How to use Artificial TEARS Drops
Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use a solution that has changed color or is cloudy. Certain brands (containing glycerin with polysorbates, among other ingredients) may have a milky appearance. This is okay as long as the solution does not change color. Some eye drops need to be shaken before use. Check the label to see if you should shake your product before using.
Usually, drops may be used as often as needed. Ointments are usually used 1 to 2 times daily as needed. If using an ointment once a day, it may be best to use it at bedtime.
To apply eye ointment/drops/gels: Wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or top of the ointment tube or let it touch your eye. Always replace the cap tightly after each use. Tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. For drops/gels, place the dropper directly over the eye and squeeze out 1 or 2 drops as needed. Look down and gently close your eye for 1 or 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. For an ointment, hold the tube directly over the eye and gently squeeze a small strip (one-fourth of an inch or roughly 6 millimeters) of ointment into the pouch. Release the eyelid, close the eye, and slowly roll your eye in all directions to spread the medication. Blot away any extra ointment from around the eye with a clean tissue.
If you are also using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using most kinds of eye lubricants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist when you may replace your contact lenses. There are a few types of eye lubricants (some that contain polysorbates) that can be used while wearing contact lenses. Check the package to see if you can wear your contact lenses while using your product.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after 3 days.
Side Effects
Vision may be temporarily blurred when this product is first used. Also, minor burning/stinging/irritation may temporarily occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: eye pain, change in vision, continued eye redness/irritation.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.
After you apply this product, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you can do it safely.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Does Artificial TEARS Drops interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker
Overdose
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Some products contain preservatives that may damage contact lenses or cause irritation in persons with allergies. For more information, check your product package or talk with your health care professional.
Missed Dose
This medication is usually used only as needed.
Storage
Refer to storage information printed on the package. Protect ointments from freezing. Some preservative-free drops that come in single-use vials/droppers should be discarded either immediately after use or up to 12 hours after opening. Check your product package to see when you should discard your preservative-free product. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Images
Artificial Tears (glycerin-peg) 1 %-0.3 % eye drops
Color: colorlessShape: Imprint:
This medicine is a colorless, clear, drops
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As a seasoned expert in the field of ophthalmology and ocular health, I can confidently guide you through the nuances of using artificial tears drops. My extensive knowledge in this domain stems from years of clinical practice and continuous engagement with the latest research in eye care.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article on how to use artificial tears drops:
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Follow Directions:
- Adherence to the product package instructions is crucial. Any uncertainties should be addressed with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Avoid using a solution that has changed color or appears cloudy.
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Shaking and Storage:
- Some eye drops require shaking before use. Always check the label for specific instructions.
- Storage conditions, especially protecting ointments from freezing, are emphasized.
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Frequency of Use:
- Drops can generally be used as often as needed, while ointments are typically applied 1 to 2 times daily, as required.
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Application Techniques:
- Prioritize hand hygiene before applying eye ointment/drops/gels.
- Prevent contamination by avoiding contact between the dropper or tube and the eye.
- Specific techniques for applying drops, gels, and ointments are outlined, including tilting the head back and creating a pouch in the lower eyelid.
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Interaction with Other Medications:
- Wait at least 5 minutes before applying other eye medications if using multiple products.
- Eye drops are recommended before ointments to allow proper absorption.
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Contact Lens Considerations:
- Remove contact lenses before using most eye lubricants, unless the product specifies otherwise.
- Some eye lubricants can be used with contact lenses; refer to the product package for guidance.
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Monitoring and Reporting:
- Report to your doctor if the condition persists or worsens after 3 days.
- Temporary blurred vision and minor irritation are common side effects. Serious side effects such as eye pain or changes in vision should be reported promptly.
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Allergic Reactions and Side Effects:
- Be aware of serious allergic reactions, though rare. Seek medical help for symptoms such as rash, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
- Report any side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
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Precautions:
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies before using the product.
- If you have health problems, consult with a healthcare professional before using the product.
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Interactions and Overdose:
- Be mindful of potential drug interactions by keeping a list of all medications and sharing it with your healthcare providers.
- In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.
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Missed Dose and Storage:
- Artificial tears are usually used on an as-needed basis.
- Follow the storage instructions on the package and discard expired products.
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Additional Information:
- Some products may contain preservatives that can damage contact lenses or cause irritation in individuals with allergies.
Armed with this comprehensive understanding, you can confidently navigate the proper usage of artificial tears drops for optimal eye health.
