.

 

 

How to choose the right artificial tears

Artificial tears are generally the first treatment option for dry eye syndrome. However, especially when the problem is chronic or very severe, receiving personalized treatment is important.

In other words, the best approach is to use products without phosphates and preservatives. Similarly, a low osmolarity concentration, meaning a low concentration of dissolved substances, is preferable. This compensates for the excessive salt or hyperosmolarity that is always present in dry eye syndrome.

Note that each artificial tear has a different viscosity. Higher fluidity lasts longer but can cause blurred vision, making it uncomfortable, so it is usually only used before bedtime at night.

Artificial tear safety

Generally, artificial tears are safe. Only products containing preservatives require some caution. There are also large-volume products, and the preservatives included prevent bacteria from growing in the medication, but they can irritate the eyes of some people.

Preservative-free artificial tears are provided in single-use packaging and should be discarded after use. They are generally more expensive but are safe for people who need to use them four or more times a day.

However, both types can cause blurred vision or allergic reactions. If you experience discomfort such as burning sensation, itching, or inflammation after using eye drops, discontinue use. Additionally, if you experience dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing, seek medical assistance immediately.

Use of artificial tears for dry eye syndrome

Artificial tears containing preservatives should not be used more than four times a day. However, if there are no preservatives, it can be used up to eight times. In any case, follow the doctor's instructions.

Wash your hands thoroughly before applying artificial tears. Remove contact lenses (if using), shake the artificial tear bottle, and then follow the steps below.

• Tilt your head slightly back and look up.
• Do not touch the end or edges of the bottle; hold the medicine bottle with your thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
• Close your eyes.
• Drop a single drop near the eye area close to the nose without touching the eyelid.
• Open your eyes and blink several times until artificial tears move inside the eye.
• Do the same for the other eye.
• Tightly close the bottle cap, clean up, and then wash your hands again.

 

 

 

I need to check whether the product I have contains preservatives.

It's not there, I know...

And I also learned for the first time that if dry eye syndrome is severe, there are also ointment or gel-type artificial tears.

There was no act of using artificial tears or washing hands.

This part makes me reflect.

I also need to take care of my eyes with proper use.

 

 

 

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