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Eyes, one of the most important parts of the body, need special care and attention. While you can experiment with different products on your skin while doing a patch test, it is not advised for the eyes. Being sensitive, eyes may get affected adversely wherein blurred vision is the most common.
People often use moisture drops to combat eye dryness and keep them hydrated. However, if any eye infection occurs and the doctor recommends antibiotic drops, the question arises, ‘Can I use antibiotic drops and moisture drops together?’
If you are wondering the same, this article will clear your quandary. Keep reading!
Using Antibiotic Drops and Moisture Drops
The eyes are one of the sensitive organs of the body. Some common eye issues include allergies due to pollen, grass, dust, weeds, and pet dander that may cause itching, dryness, and watery eyes. Likewise, eyes are susceptible to infections, which can be bacterial or viral.
Treatment for every eye condition is different, and this is when the role of antibiotic drops and moisture drops comes into play. While antibiotic drops are recommended to fight off bacterial infection, moisture drops combat dryness. Let’s understand both of them in detail.
Understanding Antibiotic Eye Drops
Getting an eye infection is not uncommon. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Staphylococcus aureus (1) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (2) are the common bacteria that cause eye infection that shows the following symptoms-
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discharge
- Discomfort
In such cases, the doctor recommends antibiotic drops. These drops contain active ingredients that eliminate bacteria responsible for the infection. As a result, the discomforting symptoms subside, and the condition clears after a few days.
If the doctor has diagnosed the bacterial infection and recommended antibiotic drops, it is essential that you use it until and as prescribed. Also, it is advised to never use an antibiotic drop without a prescription.
Understanding Moisture Drops
Moisture drops are also called artificial tears. As the name indicates, they are used to lubricate the eyes by adding hydration to otherwise dry and irritated eyes.
Moisture drops are tailored to mimic the natural composition of tears (3). They are meant to hydrate eyes and provide instant relief from the following-
- Dryness
- Itching
- Discomfort
These symptoms may arise due to varying reasons among which allergens, environment, excessive screen use and certain medical conditions are most common.
While antibiotic drops contain active ingredients to fight off bacteria, moisture drops do not have any medication. They soothe and hydrate the eyes by moisturizing them on the surface. Usually, anyone with the above symptoms can use moisture drops regularly to get an immediate relief.
Can I Use Antibiotic Drops and Moisture Drops Together?
Yes, you can use antibiotic drops and moisture drops together; however, only after consulting with your doctor. There are certain situations wherein using both together are recommended and not recommended. Therefore, using them under guidance is important.
Below are certain scenarios when you can use both antibiotic drops and moisture drops together-
1. When You Have an Infection and Dry Eyes
Some people may experience dryness or irritation in the eyes after using prescribed antibiotic drops. In such cases, it is recommended to use moisture drops to get relief from dryness and itching. As a result, you feel more comfortable using the antibiotic drops that will improve the healing process.
2. When You Have to Manage Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome with an Infection
If you are suffering from chronic dry eye syndrome (4) and an infection has emerged along with it, using antibiotic drops and moisture drops will be recommended by the doctor. This dual approach will help to provide comfort from both the eye conditions. However, you may be advised to use successive drops after an interval of 10 to 15 minutes for maximum effects.
3. When You Have Got Eye Surgery
Often, antibiotic drops and moisture drops are recommended as post-surgical care. The doctor may recommend both the drops when you have undergone cataract surgery as it will aid the healing process.
Conclusion
Using any medication in combination (even though moisture drops are not a medication), it is essential that you consult with an ophthalmologist. While it is safe to use moisture drops without consultation, you should never use antibiotic drops without asking the doctor.
An eye specialist will evaluate the condition and prescribe the concentration of the antibiotic drops that can be used along with moisture drops. Also, the doctor will give you the right and effective treatment regimen and inform you about the safe use of multiple eye drops.
Likewise, you should know how much gap should be maintained when using antibiotic drops and moisture drops together. It is important that one eye drop is absorbed properly before administering the second one to get the most benefits from each.
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