Over-the-counter eye drops offer relief for many conditions, such as dry eye and allergies.
Though deemed safe, these eye drops may contain medications and many other additives that have potentially harmful effects. If you experience a complication related to an over-the-counter eye drop, stop using the drop and consult an eye doctor.
Allergic Reaction
A person using an over-the-counter eye drop may have an allergic reaction to a component that makes up the solution. Some people may experience redness and irritation as a result of the contact with the allergen---a condition called allergic conjunctivitis---and should stop using the eye drops. Some people, however, may not recognize that the reaction stems from using the eye drop and will continue to use the solution. This may result in more inflammation and irritation in the eyes.
Cool compresses on the eyes may help relieve these symptoms, but in severe cases, an eye doctor may need to prescribe a different type of eye drop to resolve the condition, states the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Systemic Effects
The eye can only hold so much of an eye drop. As a result, when a person puts a drop in her eye, the excess will drain through the tear ducts. The drop moves down the back of the throat and into the stomach. The body then absorbs the solutions in the eye drop. Both over-the-counter or prescription eye drops can make their way throughout the body in this way. If a person has a reaction to any part of the eye drop solution, he may exhibit a reaction in different parts of the body, called a systemic reaction. Reactions may include nausea, vomiting or headache, states the University of Illinois at Chicago.
If a person knows she has a reaction to certain medications or solutions that may appear in eye drops, she should discuss eye drop use with an eye doctor or pharmacist to determine the best over-the-counter eye drops that will be less likely to cause a systemic reaction.
Misuse
Misuse is perhaps the greatest danger in using over-the-counter eye drops. Before using an eye drop purchased from a pharmacy or other retailer, a person should read the instructions carefully to ensure proper use. Many over-the-counter eye drops are intended for occasional use only, but some people use them long-term. Eye drops that claim to get rid of redness may work fine when used infrequently. However, if used often, the eye drops may actually increase redness and irritation, explains The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. If a person has any question about the use of an eye drop, he should discuss proper use with her eye doctor or pharmacist.
