You Don't Have to Cry About Dry Eyes - Get Rewetting Drops!

There are many environmental factors that can trigger your occasional dry eye symptoms. Central heating and air conditioning create dry indoor air and often cause mild eye irritation. Seasonal allergies make eyes and lids itchy and red. Unfortunately, antihistamines cause dry eyes as a common side effect so treating your allergies may not make your eyes feel much better.

Finally, prolonged computer use does not stimulate your eyelids to blink as often as they need to. This is because the monitor stays at a set distance from your corneas and does not require much eye movement to take in the entire screen. Inadequate blinking can lead to dry eyes over time.

Treating your symptoms while they are still mild is a good way to avoid ongoing discomfort. However, when you head to the drug store to pick out eye drops the sheer variety of over the counter remedies on display can cause serious confusion. Here are some criteria for making your selection.

The most important information on the box is what type of use the drops are intended for. There are three basic categories - drops for use without contacts, drops for use with soft /hydrophilic contact lenses, or drops for use with rigid (gas permeable) contacts. Some brands of eye drops can be used on both soft and rigid lenses. This information will be clearly listed on the box.

Many contact lens rewetting solutions have the same basic ingredients, so start with the less expensive store brands. If you have sensitive eyes you can spend a little extra on a version that is specifically designed to be gentle.

Ask your optometrist's advice before using any "redness reducing" or "dry eye" formulas with contacts. Some brands can leave harmful residue on the lens surface. Only use over the counter medicated eye drops under the advice of a physician.

If you have chronic dry eyes you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discover the underlying cause. Prescription eye drops and even surgery are sometimes offered as long term relief options for people who do not respond to over the counter remedies.