Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Eye Problems: Using Eyedrops and Eye Ointment
Eyedrops or eye ointments may be used to:
- Deliver medicine directly to your eyes.
- Keep your eyes moist and lubricated.
- Help with redness, itching, and watering.
Some common problems treated with eyedrops or eye ointments include:
- Dry eyes. Normal saline solution, which is ordinary table salt mixed with sterile water in a strength that is similar to tears, can help to treat dry eyes. This is a common problem for people who wear contact lenses.
- Pinkeye (conjunctivitis). Your doctor may prescribe eyedrops or ointment to treat this problem.
- Allergies. Eyedrops that have an antihistamine, an anti-inflammatory, or a decongestant can be used to treat allergies. These medicines may not be safe for young children or for people who have certain health problems. Before you use these medicines, check the label.
- Glaucoma. Treatment for this vision problem may include eyedrops that lower the pressure inside the eye.
- Iritis. This inflammation of the colored part of the eye is treated with medicine given as eyedrops.
Test Your Knowledge
Eyedrops or eye ointments can be used to treat many problems with the eyes including allergies, dry eyes, iritis, glaucoma, and pinkeye (conjunctivitis).
TrueEyedrops or eye ointment can deliver medicine directly to your eyes, keep your eyes moist and lubricated, and reduce or relieve redness, itching, and watering.
FalseEyedrops or eye ointment can deliver medicine directly to your eyes, keep your eyes moist and lubricated, and reduce or relieve redness, itching, and watering.
Continue to 
How to use eyedrops or eye ointment
Return to 
Eye Problems: Using Eyedrops and Eye Ointment
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 4, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
from
- Facebook is now fueling organ donations
- Military women and suicide: Home safe but not sound
- Still in gear: Injuries don’t stop veterans on 100-day bike trek
- Ask Jenna: I've hit a weight loss plateau. What do I do?
- He poses in a tutu to laugh in face of wife's cancer
- After chemo hair loss, 'henna crowns' help heal
The iVillage Network