What Are Ophthalmic Eye Drops?

Ophthalmic eye drops are liquid solutions intended to moisturize or deliver medication to the eyes. While some eye medications are available in ointment form, liquid drops can provide an easier way to administer the medication. Some local anesthetics are also available as ophthalmic eye drops for patients undergoing eye surgery or other eye-related medical procedures.

Many ophthalmic eye drops are simply sterile saline solutions meant to moisturize the eyes. These types of eye drops are often labeled as “artificial tears” which means the solution is similar to the natural lubrication produced by healthy eyes. Drops formulated to moisturize eyes typically don’t contain any actual medication, and they only provide temporary relief.

Decongestant ophthalmic eye drops contain a decongestant medication in liquid form that is safe for use on the eyes. These drops help eliminate redness by causing the blood vessels in the whites of the eye to constrict. Red eyes are usually the result of an allergen or physical irritation, such as excessive rubbing of the eyes, and they usually don’t require a stronger medication. Decongestant drops do dry out the eyes, so they aren’t recommended for people whose eyes are naturally dry.

Antihistamine ophthalmic eye drops are for people who have eye-related allergy symptoms, such as itching or excessive irritation. These drops work by attaching to histamine receptors in the eyes, which prevents the body from initiating allergy symptoms. Some eye drops contain an antihistamine and a decongestant to help eliminate redness as well as allergy symptoms.

Other types of eye drops can also help eliminate symptoms of an allergic reaction. Some drops contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which help alleviate swelling and irritation of an allergic reaction. Other drops contain corticosteroids, which also reduce inflammation. Mast cell stabilizers in ophthalmic eye drops prevent cells in the eye from releasing histamine, which triggers the symptoms that accompany an allergic reaction.

Patients with bacterial eye infections often require antibiotic ophthalmic eye drops, which deliver the medication directly to the site of the infection. Viral eye infections, such as herpes eye infections, can be treated with antiviral drops. Patients with glaucoma may use eye drops to help decrease pressure in their eyes that can damage the optic nerve. These drops reduce fluid in the eye or increase the amount of fluid drained from the eye to help stabilize eye pressure.

Physicians often use anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye for certain examinations and medical procedures. These drops are typically administered only by doctors because they can damage the cornea if used improperly. Optometrists often use dilating ophthalmic eye drops to cause the pupil to expand for easier eye examinations. Dilating drops make the eye sensitive to light and can blur vision, so patients shouldn’t drive or expose their eyes to the sun after an eye exam in which these drops are used.