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Your eyesight is one of the most important senses in terms of how you perceive the world around you. Protecting your eyes reduces the risk of developing eye diseases and suffering from vision loss. One of the best things you can do for your eye health is to get regular dilated eye exams, even if you don’t have any problems with your eyes or your vision. An eye test is simple and painless and can help detect many eye diseases early in their course when they are easier to treat. People who have a family history of eye diseases, are obese, or have health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are at increased risk of eye diseases. If you are in any of these categories, you should speak to your doctor about steps you can take to reduce your risks.
Common Eye Diseases
Refractive errors are the most frequent eye problem in the United States and worldwide. They include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia (inability to focus on close objects that occurs after age 40), and astigmatism (distorted vision at all distances). It is estimated that 150 million Americans have one or more forms of refractive error.
Cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye and is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness. An estimated 20 million Americans have a cataract in one or both eyes. Treatment for cataract removal is safe, effective, and widely available.
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye complication of diabetes in which there is damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer in the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness and affects an estimated 4 million Americans.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition in which there is poor central vision, resulting in difficulty focusing on objects and performing routine activities like reading and driving. Roughly 1.8 million Americans are affected by AMD.
Glaucoma is a disease in which the optic nerve in the eye is damaged, resulting in vision loss and blindness. The damage occurs due to rising pressure in the eye. The disease progresses slowly and the vision loss may not be noticeable until the condition is advanced.
Strabismus is an abnormal positioning of the two eyes, causing the eyes to appear crossed or turned out. Because the eyes look in different directions, it becomes difficult to focus on one point. The condition is often detected shortly after birth and the cause is unknown.
Medications for Eye Health
A wide range of medications is used to treat eye conditions. They are available as solutions, suspensions, eye drops, ointments, and gels. Some medications treat eye symptoms while others are used to treat specific eye ailments.
Mydriatics are drugs that dilate the pupil. They are used to open up the eye before an eye examination. Examples include atropine and cyclopentolate.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial eye infections. Examples include AK-poly-bac, Ocuflox, and Polytrim.
Antihistamines are used to suppress symptoms like eye itching. Examples include Acular, Alrex, and Viscoat.
Mast cell stabilizers like sodium cromoglycate, lodoxamide, promethazine, and pemirolast are used to prevent and treat eye allergy symptoms.
Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation in the eye and treat symptoms like redness, irritation, and discomfort. They are prescribed to prevent permanent damage to the eyes which can occur with some eye conditions. Examples include Durezol, Lotemax, and Pred Mild.
Artificial tears are used to lubricate the eyes in people with dry eyes or those who wear contact lenses.
Over-the-Counter Medications for the Eyes
A range of OTC eye drops and ointments are available for symptoms like redness, dryness, itching, swelling, pain, and infection (pink eye). It is best not to take a chance with your eyes. You should consult an optician or ophthalmologist (eye doctor) before using OTC eye medications to determine if they are appropriate. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the best treatment for your eye problem, based on the cause and severity.
Common Side Effects of Eye Medications
Mydriatics: Temporary stinging, blurred vision, photophobia (discomfort in the eyes on exposure to bright lights).
Antibiotics: Burning, itching, tearing, dry eyes, vision changes.
Antihistamines: Irritation, burning, stinging, sensitivity to light, bad taste in the mouth.
Mast cell stabilizers: Headache, dry eyes, burning.
Corticosteroids: Stinging, burning, irritation, itching, cloudy or blurry vision, and increased sensitivity to light. More serious side effects include glaucoma, cataract, and worsening infections. These medications must always be used under medical advice and supervision.
Common Questions
How often should I have my eyes examined?
If you have no eye symptoms or vision problems, you should have your eyes checked every 5-10 years when you are in your 20s and 30s, every 2-4 years between ages 40 and 55, every 1-3 years from age 55 to 65, and every 1-2 years after age 65. You may need to have your eyes checked more often if you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, have a family history of eye diseases, take medications that can cause side effects in the eyes, or have chronic health conditions like diabetes that can affect the eyes.
Are online vision exams accurate?
No, online vision tests can give misleading or inaccurate information and may give you a false sense of security. It is best to undergo a comprehensive dilated eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to accurately assess your eye health, diagnose any potential eye conditions, and take steps to preserve eye health and vision.
Can I get a discount on eye medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including medications for eye health—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/keep-your-eyes-healthy
2. https://www.aao.org/eye-health
3. https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/index.html
4. https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/CMSDocuments/2016/5/dg0516i.pdf
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/mast-cell-stablilizer
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/eye-exam/about/pac-20384655#
7. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/full-picture-of-eye-health?sso=y
Common Eye Health Health Medications
Eye Health
Get the latest information on common prescription and over-the-counter eye health drugs.
