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How to Prevent Common Eye Drop Mistakes?

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Whether they’re used to treat allergies, dryness, infections, or glaucoma, eye drops are the most common medicated solutions found in medicine cabinets. For eye drops to do their work, they should be properly used. Here we share with you a list of common eye drop mistakes so that you can avoid them: 

Mistake 1. Not using prescribed eye drops 

There are many types of over-the-counter eye drops available that can provide quick relief from watery eyes, dry eyes, or itchy eyes. Over-the-counter eye drops can be helpful, but it is always recommended to consult an eye doctor. The reason being the symptoms you may be experiencing could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. After getting temporary relief, you may not get the problem which can further aggravate into a serious problem. It is thus advisable to see a doctor and use only prescribed eye drops. 

When to see an eye doctor? Consult our eye doctor in Kolkata

If your eyes are producing discharge or have become sensitive to light, or feel itchy, these are signs that your problem needs more than just over-the-counter drops. It is best to see an eye doctor if you suspect that there’s something wrong with your eyes. We have some of the 

best eye doctors in Kolkata on board. Using the latest diagnostic and imaging, our eye doctor in Kolkata can help diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate course of treatment. 

Mistake 2:  Not reading the label

You might be surprised to learn that there are many people who accidentally put the wrong medication in their eyes. Eye drop bottles can easily get mixed up with other medications, and this could damage your vision. Before administering eye drops, always read the label. 

Mistake 3:  Wearing  contact lenses while administering eye drops

It’s important to remove contact lenses while applying eye drops. Otherwise, the drops may not be evenly distributed over the surface of the eye, and they may not be as effective as they should be. Also, some eye drops may cloud or damage contact lenses, temporarily or permanently. 

Mistake 4. Applying too many drops at one go 

When applying eye drops, it is important to administer one drop at a time. If you use more than one drop, the excess medication may run down your face.  Also, be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully. After administering one drop, wait for a few minutes and administer the other. 

Mistake 5. Not only applying drops to the centre of the eye

When applying eye drops, it is important to place the drops directly in the centre of the eye. Look up at the ceiling and pull down on your lower eyelid with your index finger. 

Hold the dropper above your eye with the tip pointing towards the outer corner of your eye, and squeeze out a drop. Look down and close your eye for a few seconds to allow the drop to spread evenly over the surface of your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye.

Mistake 6: Blinking your eyes too much after applying eye drops 

It is important to avoid blinking your eyes too much after applying eye drops. This can cause the drops to be less effective and may even cause them to fall out of your eye. If you need to blink, do it gently. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes after applying eye drops.

Mistake 7. Not handling the bottle properly 

Wash your hands before and after administering the eye drops to your eyes. Also, ensure that the dropper shouldn’t touch your eye. This can contaminate the drops and cause irritation or infection. Instead, hold the bottle a few inches away from your eye and gently squeeze the prescribed number of drops into your lower eyelid.

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Swimming Pool Eye Safety Tips by Some of the Best Eye Doctors in Kolkata

The water used in swimming pools contain chlorine and other chemicals to eliminate germs and algae. These chemicals can irritate the eye, making them more vulnerable to infections. Here are some common problems people face after swimming in the pool: 

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  • Red eyes
  • Burning sensation 
  • Discharge from the eyes
  • Corneal abrasion
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Swelling of the eyes
  • Excessive tears 
  • Light sensitivity

To avoid eye problems caused due to pool water, our eye doctors in Kolkata have put together a list of swimming pool eye safety tips:

1. Wear good swimming goggles: 

This is one of the most effective ways to protect your eyes from any infection. Buy good-quality swimming goggles. Before buying swimming goggles, make sure you try them on. The reason why swimming goggles leak is because they don’t fit well. While buying make sure they properly fit your head and the eyes.

2. Remove contact lenses when swimming: 

Wearing contact lenses while swimming can be dangerous. The lenses can absorb the water. This can cause bacteria, viruses or other pathogens to get into your eyes. Swimming in lakes, rivers and oceans can be all the more dangerous than swimming in a pool as the water may contain more bacteria, viruses and other harmful pathogens.

