Many people believe that eye drops for dry eyes are all the same. There are many different brands that work, however some patients have a specific type the prefer. Some work equally well, so choosing the best brand can be difficult. There are actually more powerful eye drops for dry eyes that can actually help correct the problem rather than just alleviate the symptoms.
Non-Prescription Eye Drops for Dry Eyes
Non-prescription eye drops for dry eyes are abundant in any pharmacy or grocery store. Simply visit the health and beauty departments and look for eye-related products, such as contact solution and cases. This is usually where the eye drops can be found. Over the counter eye drops are great for mild cases of dry eyes. They can be purchased for a few dollars, depending on the size of the bottle.
Some patients prefer to keep a smaller bottle with them. Some of the more popular brands include Visine, Systane, Refresh Optive, and Rohto V. There are many more brands, which can make it difficult to select a specific type. After evaluating features and price, it can also help to ask friends and family for a recommendation. Multiple eye drop brands will be capable of providing relief, but some may work better than others.
Prescription Eye Drops for Dry Eyes
Severe cases of dry eye may require a prescription. Your eye doctor can advise you on whether or not a prescription medication is necessary to help find relief. Many people are reluctant to buy prescription eye drops for dry eyes because they tend to be more expensive than over the counter brands. The problem is that over the counter eye drops are not designed for long term use and should be viewed as a temporary fix or a solution for the occasional dry eye. Patients with chronic dry eyes should avoid using over the counter medication for long periods.
Restasis eye drops for dry eyes are one popular choice that is often prescribed for patients that have diminished tear production. These eye drops actually encourage tear production, which improves the longer the patient uses Restasis. Patients should always speak to their doctor about possible side effects and keep in touch with follow up visits to monitor long term use. When you talk to your doctor and follow his or her recommendations, you can get relief from severe cases with eye drops for dry eyes.