Topical ophthalmic use only; please wash hands; invert closed bottle and shake gel-forming solutions before use; take steps such as removing contact lenses prior to administration if worn; wait 15 minutes after reinserting when using products containing benzalkonium chloride before reinserting; close eyelid during and immediately after administration to reduce systemic absorption of drops used for infantile hemangiomas as directed on product labels;

Symptoms

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an eye infection caused by viruses. It’s highly contagious and spreads from person to person via physical contact such as when people touch infected towels, soap dispensers or other objects and rub their eyes after touching these contaminated objects (ie towels). When this virus gets transferred back onto one’s eyes it causes symptoms such as watery eyes with mild discharge, redness of the eyes and swelling around eyelids – in severe cases blurred vision or even blind spots may affect vision as well.

Treatment

Eye drops are medicated solutions designed to treat numerous eye conditions, providing comfort and the potential for long-term vision improvements with their use. Depending on their active ingredient, they act like artificial tears, antibiotics or steroids in helping patients see more clearly with reduced pain or itching.

Twice daily Timolol maleate and hemidylate formulations (Betimol, Timoptic and generics with an AB rating): instill 1 drop into each affected eye(s) twice daily. Remove contact lenses prior to administration if using products with benzalkonium chloride content and wait 15 minutes before reinserting them if using products with this component. Apply gentle pressure to the lacrimal sac during and immediately following instillation (1 minute), or instruct patients to close eyelid gently after instillation to reduce systemic absorption of solution. Apply drops directly onto periocular infantile hemangiomas when treating these lesions (Ref). As part of an off-label four drug management regimen in acute angle-closure glaucoma when assessment by an ophthalmologist is delayed for >=1 hour (off-label use) (Ref).

Dr C Sharat Babu completed his medical studies at Guntur Medical College and Mangalore University. Currently he serves as Chief Operating Director (CMD) for Maxivision Eye Hospital Group of Hyderabad.