This article explains different types of these formulas and how they work.
Purpose of Artificial Tears
Yourtearsplay an important role in keeping you healthy.
Tears keep the surface of your eyes clean and moist and help protect your eyes from debris and bacteria.
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Although they may appear to be nothing more than water, your tears are actually quite complex.
Some artificial tears are thin like water and some are thick, almost like a gel.
Different types of artificial tears may seem to work better for your eyes than others.
Preservative-free options may be better if you use eye drops more than four times a day.
Types of Artificial Tears
Artificial tear formulas vary depending on the product and its purpose.
Preservative vs. Preservative-Free
Some artificial tears contain preservatives and some don’t.
A particularly well-known preservative called benzalkonium chloride, or BAK, should be avoided for particularly sensitive individuals.
These changes may occur when you have dry eyes for a long period of time.
HP-guar is a molecule that forms a gel layer that protects the damaged cells.
Close your eye, and keep a finger pressed on the corner near your nose for a minute.
This will keep the artificial tears from running out of the eye or into your nose.
Ointments are used only at night because they can blur vision.
They can accurately diagnosis the cause of your dry eyes and recommend a specific artificial tears.
It may be a better alternative for the key in and severity of your dry eye condition.
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