If you find yourself constantly reaching for your eye drops, it may be time to start looking into the bigger problem: Why do you need them so often? They’re a quick and gratifying fix to itchy or irritated eyes, but they don’t address what might be causing the irritation to begin with.
Signs You’re Overusing Eye Drops
The American College of Allergies, Asthma and Immunology says not to use eye drops regularly beyond a couple of weeks, unless instructed to do so by your eye doctor.
Our doctors recommend that usage depends on the type of eye drop, but regular use of eye drops can be a concern. Unless you’ve been directed to use over-the-counter eye drops by your doctor, you shouldn’t be using drops on a daily basis. Drops aren’t meant for long-term eye care, but they can certainly provide relief while you’re searching for the reason for your condition.
Three signs you’re overusing eye drops:
- You’re consistently exceeding the daily use recommendations
- You view eye drops as the cure rather a temporary treatment
- You’ve got an auto Amazon subscription set up
A Primer on Over-the-Counter Eye Drops
Not all OTC eye drops are the same. What type of drops do you use?
| Types of Eye Drops | Description |
|---|---|
| Artificial Tears | Artificial tears are used to maintain moisture. They often contain electrolytes or thickening agents. Artificial tears are available with and without preservatives. If you’re using frequently, single-dose preservative-free eyedrops are recommended. |
| Medicated Eye Drops |
These contain sympathomimetics, an ingredient that works by vasoconstriction. Blood vessels dilate from irritation and the drops help “clamp down” the superficial blood vessels. While this takes care of irritation or redness, it’s the opposite way the body would naturally repair the problem.
A subset of medicated eye drops, these drops contain antihistamines. Using these for a long time can actually increase dryness and irritation. |
Neither artificial tears nor medicated eye drops require a prescription. These are different than antibiotic or steroid drops you may get from your doctor for other conditions.
Risks of Overusing Eye Drops
- They can cause “rebounding.” That “clamping down” on blood vessels that eye drops do to stop itchiness means your sclera isn’t getting the oxygen and nutrients needed. When you stop using the drops, or their effects wear off, your eyes may work in overdrive to deliver oxygen to those vessels (which makes the problem come back)… which makes you want to reach for those eye drops all over again.
- They can wash away your natural tears. Artificial tears feel great as they lubricate your eyes and help those with insufficient tear production. But overuse can literally wash away your natural tears and the natural moisturizers that protect your eye.
- They can mask more serious problems. Just like a skin rash could just be an allergy to grass, it could also be flesh-eating bacteria. Addressing the symptom of itchy, red eyes, rather than the cause, which could be more serious, is risky.
Conditions that Eye Drops Could Be Masking
Here are some of the conditions that have itchy, red eyes as a symptom:
- Pink eye: A viral or bacterial eye infection, also called conjunctivitis, causing itchy, burning and swelling of one or both eyes. Some cases take care of themselves; others require a prescription antibiotic.
- Eye trauma: Rubbing or scratching your eye can cause a blood vessel break, making the eye red and itchy. Some more serious traumas will require surgery or prescription eye drops.
- Blepharitis: Inflamed and red eyelids, caused by bacterial or fungal infection, dry eye, gland dysfunction or parasites, all of which require further treatment than eye drops.
- Eye strain: Up all night focusing on work can make for tired, strained and irritated eyes, but if the strain is normal, you may need glasses to keep up.
- More serious allergy: Allergies to pets or the environment can manifest with dry, itchy eyes. Figure out specific allergens by visiting an allergist or removing specific things from your home one at a time to eliminate possibilities.
- Foreign objects: You might have something in your eye — dust, an eyelash, or something worse. If you’re having long-term issues with dry or itchy eyes, make sure a foreign body isn’t the culprit.
It’s Time To Schedule an Eye Exam
While you might be tempted to just keep using eye drops the way you have been, an eye exam could reveal deeper-seated issues and catch vision problems before they get too far to correct. Don’t cover the symptoms and neglect the cause. Eye drops are a convenient but temporary solution, not a long-term fix.
If you’re suffering from dry eyes or an irritation that hasn’t resolved on its own, it might be time to get your eyes examined. To schedule an appointment or visit a Aiello Eye Institute clinic within your area.