However, if the pinguecula is causing discomfort, there are treatments available to alleviate your symptoms. Uses: For the temporary relief of burning, irritation, and discomfort due to dryness of the eye or exposure to wind or sun. Still trying to find the overnight iVizia lubricant eye gelit is sold out everywhere I look!. Pterygium Information, Symptoms and Treatment - Natural Eye Care A pingueculais asmall, raised, white- or yellow-colored growththat is limited to the conjunctiva; it can occur on the inner or outer side of the eye. Dry eye disease might also cause them to develop. Any constant irritation to the eye can lead to a pinguecula regardless of location or activity, however. Its a homeopathic, sterile solution used to provide comfort from redness, burning, watering, inflammation, sensation of grittiness and overnight crusting. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. The day after the initial drops, I noticed significantly increased yellow discharge. These include wearing certified sunglasses and brimmed hats or other sun and wind protective equipment while outdoors. Policy. For enhanced results apply warm moist compresses 3 to 5 times per day until resolution is achieved. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo purchase before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. 5-fluid ounce bottle easily slips into a bag or purse, so you can soothe your tired eyes anywhere. Pterygium - GoldmanEye In addition, people with pingueculitis need to make certain lifestyle changes to keep this infection from occurring again. If the pinguecula becomes uncomfortable, causes you to blink, or interferes with your contact lenses, surgery is typically the best option. If you forget to Optava, use one drop in each eye that needs treatment as you remember and then resume normal routine. Some studies suggest that men are more likely to develop them than women. They can also ease the sensation that something is in your eye. Do not reuse. The condition mostly affects people over the age of 40. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Pterygium & Pinguecula Treatment | Eye Institute | Auckland The pinguecula typically forms on the inner side of the white part of your eye, near your nose. Both are linked to sun exposure and develop on the conjunctiva. Similasan is a Swiss brand dedicated to helping families feel good about feeling better. If a person notices any changes in their eyes, they should arrange an appointment with a doctor. Pinguecula | AOA - American Optometric Association Active Ingredients: Belladonna 6X, Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright) 6X, Mercurius Sublimatus 15X. However, most find that the relief is worth that initial sting. With a homeopathic recipe, these drops cause no irritation, and are safe for all ages and lifestyles. If your pinguecula isn't causing you pain or discomfort, no treatment is necessary. Similisan Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops. FYI, I was born with vision issues and have worn eyeglasses since age 3. This combination of ingredients works together to retain moisture on the eye and slow evaporation of the tear film. A pterygium grows on the cornea. It can also appear on the outer side of the eye. If a person does develop eye irritation, they should consider using preservative-free drops that come in single-use vials. Uses: According to homeopathic principles, the active ingredients in this product temporarily relieve minor symptoms such as: dry eye; redness of eyes and lids; reflex watering secondary to dry eye. Over time, though, pingueculas may get bigger.. The beach is not the only place where a person might have enough risk conditions for the formation of pinguecula. Pingueculae are very common. Keeping the eye moist with artificial tears may help prevent the area from becoming inflamed. (Best Eye Drops, Top 3 Foods & Practices) Fit Tuber 6.88M subscribers Join Subscribe 144K 2.7M views 1 year ago Eye Strain Protector (Laptop) 5 Most Effective Ways to Cool down and Relax your. It made my eyes blurred and itchy. Unless pinguecula causes any discomfort, it does not require any type of treatment. I figure, you have to throw it out 30 days after opening it, so I may as well make sure I get the most of it. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. After 1 day of using Similasan Complete twice daily, 2 drops per eye, my nasal/sinus discharge has gone away 95%. The formation of the pinguecula can make their vision blurry. Hopefully after the recommended 72hr use my eyes will be free of the green boogers all day. 20 Best Eye Drops For Pinguecula (2023 Updated) - Taste of St. Louis Good sunglasses should block out at least 99% of harmful UV rays. Fast soothing relief. Note: There are currently no drugs listed for "Pterygium". Less frequently, surgery is recommend to remove the pinguecula. Twist cap off bottle. Apply every 3-4 hours, or as directed by a doctor, Replace cap after each use. Youll experience dry eye symptoms, including burning sensation, itching, and a feeling of having something in your eye. *Participation Varies and not all locations participate in this $1000 discount program or VSP member discounts. A nasal infection, from blowing your nose, can cause eye infections. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Learn more: Vaccines, Boosters & Additional Doses | Testing | Patient Care | Visitor Guidelines | Coronavirus. