Many people may not believe that Small water droplets like tears have important functions and can affect your health . Tears help keep the cornea and conjunctiva moist. Helps us see more clearly. Helps remove waste from the cornea. It also helps prevent corneal infections. If the tear glands produce fewer tears than normal It often results in symptoms of dry eyes, eye irritation, blurred vision, unclear vision, etc. But this problem can be initially solved by using artificial tears. But how many types of artificial tears are there? So how should you choose to use it correctly? Hello, doctor, we’ve got the answer for you.
What are artificial tears?
Artificial tears are a solution for eye drops. To help keep the eyes moisturized And helps reduce eye problems due to dry eyes, such as eye irritation, red eyes, blurred vision, which dry eye conditions may occur from aging. use of certain medicines Some health problems eye surgery or environmental factors such as dust, smoke,ยูฟ่าเบท and strong winds.
Types of artificial tears
- Artificial tears that contain preservatives
Adding preservatives to artificial tears prevents bacteria from growing after the tears have been opened. The preservative or preservative commonly used in artificial tears is Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC). Most people can use artificial tears that contain preservatives safely. Except for people with severe dry eye disease. which requires artificial tears to be instilled very often Because if you use these types of artificial tears, it may result in a severe allergic reaction. or toxic condition and can make symptoms worse than before Or if anyone is allergic to the preservatives added to artificial tears. Or not sure whether to lose or not? You should avoid using other types of artificial tears instead.
- Artificial tears without preservatives
These types of artificial tears contain fewer chemicals. And it comes in a small tube with enough quantity for one day’s use. Artificial tears without preservatives are suitable for those who must use artificial tears for more than 4 days in a row and those who have moderate or severe dry eye problems.
- Artificial tears that contain eye coating
This type of artificial tears contains a substance called Hydroxypropyl-guar (HP-guar), which is similar to gel or mucus, when instilled will cause blurred vision during the first period of instillation. But this substance helps artificial tears stay coated in the eye for a longer time. As a result, the eyeball cells are moisturized. Therefore reducing the risk of dry eyes causing eye cell irritation. or can be damaged
- Artificial tears that contain oil
Oils that are commonly used as components of this type of artificial tears include Castor Oil and Mineral Oil, which help balance the level of oil in our tears. Because if there is too little oil in the tears, it will cause the tears to evaporate faster than normal. Until the eyes are dry and irritated Or it may cause diseases such as eyelid inflammation. (Blepharitis) Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
How to use artificial tears correctly
- Wash your hands thoroughly. and pat dry
- Raise your head slightly. Use your index finger to pull the lower eyelid down to form a bulb. Squeeze 1-2 drops of artificial tears into the lower eye bulb.
- Do not let the tip of the artificial tear tube touch your finger, eye, or other surface.
- Close your eyes slowly for a few seconds, allowing the artificial tears to coat the surface of your eyeball.
- Wash your hands thoroughly. and pat dry
Side effects of using artificial tears
Some users of artificial tears These side effects may occur.
- Allergic reactions cause symptoms such as a skin rash, itching, hives, swollen face, swollen mouth, or swollen tongue.
- Vision changes
- Eye irritation or redness
- Symptoms do not improve within 72 hours. Eye pain.
If you use artificial tears and your dry eye symptoms get worse or the above side effects occur for more than 72 hours, you should consult your doctor immediately.
How to preserve artificial tears
You should store artificial tears at a temperature of 15-30 degrees Celsius and should not be frozen. Experts recommend that When the artificial tears are opened Should not be used for more than 30 days and if expired, must be discarded immediately.