Eye drops are a common way to get medication into the eyes. According to the Academy of Ophthalmology, most of the medication in the eye drops remains in the eye after administration, but a small amount does affect the rest of the body. Eye drops are available as over-the-counter preparations and as prescription medications, depending on what type of eye ailment needs to be treated.
Artificial Tears
Lubricating eye drops--also known as artificial tear drops--are available over the counter to relieve the symptoms of dry eyes. These drops are meant to soothe dry eyes and can be used multiple times a day. For patients who need to use these drops more often, there are artificial tears that have no preservatives; constant exposure to preservatives can cause eye irritation. The preservative-free drops often come in single-dose containers to prevent bacterial contamination.
Anti-Allergy Drops
Over-the-counter antihistamine drops can alleviate ocular allergy symptoms. Histamine is the chemical that causes the eyes to itch, and these eye drops reduce the amount of histamine in the eye tissues, as noted on the VisonRX website. Some anti-allergy eye drops are available as prescription medications; however, many are also available without a prescription.
Decongestant Drops
Decongestant drops are used to decrease the redness in the eyes by shrinking the blood vessels in the conjunctiva and making the eyes whiter. Some forms of these drops have antihistamine medications included to relieve symptoms of allergies as well. Decongestant eye drops are available over the counter. However, if these eye drops are used regularly, the eyes actually become redder and become dependent on the eye drops to remain white. These drops can also cause irritation and dryness after being their use is stopped, as noted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Prescription Antibiotic and Antiviral Eyedrops
Antibiotic eye drops are used to treat bacterial eye infections. There are multiple types of antibiotics that are available as eye medications, and any one type does not necessarily cure every type of eye infection. Some of these eye infections are caused by viruses. According to The Merck Manuals, while most of viral infections are not treatable with eye medications, certain eye infections--such as those caused by the herpes simplex virus--can be treated with antiviral medications in eye drop formulations. These are prescription medications and should be used with an eye doctor’s guidance.
Prescription Anti-inflammatory Eyedrops
Prescription anti-inflammatory medications can reduce inflammation in the eyes. There are two types of these medications: steroidal and non-steroidal, as noted by VisionRX. Steroidal eye drops contain corticosteroid and are stronger than non-steroidal drops, which contain ibuprofen. Doctors usually prescribe these medications for conditions such as iritis or after an ocular surgical procedure. Steroid medications can cause cataracts or glaucoma if not used correctly.
Prescription Glaucoma Eyedrops
Glaucoma eye drops decrease the pressure inside of the eye by either increasing the drainage of fluid from the eye or decreasing the production of fluid inside of the eye, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. These medications are prescribed by an eye doctor as well. Since glaucoma can cause a loss of vision if not treated appropriately, a doctor will continue to monitor the eye pressure and the use of the eye medication to see if it is effective.
