Kinds of Eye Drops

Though the most common type of eye drops sold is the over-the-counter, lubricating type of eye drop, there are a wide variety of eye drops tailored specifically for different purposes. Non-prescription varieties of eye drops either lubricate or eliminate redness, while the majority of specialized, medicated eye drops require a physician's consent.

Non-Prescription Lubricating

• Non-prescription lubricating eye drops give temporary relief for dryness for which there is no serious underlying cause.
  Most people experience dry eyes if they've had a sleepless night, stared at a television or computer screen for too long, spent time in a dry room that desperately needs to be humidified or are experiencing dehydration.
  While eye drops containing preservatives prevent bacteria from spreading, allergic reactions or sensitivity to these preservatives can make the preservative-free eye drops a better choice. The majority of preservative-free eye drops come in single usage doses, in an effort to prevent bacterial growth.

Non-Prescription Decongestant

• The next most common type of over-the-counter eye drops are the decongestant, or anti-redness drops. Redness can occur when the eyes have become dry and dehydrated. Frequently, eye redness is caused by allergies, fatigue or dry climate.

  Decongestant eye drops whiten the eyes by shrinking blood vessels in the eye. Unfortunately, anti-redness decongestant drops work only up to a point; the more they are used, the more drops your eyes will need to achieve the desired result. They can also cause pupil dilation if used excessively. A traditional lubricating eye drop is best to moisten the eye and eliminate redness.

Prescription Allergy Eye Drops

• Allergies are most likely the cause of eye problems when the dryness and redness are accompanied by itchiness and/or wateriness. Hard though it is not to rub your eyes when they itch, doing so releases histamine--a biogenic substance secreted by your body while in the throes of allergies--from eye tissue and only makes the eyes more irritated. Non-prescription allergy eye drops are often referred to as anti-histamines, meaning they work to reduce the histamine in the eye tissues which causes itching and irritation.

Prescription Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drops

• There are two kinds of anti-inflammatory eye drops: corticosteroids (steroid hormones) and nonsteroidals. According to optometrist Burt Dubow, the first type is used to treat iritis or conjuctiva and/or corneal inflammation. These eye-drops are prescription-only for a good reason: failure to use them properly can lead to cataracts, glaucoma and eye infections. Diclofenac is a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, while prednisolone is a common corticosteroid.

Prescription Antibiotic and Anti-Viral Eye Drops

• Bacterial or viral conjunctivitus, also known as "pink eye," can be treated with specially formulated drops. Symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitus include red, sore eyes with a sticky, yellowish secretion or residue. Symptoms of viral conjunctivitus include red, sore, wet-looking eyes with a clear-to-white secretion.
  Bacterial conjunctivitus is often treated with drops which contain antibiotics. It's possible to treat milder forms of viral conjunctivitus with regular moistening eye drops, but remember not to let the bottle of eye drops come into contact with your eye, as it could spread the contamination. Triflurthymidine is the most frequently prescribed eye drop for viral conjunctivitus.

Prescription Glaucoma Eye Drops

• Eye drops designed specifically for glaucoma are designed to lessen fluid production of the eye, or to induce proper drainage of the eye. Because of the serious and irreversible damage that can result from untreated or ill-treated glaucoma, medicated eye drops designed to treat glaucoma are prescription-only, and your eyes must be checked regularly by your physician.
  Common side effects resulting from use of glaucoma eye drops include: blurred vision, arrhythmia, headache, trouble breathing and sexual dysfunction.