Your eye drops sting. What do you do?

If your eye drops sting, there are a few things you can do:

1. Discontinue use and talk to your doctor. Some eye drops can cause stinging or burning as a side effect, especially if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. If the stinging is severe or persists for more than a few days, it's important to stop using the eye drops and talk to your doctor to determine if you should continue using them or if you need a different medication.

2. Check the expiration date. Eye drops have an expiration date, and using eye drops that are past their expiration date can cause irritation and stinging. Make sure that your eye drops are not expired before using them.

3. Make sure you're using the eye drops correctly. Eye drops should be used exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow the instructions on the package or provided by your doctor carefully to ensure you are using the eye drops properly.

4. Rinse your eyes. If the stinging is mild and you are confident that you are using the eye drops correctly, you can try rinsing your eyes with sterile saline or artificial tears to help flush out any residual eye drops that may be causing the stinging.

5. Apply a cold compress. A cold compress can help reduce any swelling or inflammation in the eye and may also help alleviate stinging.

6. Avoid wearing contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.

7. Protect your eyes from irritants. Avoid exposing your eyes to dust, smoke, or other irritants that may worsen the stinging.

If the stinging persists or worsens, it's important to see an eye doctor to rule out any underlying eye problems and to get appropriate treatment.