Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose are two of the most common eye drops ingredients. Saline solution is also commonly used. All of the most common eye drops are designed to mimic actual tears in order to rehydrate dry eyes. Certain eye drops may have additional ingredients if they are intended to treat a certain medical condition.
The most common eye drops ingredients are usually classified as artificial tears. Hydroxyprople methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and other saline-based drops are the most commonly used because they most closely mimic the tears the human body produces anyway. When they are applied to the eyes, they convert into a compound that is very similar to the compound found in natural tears, so they have a similar effect on the eyes.
These eye drops ingredients are typically used in the treatment of chronic dry eyes to replenish moisture when the tear ducts are not doing a sufficient enough job on their own. This could be due to an eye condition, insufficient tear ducts, blocked ducts, or from using eye drying products or items like contact lenses. Without sufficient moisture, damage to the eyes and vision could eventually result.
The use of these common eye drops ingredients is also beneficial because they reduce discomfort in those with dry eyes. Not only could long lasting dryness eventually lead to eye damage, but it can be highly uncomfortable. Eyes may become irritated, red, strained, tired, or painful. Using eye drops periodically throughout the day can help to prevent or alleviate these symptoms.
Some items have additional eye drops ingredients to correct certain problems. Antibiotic eye drops, for instance, are used in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, which is a bacterial infection of the eye. These drops should not be used without counsel from a medical professional, since there are many conditions which could lead to similar symptoms in the eyes. Viral infections, allergies, and injury to the eye can all lead to conjunctivitis symptoms.
Those with chronic dry eye should speak with their doctor. Although in many cases it is caused by environmental factors, like allergens, it could also be due to something which requires treatment. Sometimes prescription eye drops will be prescribed to help patients make more of their own tears naturally. Other times, changing contact lens brands or altering certain other behaviors could have the desired effect.