Eye Irritation Treatment

The tear mechanism normally soothes, cleans, and lubricates the eye. Occasionally, the environment can overwhelm this mechanism, or the tear flow may be insufficient. In these cases, the eye becomes “tired,” feels dry or gritty, and may itch. A number of compounds that may aid this problem are available.

1) Murine and Visine
There are two general types of eye preparations. One class contains compounds intended to sooth the eye (Murine). Added to the compounds may be substances that shrink blood vessels and thus “get the red out” (Visine); these substances are decongestants to get rid of a bloodshot appearance is totally cosmetic. It is possible that such preparations can actually interfere with the normal healing process, although this is unlikely.

2) Methylcellulose Eyedrops
The second group of preparations makes no claims of special soothing effect and contains no decongestants. They are solutions with concentrations like those of the body so that no irritation occurs.  Their purpose is to lubricate the eye, to be “artificial tears.” These are preparations preferred by ophthalmologists for minor eye irritation. Methylcellulose eye drops are an example of this type.

3) Prefrin
Prefrin is a substance that lies somewhere between the two types of eye preparations discussed above; it contains both substances that soothe and lubricate the eye and a decongestant.

Dosage
Use as frequently as needed in the quantity required. You can’t use too much, although usually a few drops give just as much relief as a bottleful. If your problem of dry eyes is constant, you should check it out with the doctor because an underlying problem could be present. Usually, the symptom of dry eyes lasts only a few hours and is readily relieved. Too much sun, wind, or dust usually causes the minor irritation.

Side Effects
No serious side effects have been reported. Visine and other drugs containing decongestants tend to sting a bit. None of these drugs treat eye infections or injuries or remove foreign bodies from the eye.