Your eyesight is one of the most important senses in terms of how you perceive the world around you. Protecting your eyes reduces the risk of developing eye diseases and suffering from vision loss. One of the best things you can do for your eye health is to get regular dilated eye exams, even if you don’t have any problems with your eyes or your vision. An eye test is simple and painless and can help detect many eye diseases early in their course when they are easier to treat. People who have a family history of eye diseases, are obese, or have health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are at increased risk of eye diseases. If you are in any of these categories, you should speak to your doctor about steps you can take to reduce your risks.
Common Eye Diseases
Refractive errors are the most frequent eye problem in the United States and worldwide. They include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia (inability to focus on close objects that occurs after age 40), and astigmatism (distorted vision at all distances). It is estimated that 150 million Americans have one or more forms of refractive error.
Cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye and is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness. An estimated 20 million Americans have a cataract in one or both eyes. Treatment for cataract removal is safe, effective, and widely available.
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye complication of diabetes in which there is damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer in the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness and affects an estimated 4 million Americans.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition in which there is poor central vision, resulting in difficulty focusing on objects and performing routine activities like reading and driving. Roughly 1.8 million Americans are affected by AMD.
Glaucoma is a disease in which the optic nerve in the eye is damaged, resulting in vision loss and blindness. The damage occurs due to rising pressure in the eye. The disease progresses slowly and the vision loss may not be noticeable until the condition is advanced.
Strabismus is an abnormal positioning of the two eyes, causing the eyes to appear crossed or turned out. Because the eyes look in different directions, it becomes difficult to focus on one point. The condition is often detected shortly after birth and the cause is unknown.
Medications for Eye Health
A wide range of medications is used to treat eye conditions. They are available as solutions, suspensions, eye drops, ointments, and gels. Some medications treat eye symptoms while others are used to treat specific eye ailments.
Mydriatics are drugs that dilate the pupil. They are used to open up the eye before an eye examination. Examples include atropine and cyclopentolate.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial eye infections. Examples include AK-poly-bac, Ocuflox, and Polytrim.
Antihistamines are used to suppress symptoms like eye itching. Examples include Acular, Alrex, and Viscoat.
Mast cell stabilizers like sodium cromoglycate, lodoxamide, promethazine, and pemirolast are used to prevent and treat eye allergy symptoms.
Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation in the eye and treat symptoms like redness, irritation, and discomfort. They are prescribed to prevent permanent damage to the eyes which can occur with some eye conditions. Examples include Durezol, Lotemax, and Pred Mild.
Artificial tears are used to lubricate the eyes in people with dry eyes or those who wear contact lenses.
Over-the-Counter Medications for the Eyes
A range of OTC eye drops and ointments are available for symptoms like redness, dryness, itching, swelling, pain, and infection (pink eye). It is best not to take a chance with your eyes. You should consult an optician or ophthalmologist (eye doctor) before using OTC eye medications to determine if they are appropriate. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the best treatment for your eye problem, based on the cause and severity.
Common Side Effects of Eye Medications
Mydriatics: Temporary stinging, blurred vision, photophobia (discomfort in the eyes on exposure to bright lights).
Antibiotics: Burning, itching, tearing, dry eyes, vision changes.
Antihistamines: Irritation, burning, stinging, sensitivity to light, bad taste in the mouth.
Mast cell stabilizers: Headache, dry eyes, burning.
Corticosteroids: Stinging, burning, irritation, itching, cloudy or blurry vision, and increased sensitivity to light. More serious side effects include glaucoma, cataract, and worsening infections. These medications must always be used under medical advice and supervision.
Common Questions
How often should I have my eyes examined?
If you have no eye symptoms or vision problems, you should have your eyes checked every 5-10 years when you are in your 20s and 30s, every 2-4 years between ages 40 and 55, every 1-3 years from age 55 to 65, and every 1-2 years after age 65. You may need to have your eyes checked more often if you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, have a family history of eye diseases, take medications that can cause side effects in the eyes, or have chronic health conditions like diabetes that can affect the eyes.
Are online vision exams accurate?
No, online vision tests can give misleading or inaccurate information and may give you a false sense of security. It is best to undergo a comprehensive dilated eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to accurately assess your eye health, diagnose any potential eye conditions, and take steps to preserve eye health and vision.
Can I get a discount on eye medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including medications for eye health—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/keep-your-eyes-healthy
2. https://www.aao.org/eye-health
3. https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/index.html
4. https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/CMSDocuments/2016/5/dg0516i.pdf
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/mast-cell-stablilizer
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/eye-exam/about/pac-20384655#
7. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/full-picture-of-eye-health?sso=y
Common Eye Health Health Medications
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