What types of eye drops are there?
Dry eyes, allergy, inflammation – there are different eye drops for the treatment of eye complaints. Here you will find an overview of the various types and learn what you should bear in mind.
Lubricating eye drops for dry eyes
Various eye drops are commonly used to treat dry eyes. They lubricate the eyes, give them protection and keep the surface smooth. These drops provide the natural tear film with lubrication and thus relieve the typical symptoms of itching, burning and redness.
There are different degrees of lubricating eye drops for different severities of dry eyes. As needed, tired eyes are refreshed, lubrication is provided, and there are even drops that balance the deficient lipid layer of the tear film. However, the goal is always to provide long-lasting, uniform lubrication of the surface of the eye, to alleviate the discomfort of dry eyes, and to soothe the irritated ocular surface. The range of lubricating eye drops is large and the ingredients diverse, such as polyacrylic acid, cellulose derivatives or hypromellose.
Hyaluronic acid has proved to be particularly effective in the treatment of dry eyes. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the eye as well as in other parts of the body, and is therefore very well tolerated. It has the special physical property of forming an even, stable and particularly long-lasting lubricant film on the surface of the eye without being rinsed off quickly. This provides the eye with long-lasting protection against dryness and irritation.
In order to meet the different needs in the treatment of dry eyes, eye drops containing hyaluronic acid are available in different concentrations, or viscosities:
- Low concentrated / low-viscous eye drops are sufficient for mild, only occasional symptoms and can be used as needed.
- For moderate to severe or chronic symptoms of dry eye, eye drops should be used which ensure a stable and even lubrication of the eye surface. Eye drops with higher concentrations of hyaluronic acid, for example, are suitable here, as their water-binding properties and high viscosity provide the eye with a stable, long-lasting lubricant film.
- Additives, such as dexpanthenol or ectoine also support hyaluronic acid in various ways to moisturise and regenerate the eye surface.
If lubricating dry eyes with eye drops alone is not sufficient, then eye gels or eye ointment may also be used as a supplement:
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Eye gels for severe discomfort
The use of an eye gel is suitable for severe discomfort or chronically dry eyes. With its special composition, the gel provides long-lasting and intensive support for the tear film. It remains on the surface of the eye for a long time and does not need to be replenished as frequently.
Eye ointment for night-time protection
The long overnight period can be quite hard on dry eyes, because the eyes cannot be lubricated with eye drops during sleep. On awakening in the morning, an unpleasant scratching and burning of the eye can develop, and crusts can collect along the eyelid margins. Eye ointments with vitamin A or heparin, for example, can be a great relief for those affected, as they protect against dehydration while at the same time improving the tear film.
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Eye drops for allergy
Those who have allergy-related red, itchy and watery eyes can rely on eye drops, which have an anti-allergic and antiinflammatory effect due to their active ingredients. Acute irritations can be alleviated, for example, with eye drops containing the active ingredient azelastine. Azelastine blocks the effect of the neurotransmitter histamine, which is responsible for the allergic reaction. Eye drops containing the active substance cromoglicic acid intervene earlier in the allergic mechanism. When used in good time, it reduces the release of histamine before discomfort even occurs.
Eye drops for other eye diseases
For the treatment of other eye diseases, such as viral or bacterial infections, eye drops containing various active ingredients are available, which can be prescribed by an eye specialist, depending on the cause of the symptoms.
What should I bear in mind when using eye drops?
In order not to irritate the eye further, eye drops should be free of preservatives and phosphate buffers, because some people are very sensitive, or even allergic, to these ingredients. On the bottle it is stated in each case how long the product can be applied after its first use. The shelf life is usually between 4 weeks and 6 months.
What is the best way to apply eye drops to the eye?
Wash your hands before using the drops to prevent germs and pathogens from entering your eye while instilling them. To prevent contamination of the eye drops, only one single person should be treated with the contents of one bottle:
- Contact lenses must be removed before applying medicinal eye drops and should not be reinserted until 15-30 minutes have elapsed. With other eye drops too, you may need to remove the lenses before application. Please read the package insert of the respective preparation.
- Some eye drops need to be shaken well before use. Again, please check the package insert or bottle label to see if this applies to your drops.
- Tilt your head back slightly and look up.
- Using a clean finger or a handkerchief, gently pull down your lower eyelid.
- Hold the bottle close over your eye with the dropper tip facing down and instil one drop into the conjunctival sac.
- For hygienic reasons, make sure that the tip of the bottle does not come into contact with your eye or fing
Do eye drops require a prescription?
The prescription of eye drops is regulated by law and depends on the respective active ingredient. That means that there are both prescription-only as well as pharmacy-only eye drops. Eye drops for lubricating are usually available in pharmacies without a prescription. Your doctor or pharmacist will provide you with detailed information on the respective preparation.