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreements for their applicable terms. C, K, CK, and X are Homeopathic Dilutions: See www.Boiron.com for details; Alleviates Gritty Sensation (Feeling of Sand in the Eye), The Letters HPUS Indicate That This Ingredient is Officially Included in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States. . For example, you may be at risk for pinguecula if you: Some people are at higher risk of developing pinguecula than others. Most people who have a pinguecula have it on the inside of their eye, close to the nose. . If the pinguecula grows to the point where it blocks or blurs your vision (a rare event), your provider can remove it. Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Sodium Chloride (0.9%). C, K, CK, and X are Homeopathic Dilutions: See www.Boiron.com for details; Relieves Burning, Irritated Eyes, The Letters HPUS Indicate That This Ingredient is Officially Included in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States. Quick relief from moderate irritation and discomfort, Purified GMP certified, pharmaceutical grade, 1% N-Acetylcarnosine eye drops, Most people experience initial results in 1-3 months with optimum results in 6-12 months, Breakthrough eye drops for people and pets, For temporary relief of burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye, Eye drop formula includes multiple hydrating moisturizers for soothing relief from eye irritation for comfort that lasts up to 10 hours, Moisturizing eye drops use a hydrating formula and cooling sensation to make you feel refreshed, Soothes eyes on long drives and long work shifts to ease minor irritation and dryness, Apply one to two drops in the affected eye(s) for dry eye relief, Relieves burning and irritation from dryness. This is a single herb formulation and is one of the best medications which is used in the treatment of eye disorders. Pterygium . Surgery may be an option for people who do not find symptom relief from OTC or prescription treatments. GenTeal Tears Moderate Lubricant Eye Drops contains triple demulcent technology. When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. These growths also can occur on either side of the eye. They are very easy to administer and have less blur than other brands for improved clarity. The vast majority of pinguecula cases are mild and require non-surgical treatments like eye drops. If youre thinking about surgery, keep in mind that the pinguecula can grow back, so removal may be pointless. Disclaimer These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. However, it may be considered if the pinguecula causes chronic eye irritation or vision problems. What Is a Pinguecula and a Pterygium (Surfers Eye)? An eye doctor will diagnose a pinguecula with an examination of the eyes. Reasons to consider the removal of a pinguecula include: The exact cause of pinguecula isnt fully understood. Pterygia usually cause irritation, redness or a sensation of something in the eye, and sometimes cause decreased or distorted vision after changing the shape of the cornea. would purchase again AND recommend to a friend!. Uses: (one or more of these) For the temporary relief of burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye ; For the temporary relief of discomfort due to minor irritations of the eye or to exposure to wind and sun; For use as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye; For use as a lubricant to prevent further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye. Contains N-acetyl-L-carnosine; a unique form of the dipeptide carnosine. Surgery is rarely needed. You can lower your risk of developing pinguecula if you: Pinguecula has a good prognosis. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. We may earn commissions if you purchase something via one of our links. Not too pricey either. The first recommended treatment may be drops to add moisture to . There are a few different types of eye drops that can be used to treat pinguecula. Drops to lubricate your eyes can help relieve irritation from pinguecula. A pingueculum does not grow on the cornea or threaten sight. There are rarely any long-term consequences of a pinguecula. Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Eyebright Drops Cleansing, Soothing Pinguecula: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 (0.25 %). A hordeolum looks like a pus-filled lump or pimple at the edge of the eyelid. However, a pinguecula that is irritated might create a feeling that something is in the eye - called a foreign body sensation. This yellow-white thickening of the sclera is common over the age of 40 years. Slightly pull the lower lid to form a small pouch. These eye drops also temporarily relieve eye irritation and burning due to wind and sun exposure. During recovery, you may experience mild instances of eye redness, irritation or blurred vision. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 12. (HPUS 6c, 12c, 18c), Pulsatilla (HPUS 6c, 23c, 18c), Silica (HPUS 6c, 23c, 18c), Staphysagria (HPUS 6c, 23c, 18c). It's especially important for anyone with pingueculae to protect their eyes from the sun, since it's the sun's harmful UV rays that causes pingueculae to develop in the first place and encourages them to keep growing. Sometimes, there are no other symptoms, but you may experience some mild symptoms like: If the pinguecula becomes inflamed, it can develop into pingueculitis. During the procedure, a surgeon will remove the pinguecula. Eye drops for eye irritation: red, dry, itchy and burning eyes. This article outlines the causes and symptoms of a pinguecula. Visine Tears Dry Eye Relief Natural Tears Formula contains 10 important ingredients found in your own natural tears. A pinguecula