Dry eye is one of the common eye problems that can reduce people's quality of life.... This problem occurs for various reasons, such as environmental factors, long-term use of computers and mobile phones, or physiological changes associated with aging.... One of the effective solutions to relieve the symptoms of dry eyes is the use of artificial tear drops...

In this article from GCORP LLC magazine, stay with us so that we can introduce you to the benefits, side effects and methods of using artificial tear drops.

What is an artificial tear drop?

Artificial tears are a type of eye medicine that is used to moisten the surface of the eye and remove the symptoms of dry eyes.. This drop, which helps to improve the condition of dry eyes by creating a thick layer on the outer surface of the eye, can be used temporarily or long-term...

Artificial tear compositions are designed in such a way that they are very similar to natural tear compositions and are considered as harmless eye drops.... This drop is useful for all people who suffer from the problem of dry eyes, but remember that the use of artificial tears is not recommended for children under the age of three.

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What are artificial tears made of?

The effective compounds of this drop are:

• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Polyethylene glycol
• Carboxymethyl cellulose
• Salt
• Preservatives

Benefits of artificial tears

This drop has many uses and is prescribed to improve eye problems... Among its most important benefits, the following can be mentioned:

• Fix dry eyes
• Eye disinfectant
• Eliminating friction on the cornea
• Improving eye swelling and redness
• Fixing eye irritations
• Increasing eye moisture

How artificial tear drops work

The function of this drop is similar to natural tears due to its lubrication.. In fact, artificial tears stabilize the outer layer of natural tears and thicken it, helping natural tears to break later and keep the cornea moist.. In general, it can be said that this drop sits on the cornea like a defensive barrier and prevents dry eyes while eliminating dry eyes..

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Types of artificial tear drops

There are different types of lubricating drops, and although they are harmless, the best artificial tears should be determined by an ophthalmologist according to the specific conditions of each person...

1- Artificial tears with preservatives

Lubricating eye drops that contain preservatives can be reused after opening the eyelid. The preservatives in this product prevent the growth of bacteria in the solution. Of course, some people are allergic to the drops that contain preservatives and their eyes become red or swollen.. Therefore, they recommend consulting an ophthalmologist to choose the best artificial tears.

2- Artificial tears without preservatives

This product, which is called disposable artificial tears, is produced in the form of a single-dose vial.... Remember that after opening the lid of the disposable eye drop, it should not be used again.... People who are allergic to preservatives or have to put artificial tears in their eyes more than four times a day can easily use this product..

3- Artificial tears in the form of gel

When lubricating drops are not able to treat dry eyes, the ophthalmologist may prescribe artificial tears in the form of a gel... so it is better to use it before going to bed.

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Using artificial tear drops

The most important application of lubricating eye drops is to relieve dry eyes.... This condition is caused by various reasons.... For this reason, artificial tears can be used in a wide range...

Next, we will examine the effect of this drop on the factors that cause dry eyes:

1- Artificial tear after LASIK operation

One of the side effects of LASIK surgery, which is performed to correct refractive errors in myopic, myopic, and astigmatic people, is dry eyes. This condition is temporary, but it can cause discomfort and negatively affect the quality of a person's vision. The use of artificial tear drops after LASIK surgery under the supervision of an ophthalmologist is recommended as a way to relieve the symptoms of dry eyes.

2- Artificial tears after Lasak operation

Lazak surgery is another surgical method to fix refractive errors of the eye, which most people experience severe dry eyes for a while after doing it.. Usually, the doctor advises the patient to use artificial tear drops from a few weeks to a few months after the Lazak surgery.... In addition to reducing dry eyes, this drop prevents the risk of infection and eye inflammation.

3- Artificial tears after cataract surgery

Another condition in which the use of lubricating eye drops is necessary is cataract surgery.. Using these drops after cataract surgery can significantly help reduce dry eyes and improve the quality of people's vision.

Other uses of eye drops include:

• Dry eyes caused by long-term use of computers, mobile phones and tablets
• Burning and pain in the eyes after exposure to wind or direct sunlight
• Dry eyes after reading a lot
• Dry eyes caused by aging and lack of body water
• Inflammation, redness and burning of the eyes due to continuous smoking and hookah use
• Eye sensitivity after taking drugs such as antihistamines
• Dry eyes due to certain diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome

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Which artificial tear drops are better?

Currently, there are various brands of this type of drops available in the market, but some of them are more recommended than others by ophthalmologists, which are:

• Loss of tears
• Avizor
• Acuaiss
• Advanced Sinalone

How many times a day can artificial tear drops be used?

These drops can generally be obtained from a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription, but it is better to consult an ophthalmologist to know how often you can use lubricating eye drops..

How to use artificial tears

To use this drop, it is better to carefully read the instructions on the package or act according to the doctor's opinion... How to use the artificial tear drop is simple... For this purpose, it is enough to wash your hands well first, then bend your head back a little and look up...

Now, with your finger, lower the lower eyelid a little and with the other hand, press the bottle containing the drops above your eye so that the desired number of drops falls into the eye..

When using these drops, it is necessary to observe the following points:

• Do not touch the tip of the dropper bottle and be careful not to touch your eyes.
• After pouring the drops into the eyes, close your eyes for a few seconds.
• Avoid rubbing the eyes immediately after using the drops.
• It is normal to feel blurred vision up to 10 minutes after using the drops.
• Avoid contact of artificial tears with the lens.
• Store artificial tear drops in the refrigerator, but be careful not to freeze them.

How to use disposable artificial tears

To use preservative-free eye drops, just follow the steps below:

• Wash your hands first.
• Tip the lid of the disposable dropper vial and remove it from the body.
• Grab the end of the disposable vial to separate it from the strip.
• Pull down your lower eyelid and look up
• Put the required number of drops into the eye according to the ophthalmologist's instructions.
• Look down and slowly close your eyes.

Remember, this type of artificial tear drop is single-use, which means that even if there is some solution left in the vial, it must be thrown away...Also, if the number of drops prescribed by the ophthalmologist is more than one drop at a time, put each drop in the eye five minutes apart.

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What are the side effects of artificial tears?

Possible side effects of this drop include:

• Eye burning
• Itchy eyes
• Blurred vision
• Feeling pain and discomfort in the eyes
Allergic symptoms
• Feeling of a foreign body in the eye

If you feel any of these symptoms, see an eye doctor immediately so that another drop can be used instead of artificial tears if needed.

Is it permissible to use artificial tears during pregnancy?

Using lubricating eye drops during pregnancy is safe and harmless....Many women suffer from dry eyes during this period due to hormonal changes and can use these drops to relieve annoying symptoms....but since there are different types of lubricating eye drops, it is better to consult a doctor to choose the best artificial tear drop.

Where to get artificial tears?

Using artificial tear drops is a useful solution for treating dry eyes... Since this product has different types, you should not use it arbitrarily without a doctor's prescription.... To buy original and high-quality artificial tear drops, you can visit reputable pharmacies such as GCORP LLC online pharmacy.

GCORP LLC has made it possible for you to make a better choice by checking other users' opinions about the product and comparing the prices of different brands...Also, you can visit the website GCORP LLC to ask your questions about how to use lubricating eye drops and consult an ophthalmologist online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: clevelandclinic | webmd