The eyes are one of the most important senses, as they are what people use to perceive the world around them. Taking care of eye health can help to protect the eyes against certain eye diseases or can help to manage and prevent further damage from these diseases. A large part of eye care is ensuring that you are regularly checked by an optometrist.

What are ocular decongestants and artificial tears?

Most eye problems experienced by individuals usually disappear without treatment or at times can self-treated using different types of over-the-counter products such as ocular decongestants or artificial tears. They can help with itching, watering, and dryness of the eyes.

There are some cases whereby patients experience some minor eye conditions with persistent symptoms which may lead to severe conditions; therefore, you should always check with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Get medicine for your eyes without a prescription

There are many over-the-counter products for the eyes that are very safe; however, you should consider two very important factors whenever you decide to take on self-treatment.

1. After using any over-the-counter eye care product, if your symptoms do not improve after 72 hours, or your condition worsens, and you experience blurred vision, eye pain, double vision or any visual loss, you should see the doctor immediately.
2. If you are experiencing changes in your vison, or are experiencing pain or extreme discomfort, you should seek medical attention.

Optometrists can help

Your optometrist will conduct an eye exam and will provide you with a comprehensive and attentive care, which will enable the patients to self-treat ocular concerns using medications specific to the medical condition.

Medications available

This group of medications (eye care products) are available as ointments, gels, solutions, and drops.

Most common eye health issues

Contact dermatitis

This is inflammation of the eyelids, which leads to swelling, scaling, itching, or redness. It can be caused by exposure to new or foreign substances, or triggered by the use of something new, such as a soap. Therefore, you should try and discontinue use of the trigger or avoid it.

Superficial foreign bodies

Foreign bodies such as dust, lint, an eyelash, and or any other matter that can get stuck in the eye can cause damage to the eyes. A doctor should be consulted immediately if you cannot remove the said particle with an eye irrigating solution or water.

Conjunctivitis

This is inflammation of the bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva caused by viruses, bacteria, allergic substances, fungi, or any agent that can promote inflammation. This leads to the inflammation of blood vessels in the conjunctiva which causes it to become red. Sometimes it may be accompanied with itchy eyes, and eyelids getting stuck together when you wake up in the morning with tearing and/or discharge.

What are some of the over the counter products you can buy?

Some eye care products can be obtained over the counter while some do need a prescription from the doctor. 

Side effects

Some of the side effects involved with the use of eye care products may include:

• Watery eyes;
• Redness;
• Stinging in the eye when applying drops.

Contraindications

The use of any eye care product is contraindicated in any patient who is hypersensitive to any ingredients used in the formulation.