Have you ever felt an annoying, scratchy feeling in your eyes that just won’t go away? Or maybe your eyes get so dry that it feels like there’s sand in them? Dry eye may seem like a minor inconvenience, but the reality is it can disrupt your daily life and even affect your vision. Fortunately, eye drops can provide fast relief, depending on the severity and underlying cause of your dry eyes. If you’re wondering how long it takes for eye drops to start working, keep reading to find all the information you need.
What causes dry eyes?
Dry eyes happen when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right kind of tears to keep them properly lubricated. This can lead to symptoms like redness, a gritty feeling, itching, burning, and even blurred vision. There are many reasons you might have dry eyes, including age, environmental conditions, screen time, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.
How eye drops help
Over-the-counter eye drops, also known as artificial tears, lubricate your eyes and help keep moisture on the surface of your eyes. They come in various formulations, including preservative-free options for those with sensitive eyes. Some eye drops add moisture to your eyes, while others may reduce redness and irritation.
How quickly do eye drops work?
For most people, the relief from eye drops is almost immediate. Once you use the drops, you should start feeling some relief within a few minutes. How long this relief lasts can vary depending on how dry your eyes are and which product you’re using.
Eye drops can provide quick relief, but the effects might only last for a few hours. This means you might need to reapply the drops several times a day to keep your eyes comfortable. For mild dry eyes, over-the-counter artificial tears might be enough. However, if you have chronic dry eyes, you may need to use eye drops more often or consider other treatments for longer-lasting relief.
Prescription eye drops
If over-the-counter eye drops aren’t providing sufficient relief, your eye doctor might suggest prescription eye drops. These drops can take longer to show noticeable improvement because they address the underlying causes of dry eyes rather than just providing temporary moisture. For example, prescription drops that reduce inflammation or stimulate tear production might take a few weeks to show their full benefits.
Tips for using eye drops effectively
- Follow instructions: Always use eye drops as directed by the instructions on the bottle or your eye care professional.
- Stay consistent: Regular use, especially with prescription drops, can ensure you get the maximum benefit.
- Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms and how long relief lasts after using the drops. This can help you and your eye doctor determine if a different treatment might be needed.
- Check expiration dates: Using expired eye drops can be ineffective and potentially harmful.
When to see an eye doctor
If eye drops aren’t giving you the relief you need, or if your symptoms worsen, it’s time to see an eye care professional. They can help determine the cause of your dry eyes and recommend the right treatments, which might include other types of drops, nutraceuticals, prescription medications, lifestyle changes, or advanced treatments like punctal plugs to retain moisture on the surface of your eyes.
In conclusion, eye drops can offer quick relief for dry eyes, usually within a few minutes of application. However, for lasting relief, especially if you have chronic dry eyes, you might need to use them regularly and possibly explore additional treatments. Always talk to your eye care provider to find the best solution for your specific needs.
At Buckeye Optometry, we’re committed to helping you find the best solution for your dry eyes. Our eye doctors in Marion will conduct a thorough eye exam to understand the root cause of your dry eyes and recommend the most effective treatment. If you’re struggling with severe or chronic dry eye, give us a call today to schedule an appointment with our experts.