Your eyes are burning, feel scratchy, and desperately need relief. You reach for your trusty eye drops, which are sitting in your medicine cabinet or somewhere in the depths of your purse. But wait—this is the fourth time today you’ve reached for them. Is that too much?
How often you can use eye drops depends entirely on the type of drop. Improper handling and use of eyedrops can actually make your symptoms worse. As a basic rule:
- Preservative-free artificial tears are safe to use throughout the day, as needed.
- Always follow strict dosage instructions when using medicated eye drops.
- Most allergy eye drops are safe to use up to 2 times a day.
- Redness-relief eye drops are okay to use up to 4 times a day, but only for a few days.
If your trusted drops can’t offer the relief you need, it’s time to visit your eye doctor for a closer look.
All About Eye Drops
Eye drops feel like a miracle solution trapped in one convenient bottle, but they don’t all share one standard formula. They actually come in a range of types, each targeting a different concern.
Naturally, the type of drop influences how often you should use it. Always follow the usage instructions, and if you’re unsure, please talk to your eye doctor or pharmacist.
Artificial Tears
Artificial tears hydrate your eyes by mimicking the natural composition of your tears. This makes them ideal for soothing dryness or irritation.
Formulas with preservatives are safe to use 4-6 times a day. Overusing artificial tears with preservatives can lead to further irritation or worsen your symptoms, creating a cycle of dependency.
If you find yourself needing them more often, switch to preservative-free formulas. These don’t contain any additives and are gentler on your eyes. You can use them as needed throughout the day.
Medicated Prescription Eye Drops
Medicated eye drops contain active ingredients that treat specific conditions like infections, inflammation, or glaucoma, and require a prescription from your eye doctor. Thankfully, people are less likely to overlook instructions when medicated eye drops are involved, but staying responsible is still important.
Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. This might range from once daily to several times per day, depending on the medication and condition.
Never exceed prescribed dosages, as doing so can lead to serious complications, including:
- Increased eye pressure
- Blurry vision
- Eye pain
- Delayed healing
- Medication resistance.
Allergy Eye Drops
These drops contain antihistamines that combat the allergic reactions that cause itchy, watery, or red eyes.
You can use most over-the-counter allergy eye drops 1-2 times daily. Some are safe to use up to 4 times a day. The exact details depend on the specific formula your optometrist recommends.
Using allergy eye drops can cause rebound symptoms or increased eye irritation. Always follow the directions on the package, especially if your drops contain a prescription.
Redness-Relief Drops
Redness-relieving eye drops, also known as decongestant drops, work by shrinking blood vessels in the eye to reduce redness. Manufacturers often market these drops as “whitening” or “anti-redness” drops.
Use redness-relief drops sparingly–no more than 2-4 times a day and not for more than a few consecutive days. If you must use redness-relief drops, do so sparingly and only for special occasions. Never use them as a daily solution.
Overusing redness-relief drops can lead to rebound redness, where your eyes become even redder when the drops wear off. This creates a cycle of dependency that’s hard to break.
Signs You’re Overusing Eye Drops
Your eyes will tell you when enough is enough. Here are the warning signs that you might be overdoing it with the drops:
- Increased Irritation: If your eyes feel more irritated after using drops, or if the irritation returns stronger than before.
- Burning or Stinging: While some eye drops naturally cause mild stinging, persistent or worsening burning could indicate overuse or sensitivity.
- Blurry Vision: Overusing any eye drop can temporarily blur your vision or make it consistently unclear.
- Discharge or Crusting: Unusual discharge around your eyes, especially after using drops.
If your eyes feel irritated or your symptoms persist, put those drops aside and visit your optometrist.
Eye Drop Safety 101: How to Use Them Properly
There’s more that meets the eye when it comes to proper eye drop handling. Here’s how to use your eye drops safely:
- Wash Your Hands: Always start with clean hands.
- Check the Expiration Date: Using expired drops can cause infections or reduced effectiveness. Look for cracks, cloudiness, or particles floating in the solution. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Squeeze Gently: Gently pull down your lower eyelid with a clean finger before carefully squeezing the bottle. One drop is usually enough. More isn’t better and can waste the formula. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes to let the drop fully settle in.
- Don’t Share: Eye drops are personal items. Sharing can spread infections.
- Store Properly: Most drops should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Some medicated drops may need refrigeration.
- Replace Regularly: Even if you haven’t used all the drops, replace them according to package directions or after one month of opening.
Find Relief That Lasts
Eye drops are a fantastic tool to support your eyes, but only when you use them responsibly. It might not seem like a big deal, but too much of a good thing can lead to more harm.
If you’re constantly reaching for eye drops or your symptoms continue, it’s time to dig deeper into what’s causing your discomfort. Connect with our See Eye Clinic team to book an appointment. A comprehensive eye exam can help you find relief that lasts.
