Ever questioned what synthetic tears are? Why do you use it, too? How is it used? This article contains the solutions.
Artificial tears are one of the methods used to treat simple dry eyes caused by excessive use of a computer, mobile phone, or reading. In this article, you will learn the key details about artificial tears:
artificial tears
It is a medical solution that moisturizes the eye and reduces symptoms caused by dry eyes , such as: itching, irritation, and burning eyes. Additionally, it is used to lessen the negative effects of LASIK, some medications, and exposure to environmental irritants like smoke and wind.
Artificial tears come in a variety of ingredients, but most of them include one or more of the following:
- Dextran.
- Glycerin.
- Hypromellose.
- Carboxymethylcellulose.
- Propylene glycol.
- Polysorbate.
The benefits of artificial tears
Artificial tears' advantages include easing eye dryness and irritation by
- modifying the chemical makeup of tears
Artificial tears may contain ingredients that alter the chemical makeup of tears, reducing tear production and the occurrence of dry eyes.
- encourage the regeneration of eye cells
Artificial tears aid in the healing of the surface cells that have been damaged by dehydration and increase eye moisture because they create a gelatinous layer to keep the eye from drying out.
- preserving the consistency of the amount of oil in the eye
An imbalance in the amount of oil present contributes to certain eye diseases, such as inflammation of the eyelid, which causes tears to form in the fatty layer of the tears and evaporate more quickly than is healthy, worsening dryness of the eye.
Oils are present in some artificial tears types, which help to moisten the eye and combat dryness.
Types of artificial tears
The following are some ways that artificial tears vary in viscosity and preservative content:
- Various artificial tear types based on viscosity
According to their viscosity, artificial tears are divided into:
1. Low viscosity
This kind of artificial tears is typically used frequently because it provides a temporary feeling of moisture, the blurring effect disappears after a few seconds, and it is a quick fix for the dry eye problem.
2. High viscosity
This particular brand of artificial tears has a more profound effect, and it takes longer for vision to become clear after use.
High viscosity artificial tears should only be used while sleeping; they should not be used while driving or performing other tasks that call for quick clarity of vision.
- types of artificial tears based on the preservatives they contain
The following categories apply to artificial tears:
1. Synthetic tears with preservatives
Doctors advise against using artificial tears frequently because they may contain preservatives that irritate the eyes despite possibly containing preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria.
The packet of artificial tears in question contains a number of drops.
2. Preservative-free artificial tears
Doctors frequently suggest artificial tears or preservative-free eye drops, which are sold in tiny single-dose vials.
The right way to use artificial tears
Artificial tears must be applied in accordance with the directions on the box and in the recommended quantity, without increasing or decreasing. Artificial tears shouldn't be used while wearing contact lenses because they might contain preservatives that irritate your eyes or change the colour of your lenses. Here's the correct way to use artificial tears:
- Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid back slightly.
- Squeeze the artificial tears canister and apply the recommended amount.
- Close your eyes for one to two minutes with the head slightly down.
- Put your finger on the corner of the eye for a minute so that the liquid in the drop does not leak into the tear duct.
- Wait 5 minutes before applying the second drop if the recommended amount is more than one drop.
- Wait 10 minutes before starting any other type of artificial tears.
Disadvantages of using artificial tears
Artificial tears may result in the following:
- Blurred vision.
- burning sensation in the eye;
- Eye irritation and redness.