Vision Loss

It is not uncommon to experience dryness or itchiness of the eyes from time to time. Environmental factors such as high altitude, low humidity, wind, smoky air, and dust can cause temporary discomfort in the eyes. For these occasional cases, people often reach for relief in the form of over-the-counter eye drops.

For people who suffer from frequent dry eye or allergies that cause eye irritation, however, many popular brand-name eye drops can do more harm than good. This is especially true of those products that contain vasoconstrictors, also known as redness reducers. These ingredients work by constricting the tiny veins that run through the outer layers of the eye, restricting blood flow. This reduces redness but increases irritation, and over the long term, can actually damage the blood vessels of the eye.

A common side effect of using redness reducers is what is known as “rebound redness.” Once the effects of the vasoconstrictor wears off, the symptom comes back, making the eyes appear as red as or even redder than before. When this occurs, people may be tempted to reapply the drops, despite label warnings to use no more than 4 times daily (or every 6 hours). This will only increase the irritation and potential damage. Most products containing vasoconstrictors carry label warnings that overuse can lead to increased redness in the eyes.

So for chronic dry eye or allergies, be sure to choose products that do not contain vasoconstrictors. Check the list of active ingredients and avoid any products that contain naphazoline hydrochloride, tetrahydrozoline, oxymetazoline, or anything that is listed as a redness reliever. Also watch out for zinc sulfate, an astringent that is commonly used in conjunction with redness reducers. There are a wide range of formulas that are labeled “artificial tears” and are designed to mimic the natural moisture of the eyes, without added ingredients. People who are sensitive to preservatives may need to choose a preservative-free option, which are usually packaged in single-use vials. As always, your physician can recommend the product that will be best for you.