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What are Artificial Tears?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

Artificial tears are lubricant eye drops used to treat a condition known as dry eyes. It is caused by a decrease in natural tear production and is characterized by redness, itching, and irritation. The drops might contain saline, water, and a number of preservatives. This medication may be purchased over-the-counter in many instances. Patients with chronic dry eyes may need to have them prescribed by an ophthalmologist.

Dry eyes, or keratocunhuctivitis sicca, can affect people of all ages. The reason for this affliction is unknown. Although it is not often serious, individuals who are affected often have difficulty reading or looking at a computer screen for long periods. This is because doing so slows the rate of blinking, which helps to lubricate the eye. Many patients choose lubricant eye drops only when performing these activities, while others may need to use them several times a day.

Artificial tears can help treat dry eyes.
Artificial tears can help treat dry eyes.

In addition to being used by people with dry eyes, contact lens wearers also use artificial tears. This is normally done to lubricate the eye so the lens becomes more comfortable to wear. Many patients find their eyes tend to dry out after they have been wearing contact lenses for a few hours, so the drops may need to be applied every three to four hours in order to keep the retina moist.

This medication is sold in most pharmacies without a prescription. It usually comes in a box labeled artificial tears. The box normally contains a small bottle of liquid with a long nozzle on the end. This bottle usually looks similar to a regular bottle of eye drops.

People typically use artificial tears by placing two or three drops of the product in the corner of the eyelid. After this, the patient should shut his eyes for a few minutes to keep the solution from leaking out. Eyes can be lubricated more evenly by rolling them from side to side and blinking a few times.

After using artificial tears, a patient should close the bottle tightly and place it back inside the original box. It can then be stored in a medicine cabinet or on a shelf. This product should be kept out of the reach of children because lubricant eye drops can be harmful if swallowed.

Patients who use artificial tears on a long-term basis may notice changes in their vision. Eye pain and irritation are also common side effects. People who experience these symptoms should consult with their ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Discussion Comments

mobilian33

I have heard that women who are pregnant should be particularly careful about putting eye drops in their eyes because there is a possibility that the eye drops could cause a problem. Tough this is highly unlikely. The same goes for women who have had a baby and are breast feeding. They should talk with a doctor or pharmacist just as a precaution.

Animandel

@Laotionne - You should ask a doctor before you start using any kind of eye drops like artificial tears. Most people assume that since they can buy a product over the counter at the pharmacy the product must be safe for them to use. The truth is that the product may be safe in most cases, but that doesn't help you if you are one of the exceptions.

Your eyes are very sensitive and very important to your well being, so don't take any chances. Some people are allergic to the lubricants used in these products. You could be as well.

Laotionne

I do have problems with my eyes drying out sometimes. I know coworkers who have the same problem, and I see some of them using eye drops regularly. After reading this article, I realize that all of the time we spend at our computers when we are working may be making this condition worse.

I am hesitant to use these artificial tears eye drops because I don't know what is in them or how these types of products will affect my eyes down the road in five, ten or twenty years.

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    • Artificial tears can help treat dry eyes.
      By: alco81
      Artificial tears can help treat dry eyes.