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Eye drops

10 strategies for sensitive and tired eyes

Our eyes work hard every day: they react to screen light, dry air, pollen and stress. When they burn, itch or feel tired, many people naturally reach for eye drops. But there is more to these small bottles than quick moisturisation: different active ingredients, application methods and quality features determine how well they actually help. So are eye drops just short-term relief or a tool for lasting eye health?

Keep hands and bottle clean

Wash your hands thoroughly before using the drops. Avoid touching the bottle tip to prevent contamination. Hold the bottle only by the lower part while you apply the drops.

Warm the drops slightly

Warm the drops slightly in your palm or trouser pocket. This prevents an unpleasant cold sensation on the eye surface and improves tolerability—especially for sensitive eyes.

Prepare the lower eyelid skilfully

Gently pull the lower eyelid down to create a small pocket. This catches the drop and helps distribute the active ingredient evenly. Looking up also makes instilling the drop easier.

Close the eyes briefly after application

After instilling, close the eye gently and keep it closed for a few seconds to help spread the medication. A light pressure on the inner corner of the eye slows drainage through the tear ducts.

Blot away excess fluid

After closing, a drop may run out. Gently blot the excess with a clean tissue to avoid skin irritation.

Try lying down or sitting up

If you find it difficult to apply drops while sitting, lie on your back. Instil the drop onto the closed eye between the lid and the nose, then open slowly to help distribute the liquid.

Observe time intervals when using multiple drops

If you use different products, wait at least ten minutes between drops. This allows both products to work optimally without interfering with each other.

Remove contact lenses beforehand

Remove lenses before application. Put them back in no sooner than 15 minutes after instillation so the active ingredient can be fully absorbed.

Check shelf life

Label opened bottles with the date. Many products are no longer reliable after four weeks. Single-dose units are intended for one-time use and should be disposed of afterwards.

Recognise side effects

Watch for redness, itching or blurred vision. Systemic reactions can also occur. If you experience unusual symptoms or have pre-existing conditions such as glaucoma, seek medical advice immediately.

editorial.facts

Women and older people are particularly affected by dry eye. As a result, this condition is the most common in ophthalmology.
Our orbicularis oculi muscle controls blinking, the fastest movement of the body. A full blink lasts only about 100 to 150 milliseconds.
About one in ten people suffer temporarily or permanently from dry eyes, often accompanied by burning, itching or the sensation of a foreign body on the eye surface.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the eye and provides a long-lasting moisture film.