Eye drops

[redeyedcitizen]

I have been using over the counter eye drops (namely, Opcon A) daily for a few years in order to combat my red eyes. With constant use, I have noticed that they do not work nearly as well anymore, and that my eyes are redder than ever. I read into the subject and have learned that with prolonged use, your eye becomes more dependent on the drops and does in fact become redder. Every morning I wake up with eyes that are extremely bloodshot red and uncomfortable. My question is what should I do to make my eyes white again while at the same time, discontinuing the practice that is making my eyes get worse? Should I just go completely cold turkey and stop putting things in my eyes in the hope that they will recover? Could synthetic tears help with this problem? I know that pretty much every eye drop uses different chemicals, would it be beneficial to start using a different brand that my eye isn't as used to? thanks so much for any help or insight.

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

First you need a diagnosis as to why your eyes are red.  There are many causes of red eye, and effective treatment starts with the correct diagnosis.  I would see an ophthalmologist for a complete evaluation.  It is true that prolonged use of vasoconstrictor drops such as Opcon-A can cause rebound redness; these drops just shrink the blood vessels, which then re-dilate once the effect has worn off.  I would stop the Opcon-A, and just use artificial tears (Refresh, Optive, Systane) until you are able to see the ophthalmologist.

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

Stop the Opcon-A and see an ophthalmologist for a diagnosis of the cause of your red eyes.  Once the diagnosis is determined, then the proper treatment can be prescribed.

[redeyedcitizen]

Thank you so much for your reply. I was recently prescribed mmj and it has really changed my life for the better as I can actually live a regular life again. Unfortunately, even just a little dose causes my eyes to get very red. I have been using opcon A for many years for my various allergies, and have used them even more frequently lately. Is there an alternative treatment that will be healthier for my eyes?