Title: Expert Guidance for Managing Dry Eyes With Over-the-Counter Products
Subtitle: Pharmacists provide step-by-step instructions and personalized advice for effective relief
In recent weeks, a diverse range of women has sought advice from pharmacists on managing their dry eyes. From the importance of proper administration techniques to nonpharmacologic strategies, patients are receiving expert guidance on how to find relief.
One particular case involved a 36-year-old woman who visited her local pharmacy in search of an over-the-counter (OTC) eye product for her dry eyes. The woman had been experiencing discomfort for two weeks, prompting her ophthalmologist to recommend artificial tears eye drops. However, she needed assistance with the proper steps for administering the drops.
With a caring approach, the pharmacist advised the woman to wash her hands thoroughly before using the eye drops. Demonstrating the technique, the pharmacist instructed her to tilt her head back and look upward, creating a pocket by pulling the lower eyelid down and away from her face. The pharmacist emphasized the importance of not touching the tip of the dropper with her hands, eye, or eyelid. The woman was then recommended to squeeze the appropriate number of drops into the pocket while holding her eyes closed for a minute to ensure optimal results.
In another case, a 26-year-old woman who recently started wearing contact lenses sought advice regarding dryness in her eyes. The pharmacist informed her that using ocular lubricants was permissible while wearing contact lenses, but it was preferable to opt for preservative-free formulations. Additionally, the pharmacist advised her to remove her contact lenses before using lubricating eye drops that were not preservative-free. Furthermore, they recommended seeking guidance from an eye doctor when considering the use of lubricant solutions with contact lenses and suggested nonpharmacologic alternatives such as air humidifiers to mitigate environmental irritants.
An 83-year-old woman with a medical history encompassing irritable bowel syndrome, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and diabetes had a unique concern. She expressed her desire to try a stronger formulation, like a gel, for her dry eyes. The pharmacist compassionately guided her on the proper administration technique, emphasizing the importance of washing hands before use. Gently pulling down on her lower eyelid, the woman was advised to apply approximately 1/4 inch of gel to the inside of her eyelid, followed by gently closing her eye for a minute to allow the gel to interact with the surface. The pharmacist acknowledged the possibility of temporary blurred vision after using the gel, and recommended overnight use for optimal results.
Lastly, a 45-year-old woman approached the pharmacy seeking an OTC product to manage her dry eyes exacerbated by the dry summer heat. The pharmacist recommended various OTC ocular lubricants, specifically highlighting cellulose ethers, polyols, and polyvinyl alcohols as effective options. The woman received counseling on appropriate administration techniques and was told to seek immediate medical attention if there were any changes in vision or persistent irritation despite using the lubricants. The pharmacist also suggested nonpharmacologic strategies such as using filters for dust and particles, utilizing humidifiers, and applying warm compresses to cope with dry eyes resulting from arid and hot climates.
By providing personalized advice and step-by-step guidance, pharmacists are arming women with the knowledge to effectively manage their dry eyes. Whether it is instructing on proper administration techniques or suggesting nonpharmacologic measures, these professionals are ensuring that patients find the relief they seek in their everyday lives.
“Social media scholar. Reader. Zombieaholic. Hardcore music maven. Web fanatic. Coffee practitioner. Explorer.”