Eye drops are a common and effective way to alleviate discomfort and treat various eye conditions. However, using them incorrectly can lead to ineffective treatment or even exacerbate existing issues. In this article, Dr Nandita eye specialist in Chembur shares six common mistakes people make when using eye drops and why it's crucial to avoid them. By understanding these mistakes, you can ensure that you get the most out of your eye drop treatment and maintain optimal eye health.
By piercing the bottle with a pin or any other sharp object, you introduce foreign matter and impurities to enter the bottle. This impacts the sterility of the solution and may make it contaminated which would eventually harm your eyes.
Often eye drops come with an applicator or with a short and sharp stick inside the nozzle to pierce a hole. It is best to make use of them and keep the sterility of the solution intact.
You’re required to be patient while putting eyedrops. One single drop at a time is the need, not multiple drops and aggressive blinking. By doing so, you’re wasting your eye drops as the eye has the capacity to absorb one drop of fluid. The rest goes to waste and may lower the effectiveness of the solution, or in certain cases, may even increase the chances of side effects.
People inadvertently touch the nozzle or place it on surfaces which makes the solution susceptible to contamination. Certain bacteria, germs, oil, etc can transfer into the solution which may increase the risk of eye infection and reduce the efficacy of the medicine.
It is imperative to handle the bottle with utmost care and use the eye drops as per the instructions.
While eye drops have a longer shelf life, it is important to note, they are not supposed to be used after a certain period (usually 15-30 days) after they are opened. At our eye clinic in Chembur, we have had several patients who were not aware of this.
Using eye drops beyond the expiry date is extremely dangerous and may negatively affect the eyes. Hence, it is crucial to read the instructions and follow them rigorously.
Eye issues like redness, irritation, lumpy eyes, etc may tempt people to purchase eye drops without a doctor’s prescription. However, this is an extremely dangerous mistake as the wrong eye drops may exacerbate the condition, cause serious damage, and may negatively affect eye health.
Ensure to keep the bottle tip at least 1 inch away from your eye to avoid the risk of contamination or eye infection.
In summary, proper usage of eye drops is paramount for effective treatment and maintaining eye health. By avoiding common mistakes such as contamination, overuse, and improper technique, you can maximize the benefits of your eye drop regimen. Remember to always consult with your eye care professional like Dr Nandita Rane, a leading ophthalmologist in Chembur, if you have any concerns or questions about using eye drops. With the right knowledge and care, you can keep your eyes healthy and enjoy clear vision for years to come.