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How Do I Choose the Best Eye Drops for Infection?

Nicky Sutton
Nicky Sutton

Choose the best eye drops for infection according to the type of infection you have, for example, bacterial or viral. Eyes are sensitive and delicate, so only well-known and trusted brands of eye drops should be used. Visit your eye doctor for a diagnosis and obtain a prescription for the best type of eye drops for the particular infection you have. For regular known infections such as conjunctivitis, over-the-counter eye drops containing ingredients such as chloramphenicol, can be rapidly effective. If symptoms persist, visit your eye doctor.

If you are suffering from a condition that is new or unknown to you, be sure to consult your doctor or eye specialist. The best eye drops for infection in this case will be chosen by your doctor dependent on your diagnosis. Eye infections can be classified as fungal, bacterial, viral or parasitic, and often an effective treatment can only be obtained by prescription.

Anatomy of the human eye.
Anatomy of the human eye.

Use trial and error to choose a brand of eye drops that work best for you. Ask friends and family which eye drops they prefer. Speak to your pharmacist as they are knowledgeable on minor eye infections, and can advise you on the most effective treatment and any new products on the market.

Choose the best eye drops for infection according to the speed at which they claim to be effective. Three to five day treatment times are normal. Ensure that the product has been thoroughly tested and comes with comprehensive safety instructions. Only buy eye drops for infection from a known and trusted pharmacist or drug store, and never purchase medications or miracle cures from unknown websites or traders. If your symptoms have not improved after two days, you may not be using the best treatment and you should consult your eye doctor.

Antibiotic eye drops.
Antibiotic eye drops.

The best eye drops for infections should not cause allergic reactions, burning or stinging. Well known over-the-counter eye drops usually contain chloramphenicol which is a type of antibiotic. This is best for treating bacterial eye infections because it is effective against a wide range of bacteria and is possibly the best choice for regular known infections such as bacterial conjunctivitis.

Different types of eye drops treat different types of infections.
Different types of eye drops treat different types of infections.

Viral conjunctivitis varies in severity and often goes away on its own. Use lubricating eye drops to reduce soreness. Some typical symptoms of eye infection such as itching and redness can actually be caused by allergies. In this case, lubricating eye drops can be used along with allergy medicines as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. Fungal eye infections can be treated with corticosteroid eye drops. These drops, available on prescription, can cause glaucoma if repeatedly used in the long term.

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    • Anatomy of the human eye.
      Anatomy of the human eye.
    • Antibiotic eye drops.
      By: Vladyslav Danilin
      Antibiotic eye drops.
    • Different types of eye drops treat different types of infections.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Different types of eye drops treat different types of infections.
    • The best eye drops for infection should not cause allergic reactions.
      By: Stacy Barnett
      The best eye drops for infection should not cause allergic reactions.