Usage and Precautions Vary by Ingredients... Appropriate Selection Needed
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwanju] The first thing people reach for when their eyes feel dry and gritty is artificial tears. Artificial tears serve to supplement the deficient natural tears. They are eye drops with a pH level similar to that of natural tears, helping the main functions of tears such as lubricating the ocular surface, protecting against external irritants and foreign substances, cleansing the ocular surface, and delivering clear images to the retina.
Not all artificial tears are the same. Depending on their ingredients, usage methods and precautions differ, so it is important to select the appropriate medication. Generally, artificial tears are classified into single-use and multi-use types based on the presence or absence of preservatives. Single-use artificial tears without preservatives are suitable for use more than four times a day or when wearing contact lenses. Since microplastics may enter the solution upon opening single-use artificial tears, it is recommended to discard the first drop before use.
Artificial tears containing preservatives include trace amounts of additives like disinfectants, but overuse can harm eye health. Especially when wearing soft contact lenses, preservatives can settle and adhere to the lenses, causing inflammation. Multi-use artificial tears have the advantage of being usable for up to one month after opening, but because they are used over a long period, strict hygiene management is necessary. Also, the cap should not be left open or exposed to the outside, and regardless of the indicated expiration date, they should be used within one month after opening.
To achieve optimal effects, artificial tears containing appropriate ingredients should be used according to the cause of dry eyes. When dry eye syndrome occurs due to decreased tear production, general artificial tears are absorbed and disappear, so it is advisable to use artificial tears prescribed with tear secretion-promoting ingredients. These artificial tears also have wound healing effects, helping to shorten recovery time after ophthalmic surgery and prevent inflammation, and they have properties that bind with large amounts of water, which can help keep the cornea moist.
Besides dry eye syndrome, artificial tears may be prescribed for treating inflammation or to enhance the absorption of other medications after ophthalmic surgery. When multiple eye drops need to be administered along with artificial tears, it is preferable to apply liquids first, then ointments, with intervals of about 5 to 15 minutes to aid absorption. Also, if a large amount is applied at once, the eye’s capacity to hold the solution may be exceeded, reducing absorption and effectiveness. Therefore, it is better to apply one drop at a time and close the eyes briefly to help absorption.
When instilling artificial tears, if the tip of the container touches the eye, it can cause injuries to the conjunctiva or cornea, and the tip can become contaminated. Therefore, avoid direct contact and drop the solution from above. Extra caution is needed when using artificial tears for inflammation treatment. Washing hands before use helps prevent contamination, and it is important to check and follow the expiration date and storage instructions carefully.
Specialist Ko Kyungmin from the Cornea Center at Kim Eye Hospital explained, “Proper use of artificial tears is a good way to relieve dry eye syndrome. However, since there are various types of artificial tears and precautions for instillation, users should understand the ingredients and usage methods. If dry eye symptoms do not improve with artificial tears, it may be due to other causes, so it is advisable to consult an ophthalmology specialist.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
