According to doctors of the Ophthalmology Department, Thu Duc General Hospital, this is a habit that contains many risks, which can make the disease worse and long-term affect vision.
Experts say that the eyes are a very sensitive organ. Many eye diseases have similar manifestations but completely different causes, such as dry eyes, conjunctivitis, keratitis, acute glaucoma or eye trauma. Arbitrarily using the wrong type of medicine can cover up symptoms, causing patients to be subjective and miss the appropriate treatment time.
According to the Ophthalmology Department - Thu Duc General Hospital, eye drops are divided into many different groups such as artificial tears, antibiotics, anti-allergy drugs, vasoconstrictors, corticosteroids or glaucoma treatment drugs. Each type has its own uses and indications. If used incorrectly, it is not only ineffective but can also be harmful to the eyes.
In particular, the abuse of corticosteroid eye drops is warned to be very dangerous. Although it can help reduce redness and reduce inflammation quickly, this drug, if used for a long time or not as prescribed, can cause glaucoma, cataracts, worsen eye infections or cause corneal damage to heal slowly.
In addition, improper use of antibiotic eye drops also increases the risk of drug resistance. Some vasoconstrictors, if used for a long time, can cause recurrent red eyes.
Doctors also warn of many common mistakes such as reusing old prescriptions, listening to acquaintances, sharing eye drops with others, or continuing to use medicine that has been opened for too long. Eye drops, if stored improperly, can become infected, cause irritation, or worsen the disease.
People need to see an ophthalmologist when they have signs such as prolonged red eyes, eye pain, blurred vision, fear of light, frequent bleeding, no improvement in dizziness or eye trauma, foreign objects.
Doctors recommend that when eyes are uncomfortable, people should limit rubbing their eyes, keep their hands clean, avoid looking at the screen for too long and only use physiological saline or conventional artificial tears when appropriately consulted. Absolutely do not arbitrarily use eye drops containing antibiotics or corticosteroids if not prescribed by a doctor.
According to Thu Duc General Hospital, early examination helps to correctly identify the cause and treat it promptly, contributing to protecting vision for a long time.
