Eye drops for conjunctivitis

introduction

Conjunctivitis (also called Conjunctivitis called) can have different triggers, according to which the respective therapy is based. If it is caused by bacteria, for example, eye drops with antibiotics can help. If, on the other hand, an allergy is the reason for the discomfort, eye drops with so-called antihistamines should be used. These substances can help reduce the allergic reaction and so relieve the symptoms of conjunctivitis.

It is also important to note that conjunctivitis can be contagious. Those affected should therefore pay more attention to hygiene and store utensils such as towels or washcloths separately. If there is an allergic reaction, the triggering substance (the allergen) should be avoided if possible.

Does your child have conjunctivitis? Read more about our new topic "conjunctivitis in young children"

Read more on the topic Bepanthen® eye drops

No prescription vs prescription

Depending on which substances are contained in the respective eye drops, these may be available without a prescription in the pharmacy or a prescription may be necessary to purchase.

In general, one can say that eye drops with an anti-inflammatory effect or for moistening are often available without a prescription. Examples of this would be eye drops with the active ingredients Cromoglycic acid, Tetryzoline, Azelastine, lodoxamide and Levocabastine for allergic reactions in the eye. In contrast, eye drops containing the active ingredients are used to moisten or replace tear fluid Hydroxyethyl cellulose, hypromellose, povidone and carbomer. Euphrasia eye drops have an anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effect. Since they are purely vegetable, they are easy to handle.

On the other hand, eye drops that contain an antibiotic or eye drops that have a somewhat stronger effect on the immune system and thus have an anti-inflammatory effect are available only with a prescription. Examples of substances that help with bacterial infections would be doxycycline, Ofloxacin, Kanamycin and gentamicin. Eye drops with the active ingredients dexamethasone, prednisolone and, in particularly severe cases, ciclospoprin A are used to reduce inflammation.

However, it is important to use any type of eye drop correctly. It should be ensured that the drops actually reach the site of action and can be evenly distributed over the eye. As a rule, however, this can be achieved with a simple lid closure. In addition, you should never touch the eye with the tip of the dropper bottle so as not to bring other germs into the eye or to trigger additional mechanical irritation. It is therefore advisable to apply the drops from a certain distance, for example a few centimeters. And last but not least, when using the eye drops, you should make sure that they are used as described on the package insert and, if necessary, not to exceed any time restrictions.

What to do if the eye drops don't help

When treating conjunctivitis with eye drops it is important to have that Knowing the cause of the inflammation beforehand. For example, if it is a virus infection, antibiotic eye drops will not help. An allergic reaction must also be treated differently from mechanical irritation. For this it is important to have such an inflammation clarified by an ophthalmologist as the symptoms progress before starting treatment.

Well-tried home remedies like chamomilentee or Quark toppings should also only used with caution as they can of course acutely alleviate the symptoms on the one hand, but may otherwise under certain circumstances additional germ load or even lead to allergic reactions.

There is also herbal remedieswhich, when used correctly, have a beneficial effect on the course of the disease in the case of eye problems. These are also available as ready-made, purely herbal eye drops and should, under certain circumstances, be preferred to home remedies that you have prepared yourself if your eye is already heavily stressed. Three herbal remedies that are good for relieving eye discomfort Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) and celandine (Chelidonium majus), both effective against inflammation and the Garden rue (Ruta graveolens) to moisten dry eyes.

Duration of use

When using eye drops you should, if available, the Follow the ophthalmologist's instructions. For over-the-counter products, it is advisable to use the Leaflet read about this and, if necessary, ask the pharmacist about it. It is important here that eye drops contain a substance that constricts the blood vessels only a few days should be used, otherwise they can lead to dry eyes.

Burning sensation in the eye with conjunctivitis

When using eye drops on the inflamed eye, instillation can sometimes lead to a burning sensation. The reason for this can be the Involvement of Cornea on the inflammatory process be or else containing preservatives in the eye drops themselves. The uncomfortable feeling usually remains, but if it lasts longer or leads to additional complaints, the preparation should be changed or the complaints should be clarified again by an ophthalmologist.

Antibiotics

Eye drops containing antibiotics should only be used if a bacterial infection is confirmed. Typical bacterial strains that can cause conjunctivitis are, for example Staphylococci, Pneumococci, Hemopphilus and Moraxella species.

Too frequent topical application of antibiotics to the eye could otherwise promote further inflammation in the long term. In addition, continuous antibiotic use could lead to the formation of resistant germs against such antibiotics, which in turn could make future treatment of an infection even more difficult. The indication for antibiotics should therefore always be made strictly and only be given by the ophthalmologist.

Read more on the topic: Floxal

In addition to the drops, an antibiotic eye ointment can also be used. This is often prescribed for conjunctivitis because it is not so quickly flushed out of the connective sac by the increased tears.

Learn more at: Floxal eye ointment