Types of Eye Drops: What Are They? Choice and How to Apply

it is an ophthalmic preparation, generally water-based, inside which there are active substances capable of relieving and / or treating eye disorders or diseases.

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In fact, while some eye drops are intended for the treatment of real ophthalmic diseases (for example, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, uveitis, etc.), others are reserved for the improvement of ocular disorders of a non-pathological nature (for example, red eyes, dry eyes , etc.).

Depending on the active ingredients contained, the eye drops can be sold with or without a prescription: some of them are medical devices or classified as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, while others require presentation of a suitable medical prescription in order to be dispensed. There are also homeopathic eye drops which, as such, do not have approved therapeutic indications and can be freely purchased (it is however advisable to consult a doctor before using them).

For further information: Eye drops: What is it for, Types, When and How to use it : these eye drops are enriched with humectants, essential to guarantee the right degree of humidity to the eye.

Eye drops for red eyes: usually do not require a medical prescription, as they are intended for the improvement of a transient disturbance, for example linked to atmospheric insults or the penetration of a foreign body into the eye (for example, eyelashes or contact lenses).

Antihistamine and / or decongestant eye drops: they are indicated for the treatment of symptoms of allergic diseases or disorders.

Antibiotic eye drops: they are indicated for ophthalmic pathologies characterized by an established bacterial infection (for example, bacterial conjunctivitis).

Eye drops with steroidal active ingredients: these are powerful eye anti-inflammatory, indicated in case of severe phlogistic (inflammatory) phenomena.

Eye drops for the treatment of glaucoma: these are pharmacological preparations aimed at reducing intraocular pressure.

Eye drops with mydriatic effect: these types of eye drops are mainly used for diagnostic purposes, in order to dilate the pupil to facilitate the examination of the ocular structures.

In the following chapters, these types of eye drops will be analyzed in more detail.

Other Subdivisions

In addition to the more specific classification according to the active ingredients contained and the therapeutic indications, eye drops can also be divided into two macro-groups according to the container that contains them. In this case, we can distinguish:

• Eye drops in single-dose containers: the ophthalmic preparation is contained in single-dose vials that can be used, depending on the case, up to 12-24 hours after opening (refer to the information on the package leaflet). Given the "single-dose" use, in these formulations do not require the addition of preservatives.
• Eye drops in multidose bottles: the ophthalmic preparation is contained in a reusable container over and over again up to 3-4 weeks after opening, depending on the product used (also in this case, refer to the information on the package leaflet). In this type of eye drops it is essential to use preservatives to prevent / counter microbial growth.

tear, be slightly alkaline, isotonic with the tear film and naturally free of preservatives. In this sense, eye drops in single-dose container can be useful.

The ideal active ingredients for making eye drops against dry eyes are therefore substances with a moisturizing, humectant, lubricating and refreshing action. Often and willingly, ingredients of natural origin are used in eye drops of this type, such as the distilled waters of plants with a soothing action (for example, chamomile, euphrasia, etc.).

and refreshing. Also in this case, these are often preparations based on distilled waters of medicinal plants useful for counteracting the condition of redness (for example, chamomile, calendula, etc.).