There are at least three types of eye medications that are commonly used, namely antihistamine eye drops and artificial tears, eye washes and eye ointments. Understanding the types of eye medications and how to use them, can help heal from eye disorders experienced.
When you have eye pain, your doctor may prescribe eye medication for you to use independently. However, did you know that each type of eye medication has a different function and procedure for use? It is important to follow the instructions for use so that eye medications can work optimally.
Usage Eye drops correct
There are eye drops that do not contain drugs. These eye drops are only a liquid as a substitute for tears that function to moisturize dry eyes, called artificial tears. Apart from artificial tears (artificial tears), there are several other types of eye drops, namely those that contain certain substances, such as antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, eye decongestants, and antibiotics.
Eye drops usually need to be applied repeatedly. Eye drops will be absorbed through the cornea of the eye and also the mucous membrane (mucosa) of the conjunctiva.
Here are suggestions for use:
- Wash hands before and after using eye drops.
- Shake the pack.
- Gently pull the lower eyelid.
- Put it in the eye according to the dosage stated on the package.
- Close eyes for 1-2 minutes, and gently press the tear duct near the nose for at least one minute to minimize systemic absorption.
- If there is excess liquid eye drops and comes out of the eye, wipe it with a tissue.
Using Liquid PWash the Eyes Properly
This type of eye medication functions as an eye cleanser or rinse. You can use this fluid when a foreign object enters your eye. This eye wash, which is available in the form of a wash and drops, usually contains a liquid saline or 0.9% NaCl. It may also contain boric acid combined with sodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide or sodium borate to maintain the proper acidity.
To use liquid saline as an eyewash liquid is fairly easy. As with the use of eye drops in general, you only need to drip liquid saline 1-2 drops into the twinkling eye. After drip saline hits the eye, then blinks a few times so that the liquid saline can clean the eyes of foreign objects that interfere.
Apart from dripping liquid saline from the small bottle, you can also apply another way, namely using a small cup container according to the size of your eye area, as a place to clean the eyes. The method is also easy, pour the liquid saline to the cup container until it is full. Then open your eyes and bring the squinted or irritated eye close to the cup filled with liquid saline that earlier, then slowly move the eyes in all directions in the liquid saline. In this way, the liquid saline can also clean foreign objects that pollute the eyes.
Understanding How to Use Eye Ointment
You can buy an eye ointment that works to lubricate the eyes. This type of eye medication is made of almost the same ingredients as petroleum jelly and is not water-based. However, most eye ointments contain antibiotics, and must be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
Ophthalmic ointments can last longer in the eye, so they don't need to be used too often. Not long after use, usually the eyesight becomes blurry. Therefore, it is better to use it just before going to bed at night.
How to use eye ointment is as follows:
- Take some ointment.
- Pull the lower eyelid, while directing the gaze upwards.
- Apply into the eye through the lower eyelid. If you have trouble, ask someone else to apply it.
- Blink your eyes to spread the ointment.
Don't worry if your vision becomes blurry when you use it because it will recover when the ointment is absorbed.
For those of you who use contact lenses, avoid using eye medication while contact lenses are being worn. It's best to remove contact lenses before you apply eye medication, regardless of type.
It is important to understand how to use eye medication properly so that it functions optimally. If eye problems do not improve immediately, you should immediately consult a doctor.
