Do those who use the old saying “everything in small amounts” actually suggest everything? I used to believe there must be some activities that were exempt from the adage, today I’m not so sure.
Dangers of Using Too Much Eye Drops
Much of us might not worry about overdosing on water; however, it’s true that in unusual cases consuming too much H²O can cause a potentially deadly condition called water intoxication. Also, I’m sure the last thing that people with jobs and kids need to worry about is getting excessive sleep, but the killjoys over at the University of California, San Diego launched a research study revealing that people who sleep at least 8 hours a night are more likely to die younger.
Is it not safe to overindulge in anything nowadays? As it ends up, even something as benign as eye drops can be hazardous if excessive used. Although using too much eye drops might not bring about premature death, the issues it can cause may stun you.
Eye drops are used to treat many conditions, consisting of glaucoma, allergies, and dry eyes. Prescription eye drops, of the sort used in the treatment of glaucoma and specific severe allergies, carry explicit guidelines on how many to use at a time as well as the total number of eye drops that can be safely used in one day. Comparable precautions are consisted of in the product packaging of non-prescription eye drops, such as Clear Eyes® and Visine A.C.® Nevertheless, many individuals neglect these directions, using eye drops whenever they feel the tiniest discomfort.
Those who have followed the suggestions of Ben Stein and used eye drops to “get the red out” might be shocked to find out that overuse of these drops can increase eye redness and cause the conditions that they are attempting to correct.
Naphazoline, among the active components in Clear Eyes®, is used in more great quantities in prescription-only eye drops and deals with redness brought on by pollen, smog, and other irritants. With overuse, this component can instigate a laundry list of side effects, consisting of dizziness, headache, increased sweating, nausea, weak point, uneasiness, reduction in body temperature, and slow heartbeat. The potential side effects from excessive using prescription eye drops with other active ingredients are similarly undesirable, and consist of vomiting, troubled breathing, and back pain.
On the other hand, synthetic tears do not consist of the same components discovered in prescription eye drops (and many non-prescription allergy eye drops) that can be damaging if overused. Therefore, it is much more secure to use synthetic tears repeatedly. A lot of the plan directions do not restrict the whole variety of drops that can be applied, but eye doctors caution that the preservatives in some artificial tears can increase inflammation if used too frequently. Fortunately is that, when it comes to preservative-free artificial tears, there is almost no risk of overuse.
Even though I am now aware of the potential risks of using eye drops, I do not intend on losing any sleep over them (also if more snooze-time can shorten my lifespan). Many people do not need to worry much, as long as they follow the usage directions on their prescriptions or labels and treat dry eyes with preservative-free artificial tears. While they’re at it, they would likewise be wise to bear in mind that old expressions are often correct.
Why You Should to Track Dosages of Eye Drops?
Similar to any medication, it’s essential that eyedrops be taken as directed. Missing doses or excessive using drops can impact treatment. Marionneaux recommends timing dosages to an existing regimen, such as when you take other medications or setting the alarm on a smartphone or other device as a suggestion.
You may wish to move an eyedrop bottle from one area to another once it’s been used. If you choose, keep a log or draw up a chart and examine off the dose whenever a drop is used.
If a patient with a potentially severe condition like glaucoma can’t keep in mind whether they used their eye medicine, Marioneaux recommends putting in a drop to be safe. “If they’re not sure and their pressure is inadequately managed, I’d rather have them do an extra one if they have not done it than to refrain from doing it,” she states. However, Marioneaux says, “I do not routinely want them putting an extra drop in.”
How to Avoid Too Many Eye Drops After LASIK?
Upon offering you your prescription, your doctor’s personnel will carefully describe the directions for how to administer the eye drops appropriately. The first thing to clarify is why you’re using these drops. Is it to lower pain or inflammation? To avoid post-surgery issues or problems? You will find out the reason why your aftercare is so vital to your post-surgery success.
Your medical professional’s personnel will likewise make clear what you will experience when using these eye drops- whether you should anticipate a small stinging sensation or if your vision might be a little blurred after instilling. This will make sure you have a clear expectation and not a surprise during your aftercare.
You will then be provided an in-office demonstration of how to impart the eye drops appropriately. Don’t be shy, and make sure to ask all questions you might have throughout this demonstration.
In addition to offering you with an oral guideline, you will be provided with in-depth composed instructions which clearly describe how to utilize your medication effectively.