Red eye treatment options
‘Red eye’ is a term used when the eye is red, itchy, watery and feels gritty as a result of infection or allergy.
Eye infection
Infection treatments include such over-the-counter products as Brolene eye drops or ointment, Acetopt and Bleph-10 Liquifilm. Eye drops are usually used 3-4 times during the day. It is important that the dropper does not make contact with your eye when you are putting the drops in. It is also important to discard any unused eye drops when the infection has cleared.
Eye ointments are usually used at night as they stay in contact with the eye for longer. You should apply the eye ointment to the lower lid, again making sure that the nozzle does not touch your eyelid.
Allergy treatment
Allergy treatment such as Albalon-A drops, Antistine-Privine Eye Drops, Livostin drops, Murine Allergy Eyes and Naphcon-A drops should not be used if you have heart disease, high blood pressure or are taking certain medicines. These drops should not be used for prolonged periods of more than one week, without further advice.
Preventive medications
Preventive medications available over-the-counter include Lomide Drops and Opticrom Drops. Preventive eye medicines must be used regularly, and discarded one month after opening. You should not use these products continuously for more than 3 months.
Irritated eye decongestants
Clear Eyes, Murine Sore Eyes, Naphcon-Forte, Optazine, Visine, Albalon Relief, Isopto Frin and Prefrin are over-the-counter medications used as eye decongestants. It is important that you do not use these medicines if you have heart or eye disease. Also, these medicines should not be used for more than one week, without further advice.
Astringents
Optrex, Zincfrin and In a Wink Eye Drops are astringents that should not be used for more than one week without further advice.
Supplements
Bilberry and eyebright, pinebark extract and multivitamins may also assist in the treatment of ‘red eye’.
Last Reviewed: 12 July 2001
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