When you visit your eye doctor for red, sore, or itchy eyes, they may recommend you use eye drops. However, not all products work the same way. Each type of eye drop provides different benefits. Understanding some of these can help you determine what type you need to find relief from your symptoms. To help you make an informed decision, here are some of the common options doctors prescribe.

Eye Drops Recommended by Vision Specialists

1. Lubricants

Also called artificial tears, these are the most common types of eye drops found over the counter. They contain many of the same components as natural tears, and are used to treat temporary dryness caused by the environment rather than an underlying illness. For example, if you are staring at a screen for a prolonged period or live in a dry, windy area, you need ordinary lubricating eye drops to stay comfortable.

2. Antihistamines

If your eyes are red and itchy from allergies, medicated antihistamine eye drops will soothe them. Some are available over the counter, but if those aren't potent enough, you may need to visit your eye doctor for a prescription.

3. Decongestants

These eye drops are designed to treat redness by constricting the blood vessels of the eye, making them less noticeable. For this reason, decongestant eye drops can dry out the eyes or cause rebound redness if used too frequently.  These should be used less often, and you may also want to address the underlying cause of the redness, which could be anything from conjunctivitis to glaucoma. 

4. Eyewash

Many eyewashes are mild saline or boric acid solutions that can help to flush out and prevent infection in irritated eyes. This is frequently used when people get objects or insects caught in their eyes. While it won’t cure an infection, it can be soothing for these mild issues until evaluated by an eye doctor.

If you're not sure which type of eye drops you need, ask an eye doctor at Tri-State Eye in Orange County and Middletown, NY, and Milford, PA. Serving the tri-state area, they offer everything from basic eye exams to vision loss treatment and cataract surgery. Their expert doctors use modern technology to provide quality care and ensure you're satisfied with the results. Visit their website to learn more about the practice or call (845) 703-2020 or (570)296-9696 to schedule a visit.