Eye Drops Regular: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD (2024)

FAQs

What are the side effects of using eye drops every day? ›

Redness-relieving drops may also prevent a more serious problem from being recognized and treated, leading to worsening of vision. They can also cause the eye to feel dry due to reduced tear secretion. Eye irritation and pupil widening are other side effects of overuse.

Preservative-free eye drops.

This type has fewer additives and is generally recommended if you apply artificial tears more than four times a day, or if you have moderate or severe dry eyes. Preservative-free eye drops may come in single-dose vials.

Everyday use of eye drops under the direction of an eye doctor is often necessary and beneficial for dry eye management. But using eye drops every day when you don't have any eye issues, or continuing to use them for longer than your doctor has recommended, may lead to negative side effects.

Answer: Most eye drops are not absorbed into the bloodstream enough to cause any significant side effects. Having said that, it is possible for topical steroid drops like prednisolone to have some mild systemic side effects such as an increase in blood sugar or blood pressure.

The Systane eye drops work for up to eight hours and are ideal for dry, sensitive eyes. The bottle is designed to dispense nano droplets so you don't waste any product. They're also safe enough to use regularly since they're free of preservatives and can reduce risk potential for toxicity.

Drops to Avoid

It's best to avoid decongestant eye drops such as Visine, Naphcon, Opcon, or Clear Eyes when treating dry eyes. You can recognize these drops because they are typically advertised as a relief for red eyes or allergies.

Refresh has an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from a total of 3 ratings on Drugs.com. 67% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 33% reported a negative effect. Systane has an average rating of 2.1 out of 10 from a total of 111 ratings on Drugs.com.

Virgin coconut oil is great for those with dry eyes, as it creates a protective layer over the tear film layers, resulting in reduced evaporation. Furthermore, coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Stop Dry Eye by Saving Tears

Your ophthalmologist may suggest blocking your tear ducts. This makes your natural tears stay in your eyes longer. Tiny silicone or gel plugs (called punctal plugs) may be inserted in your tear ducts. These plugs can be removed later as needed.

What are the disadvantages of eye drops? ›

Stinging/redness in the eye, widened pupils, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Yes, certain eye drops can cause heart problem, they have the potential to reduce heartbeat and alter blood pressure.

Tears and eye drops drain through a small canal into the nose which is lined with nasal mucosa containing many blood vessels. Once in contact with the vascular nasal mucosa, relatively rapid absorption of the active ingredient into the bloodstream can occur avoiding the first passage through the liver^1,3.

Overusing certain types of artificial tears can worsen dry eye symptoms. This can lead you to keep using more eye drops more frequently. It may also make you dependent on them to moisturize the eye.

Many manufacturers recommend that you throw away eye drops 28 days after opening the bottle. This is because the preservatives inside can start to break down and allow bacteria to grow. Each medicated eye drop may have different instructions for how long they can be used after opening.

If you use artificial tears that contain preservatives, you should limit their use to four to six times per day. If you need to use the products more often than that, you should use products that don't contain preservatives.

When you put drops in your eye, the drops can become “pumped” into the tear system if you blink. Once in contact with the vascular nasal mucosa, relatively rapid absorption of drugs into the bloodstream can occur. The drops can act as a systemic “bolus” – an infusion of the drug into the bloodstream.