Ophthalmologist explained the dangers of using eye drops

A bottle of moisturizing drops often lies in several places at once — in a bag, car, or on a desktop, as many people use them almost every day when they burn and feel "sand" in their eyes. On March 7, Karina Kozina, a specialist at the Vision ophthalmological center, told Izvestia about when such drops are really needed and when they only mask the problem.

According to her, the habit of frequently using moisturizing drops is usually formed due to everyday activities: prolonged work behind screens, dry indoor air due to heating or air conditioners, wearing contact lenses, lack of sleep or prolonged driving. The surface of the eye dries out, there is a burning sensation and a feeling of sand, and the drops give quick relief. If the conditions do not change, the discomfort returns, and the person begins to use them regularly.

At the same time, the moisturizing drops themselves, especially without preservatives, are usually safe and are actually used for dry eye syndrome. However, the problem arises when a person only relieves symptoms for months without finding out the cause of dryness. Common factors include blepharitis, disorders of the meibomian glands, incorrectly selected contact lenses, allergies, or inappropriate vision correction.

"It's worth considering if the dryness returns every day and increases in the evening, the redness has become habitual, the light is annoying, the lenses have become worse tolerated, and clarity sometimes "floats". Another common option is the feeling of sand along with lacrimation. This happens with unstable tear film: the eye dries up, then the "emergency" tear turns on," she noted.

She said that an urgent doctor's consultation is necessary for eye pain, severe photophobia, severe visual impairment, discharge or a feeling of a foreign body that does not go away. It is especially important not to delay a visit to the doctor if there is severe redness in one eye in people who wear contact lenses.

Kozina also noted that moisturizing drops and redness remedies work in different ways. Moisturizers maintain the tear film, while drops of "redness" constrict blood vessels and only temporarily eliminate redness, without affecting the cause of irritation. With frequent use, redness may even worsen after withdrawal.

To reduce the risk of dry eyes, experts recommend taking breaks when working at a computer, blinking more often, not holding the screen too close, and avoiding direct airflow from an air conditioner or heater. It is also important to follow the sleep schedule and, if necessary, review the mode of wearing contact lenses.

On February 20, Elina Santoro, an ophthalmologist at the 3Z federal clinic network, said that the use of vapes can lead to the development of dry eye syndrome and dysfunction of the meibomian glands. According to the expert, the impact can be either intentional, related to the smoking process, or accidental. For example, if refueling liquid gets into your eyes or if there are incidents with the devices themselves.

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