At InVision Eye Care Specialists, our ophthalmologists frequently recommend artificial tears for a variety of conditions. These lubricating eye drops have played a critical role in helping our New Jersey patients maintain strong vision with eyes that are free of irritation. Situations that we have recommended artificial tears for include:
By far, artificial tears are used most often to treat dry eye. Aging or ailing eyes have a more difficult time naturally producing tears that keep your eyes wet. As a result, a burning or scratchy sensation can cause discomfort in the eyes, and in more extreme cases even distort the vision. Artificial tears, even of the over-the-counter variety, can do wonders for lubricating the eyes and alleviating these symptoms.
This chronic eye condition has no cure, but there are treatments that can delay the worst effects of glaucoma. Though surgery is the most efficient way to relieve the symptoms of glaucoma, artificial tears are another solution. Combined with a prescription, these drops can help liquid to drain from the eye, thereby relieving some of the built-up pressure.
Keratitis is a condition in which the cornea (the clear front cover on the eye) becomes inflamed and swells. While a bacteria or virus can be the source of infectious keratitis, it can just as frequently be caused by an eye injury or foreign object in the eye. So long as the keratitis is non-infectious and not too severe, artificial tears do a good job of relieving discomfort associated with this problem.
Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy (EBMD)
The epithelium is the outer layer of the cornea. When the epithelium rests snugly around the cornea, visual acuity remains sharp, but a loose epithelium, known as EBMD, can lead to blurry vision. For most patients, liberal use of artificial tears is sufficient to keep vision crisp.
Contact lenses are a convenient way to improve vision, but not all people’s eyes are as receptive to them. Because wet eyes are generally more tolerant of contact lenses, patients will often utilize artificial tears to stay lubricated and eliminate the discomfort associated with putting a foreign object into the eye.
To be clear, artificial tears do nothing to improve cataracts themselves. However, for patients who have recently undergone cataract surgery, preservative-free artificial tears can be a useful tool during the recovery period. When eye irritation leads to an urge to rub the eyes, patients should instead use these tears to add moisture and reduce itchiness.
If your dry or irritated eyes need relief, meet with one of our talented eye doctors to determine whether artificial tears are the right solution for you. InVision Eye Care Specialists serve patients in Ocean County, Monmouth County, and Lakewood, NJ. Call (732) 607-8515 to arrange an appointment.
