Which eye drops can be used for allergic conjunctivitis: do not use them long-term on your own
There are many types of eye medicines. Which one to use and for how long needs an eye assessment.
Common types
- Anti-allergy eye drops: used to relieve itching and redness
- Mast cell stabilisers: mostly used for prevention and maintenance
- Artificial tears: wash out and dilute allergens, relieve dryness and the feeling of something in the eye
- Medicines that contain steroids: need to be used short-term under a doctor's guidance and with monitoring
Why you should not use them long-term on your own
Different medicines act in different ways and suit different situations. Using them long-term on your own may hide the condition or cause problems such as raised eye pressure. Products that contain a blood vessel narrowing ingredient may also cause rebound redness after long use. Whether you need them, how long to use them, and when to come back for a follow-up should be decided by an eye doctor based on an examination.
Use and when to see a doctor
Put in the drops as instructed. Do not let the bottle tip touch the eye. Leave a few minutes between different eye drops. For children, a parent needs to help and pay attention to the method. If you have eye pain, blurred vision, worse sensitivity to light, or symptoms that do not get better over time, see a doctor as soon as possible.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.