3. Apply lubricating eye drops for dry eyes: 

If you suffer from dry eyes, use prescribed eye drops or tear gel that help in keeping the eye moist. These drops and gels help protect the tear film and prevent entry of bacteria and infectants in the eye. Consult an eye doctor for suitable eye drops or gels.

Note :  Dry eyes is an increasing problem where the eyes don’t produce enough tears or tears are of a poor quality and hence can’t provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. 

4. Wash your eyes with clean water after swimming: 

This is one of the most important things that people often forget to do. Washing your eyes with clean water after swimming helps in removing chlorine and other chemicals that may be stuck to your eyelashes or eyelids. Always close your eyes before splashing fresh water onto them.

5. Wear sunglasses: 

Wearing sunglasses is a good way of protecting your eyes from the UV rays. Wear swimming goggles when swimming and sunglasses when not swimming by the pool. This is because UV rays can damage your eyes. 

6. Cold compress eyes if irritated: 

After swimming if you are feeling irritation or are developing symptoms of an eye problem, try applying cold compress on your eyes. If this does not help, it is best to consult an eye doctor without wasting time. 

Note: Staying hydrated is one of the most important things for swimmers.  Stay hydrated before, while swimming and after. This is because swimming burns a lot of calories and also results in quick loss of water. Dehydration while swimming can cause muscle fatigue, cramps and dizziness. Reduction in water level of the body can also result in dry eyes and can lead to sunken eyes.

Are you looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata? 

If you are suffering from any eye-related problems, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We have some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata on board. Our eye doctors can not only help you get the right diagnosis of your symptoms but also guide you with the right treatment options. Our eye doctors have access to the latest diagnostic and imaging tools  to diagnose the cause of your problem.

 

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First Aid for Eye Scratches

Accidents happen in seconds and eye injuries are no exception. Household chores such as cooking and gardening or sports or playing with a pet can result in eye injuries. Eye scratches are the most common of eye injuries. Eye scratch is also known as corneal abrasion. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped layer that covers the eye’s iris and pupil. It focuses light in the eye.  

Here are some of the common causes of eye scratches: 

  • Fingernail scratch
  • Exposure to foreign objects such as dirt, metal particles and wooden particles 
  • Rubbing of the eye excessively
  • Long hours of exposure to ultraviolet light
  • Using inappropriate contact lenses
  • Eye injuries from makeup brushes.
  • Cuts
  • Chemical exposure

What does it feel like to have eye scratches? 

Some common symptoms of eye scratches are: 

  • Eye pain
  • A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
  • Watery eyes 

What to do in case of eye scratches? 

If you have been into an accident and scratched your eyes, here are a few first aid tips that you can follow before visiting the eye doctor: 

    • Rinse your eyes with saline or clean water: This is one of the first things that should be done when your eye starts feeling uncomfortable. You can use an eyecup for this. You can also use a small, clean glass by resting the rim of the glass on the bone at the base of your eye socket and pouring the water slowly. This helps flush the foreign object from your eye.
    • Blink repetitively: When some particle gets in your eyes, you can get rid of it by blinking repetitively.
    • Try pulling your eyelids together: On doing this, the lashes from your upper or lower eyelid will help remove any solid particles or tiny objects stuck underneath the other eyelid.
    • Wear sunglasses: When you get your eye scratched, the eye sometimes becomes sensitive to light and causes light sensitivity and discomfort. Wearing sunglasses will reduce light sensitivity.
    • Avoid rubbing your eyes: When something goes in your eye, you may be tempted to rub it. However, sometimes aggressive rubbing of eyes can cause the scratch or make it worse and should be therefore avoided.
  • Avoid wearing contact lenses: When a corneal abrasion occurs, it is advised not to wear your contact lenses. Contact lenses can slow down the healing process and can cause complications.

Treatment for eye scratches 

Minor eye scratches heal on their own in a few days. But it’s good to see an eye doctor for an eye exam. Doctors may prescribe eye drops or ointment that may make the healing process fast. They might also prescribe steroid eye drops that will help in reducing any inflammation and avoid scarring. 

After first aid, see an eye doctor immediately: Looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata?

No matter how you got the eye scratches, it is important that you see an eye doctor at the earliest. If you are looking for the best eye doctor in Kolkata, book a tele-consultation or visit the nearest branch. At our Emergency OPD,  patients are seen without any prior appointment.