Soothe XP, Systane, Optive?

Question

I used to be a chronic user of Opcon-A (redness reliever drops) and recently quit them cold turkey about a week ago to help end this rebound redness mess that I got myself into.

For now I am using only dryness relief drops in attempt to help ease the redness and irritation I have from not using the Redness reliever. Are drops such as Soothe XP, Systane and optive ok to use whenever you need them? I stick them in my refrigerator so they feel good on my eyes when I use them. I currently find myself using them about 5-6 times a day. Is this ok? Do these drops have side effects or rebound effects that I should be concerned about?

ALSO, I used these redness relievers for about 2-2.5 years everyday and quit them cold turkey about a week ago.I noticed my eyes are starting to look better everyday, but theres still redness in them. How long should I expect for them to return to normal? I have only been off the vasoconstricters for a week.

Answer 1

Systane, Soothe, and Optive are all great drops to use in alternative to the Redness reliever drops. You can use them as many times a day (putting them in the frig is great for relief). You will not have any side effects or rebound effects from these. They are called "artificial tears" so you can use as much as you want. Another option is Preservative-Free Artificial Tears (I know Systane makes a version of them b/c I have used them). I am not quite sure how long the redness will last, but if you have only been off for a week and are noticing that much relief that is a good thing. Real Clear Eyes are on their way! Good luck!

Answer 2

You can use artificial tears as often as you need to but if you use them more than 4-5 times a day, get the preservative free kind. This will keep your eyes from becoming irritated by the preservative. Refresh plus or systane PF are good. It can take weeks for your eyes to clear up after using the Opcon for so long. Relax and let your body recover from the overuse.

Answer 3

You should not use drops everyday, your eyes naturally lubricate themselves with natural tears,  you could have some other problem going on, like allergies or blocked tear ducts.  If this problem persists I think maybe you should see an ophthalmologist just to rule out any problems.