There are various kinds of red eye medications, ranging from medical drugs to treatments that can be done at home. However, the treatment of pink eye must be chosen appropriately, namely according to the underlying cause so as not to aggravate the eye condition.
Pink eye can be caused by bleeding, irritation, infection, and swelling or widening of the eye's blood vessels, which is usually more pronounced on the white part of the eyeball (sclera).
Red eyes can appear accompanied by other symptoms, such as burning, itching, watery eyes, glare, or visual disturbances. However, sometimes people with red eye may not feel any disturbance and only realize when they are in the mirror or are told by other people.
Choice of Red Eye Medication According to the Cause
In general, red eye medication is given by adjusting the causative factor. The following are some red eye medications that are usually given:
1. Steroids
If pink eye is caused by inflammation, for example due to irritation, injury, or certain medical procedures or eye conditions, such as episcleritis and scleritis, doctors usually prescribe steroid eye drops to reduce the inflammatory reaction.
Examples of steroids used in eye drops are: hydrocortisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone. Long-term use of steroid red eye drugs is not allowed because it can cause adverse effects, ranging from cataracts to glaucoma.
2. Antibiotics
Giving antibiotics can effectively treat pink eye caused by infections, such as bacterial, viral, fungal, or even parasitic infections. Some of the red eye conditions that can be caused by infection are blepharitis, keratitis, conjunctivitis, and uveitis.
Doctors can prescribe antibiotics in the form of pills, ointments, or eye drops. Examples of commonly used antibiotics are: tobramycin, neomycin, bacitracin, polymixin B, and gentamicin.
3. Antihistamines
Red eye caused by allergies will usually be treated with red eye medications containing antihistamines. In addition to relieving red eyes, this drug is also able to overcome allergic reactions, such as itchy or watery eyes, by blocking the production of excessive histamine substances.
Commonly prescribed antihistamine eye drops include ketotifen, levocabastin, and antazoline sulfate.
4. Artificial tears
When the amount or quality of tears is not enough to moisturize the lining of the eye, dry eye conditions occur which can cause red eyes accompanied by pain.
The most common treatment for dry eyes is a type of eye drop called artificial tears. In addition to dry eyes, artificial tears can also be used to relieve eye irritation. These drugs are easy to find and you can also get them without a prescription.
Overcoming Red Eyes with Home Treatment
Mild red eye can be easily treated at home. Some tips for treating red eye are as follows:
- Clean your eyes with running water, then rest with your eyes closed, if the red eyes are caused by foreign body irritation.
- Compress the eye with a refrigerated tea bag if the red eye is caused by irritation or injury.
- Compress the eye with a towel soaked in warm water if the red eye is caused by an infection, such as conjunctivitis or a stye, and is accompanied by swelling of the eyelid.
- Wash cloths that come into contact with the eyes every day, such as towels and pillowcases, if red eyes are caused by an infection to avoid re-infection from bacteria attached to the object
In addition, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes directly, using make-up in the area around the eyes, as well as carrying out activities in dirty and dusty environments without eye protection. It is also recommended to remove contact lenses and wear glasses for a while.
Generally, pink eye will heal within a few days after treatment. However, if the red eye medicine above does not provide improvement, immediately consult a doctor, especially if the red eye is accompanied by swelling or severe pain and sudden visual disturbances.