Overusing eye drops?

Question

I've realized I use eye drops too much.. as in everyday in the morning. The effects of the drops always wears off before the end of the day anyways and my eyes are as red as ever, so i've realized how pointless it is to use them. The problem is, if I just stop using them in the morning, my eyes will be completely bloodshot and everyone will ask what's wrong with my eyes! I don't know how to slowly wean myself off them so I dont need them anymore.

Answer 1

Finding and treating the cause of your red eyes is more important than hiding it with drops that only make things worse in the long run in most cases.

It isn't normal to always have bloodshot eyes...the cause has to be found , and eliminated.

Answer 2

you could always try putting in just drops of filtered water instead also you could friderate the water drops for possible extra comfort

Answer 3

I assume you're using those horrid 'get the red out' visine-type drops. These are horrible, horrible stuff and you do NOT want to be putting it in your eyes, ever.

First, they're preserved with benzalkonium chloride, or BAK. This stuff is great at killing bacteria, and just as good at killing corneas, disturbing tear film, and causing irritation or worse.

Second, they're vasoconstrictors. Great to use once every 5 years for a family photo, but they'll produce 'rebound redness' if you continue using them on anything resembling a regular basis- that means the redness is induced not by your own eyes, but directly related to your use of the drops- you put more drops in to make it less red, increasing the damage. Catch my drift?

You may be waking up with red eyes because your eyes are dry. If you feel ther are, nightly, use a PRESERVATIVE FREE single-use vial (not lacrilube or refresh pm) of an eye lubricant- any drug store will sell quite a few. For nighttime protection, refresh celluvisc or theratears gel are both ideal. Genteal gel apparently works for some people, although I do not favor it. Tape your eyelids shut at night (using paper or stretch medical tape) or wear an extremely well-fitting mask that pushes on your eyelids well enough to keep them fully closed. For daytime protection, a lighter and longer lasting drop like 'refresh dry eye' (used to be refresh endura) can work- buy it in preservative free vials, not multi-use containers. During the daytime, protect your eyes from wind and air conditioning vents by wearing glasses or sunglasses as often as is possible.

Regardless, you need to see an ophthalmologist to find out the cause of your red eyes, and if it is dry eye, do try those options. If you feel your eyes are dry, do not try to wean yourself off of drops- just switch to preservative free safe lubricant drops, because the only thing you're 'weaning yourself off' of is the artificial tears that are the tiny thin barrier between the outside world and your delicate eyes.

Answer 4

There is such a thing as overusing eye drops esp. if you are using a multi dose vial which all contain preservatives. Try using single dose vials like Refresh Plus for example. The are more expensive but you shouldn't put a price on your eyes. I'm assuming that you have issues with dry eye. If the single dose preservative free vials don't work, see your Optometrist and inquire about punctum plugs. They are silicon plugs placed in the puncta to stop the drainage of tears allowing the eye to stay more lubricated.

Answer 5

Some people have naturally dry eyes compared to other people. If the drops you are using are saline drops, then there's nothing wrong with it at all to use once daily.  Saline is almost equivalent to what we have throughout our bodies, so it's fine. If it's not a saline solution and you want to stop, just stop on a weekend when only family will notice. If anyone asks, say you're having problems with allergies!