may contain deposits of protein, fat or calcium. Learn more about the symptoms and causes of pingueculas, as well as how theyre diagnosed and treated. Pinguecula usually develops outside your central vision. Restore bright and healthy eyes with pterygium & pinguecula treatment in Auckland or Hawke's Bay This safe and effective treatment can soothe irritation and remove these potentially sight-threatening growths Book an appointment Soothe red and irritable eyes with our straightforward treatments Learn about LASIK success rates and side effects, Learn about the costs associated with LASIK, Benefits of LASIK for astigmatism correction, How to find vision insurance that covers LASIK, Compare PRK and LASIK procedures and results, 14 tips for protecting your vision after LASIK. Learn about these and other possible causes, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. From the eye care experts at Bausch and Lomb, LUMIFY works in 1 minute and lasts up to 8 hours. Steroid eye drops with anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed for swelling. Use as often as needed with no known side effects. If you take preventative steps, its easy to avoid pinguecula since it takes long-term exposure to outdoor elements for them to develop. Within two hours my eye was clearing up, and within two days it was back to normal. So I went to my local Walmart to get it. The growth is usually yellow and tends to develop on the side of the eye closest to the nose. American Academy of Ophthalmology. In fact, according to one 2019 review, pingueculae are more common in people who live near the equator, where the suns rays are strongest. One thing to note is that its possible to have pinguecula in both of your eyes at the same time. Pinguecula and Pterygium - Optometrists.org This tool shines a narrow slit of light into your eye so that your doctor can inspect the front and the side of your eye. In more severe cases, topical steroid drops may be used to control inflammation. Twist to open. Uses: According to homeopathic principles, the active ingredients in this product temporarily relieve minor symptoms such as: blurred vision; eyestrain; tearing due to dryness. The only way to remove it is with surgery. Uses: For the temporary relief or burning, irritation and discomfort due to dryness of the eye exposure to wind or sun . Argon laser photocoagulation is an alternative approach to surgery to remove the pinguecula. It is not necessary that contact lenses be removed before using Optava. Also call your provider if you have a pinguecula and continue to feel eye discomfort despite using medications. She also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine. Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%Purpose: Eye Lubricant. Pinguecula (pronounced, ping-gweh-kyuh-luh) is a yellowish raised growth on your eyes conjunctiva. A pinguecula is thought to be caused by a combination of dry eyes and exposure to wind, dust, or ultraviolet light from the sun. Pinguecula and Pterygium | Johns Hopkins Medicine What is Pingueculitis - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Sterile. People who ski, snowboard, or spend a lot of time in the snow should wear well-fitting ski goggles to avoid snow blindness and to protect their eyes from absorbing enough UV radiation that it causes a pinguecula to grow. Inactive Ingredients: Ascorbic Acid, Benzalkonium Chloride, Boric Acid, Dextrose, Disodium Phosphate, Glycerin, Glycine, Hypromellose, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Purified Water, Sodium Borate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Lactate. Purpose: Eye lubricant. Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of a Pinguecula - Broberg Eye Care People who have a pinguecula experience an itching and burning sensation in their eyes, like feeling like they have sand or grit caught on their eye. Ive used worse designs from major pharma, as eye meds. For this reason, a pterygium is often larger, and it may be red, pink, or yellow. All rights reserved. Anti-inflammatory eye drops can help to reduce the inflammation that is present in the eye. EyeWiki. Both are growths on your eyes conjunctiva. This can be treated with steroid eye drops or anti-inflammatory medication. Long work days. The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist. Along with a wide-brimmed hat, you should wear them even on cloudy days. LUMIFY Redness Reliever Eye Drops 0.25 Ounce (7.5mL) Features : Eye Drops for Red Eyes: LUMIFY significantly reduces redness to help reveal your eyes' natural radiance. Eye Health | Pinguecula | Symptoms & Treatments - Optical Express Lubricating eye drops may be prescribed for those with mild pingueculitis to relieve dry eye irritation and foreign body sensation. I was almost ready to just cave and buy another $15 bottle of Systane till I read about Similasan Complete on that *OTHER* site. Current Treatment. 1,2 Pingueculitis occurs when a pinguecula becomes acutely inflamed. Dry Eye Treatments Dry Eye Treatments TearCare Glaucoma Surgery Presbyopia Treatments Monovision LASIK Refractive Lens Exchange Pterygium Surgery Implantable Miniature Telescope Surgery See Your Best This Winter! The typical daily oral dose is between 200mg and 400mg. Wilmer Eye Institute ophthalmologist. This solution will sting initially! In some instances they remain small, but they can potentially grow to the point of feeling uncomfortable or affecting vision. Pharmaceutical Grade, certified to be free of all contaminants as shown by a Certificate of Analysis. Having a pinguecula will not cause blindness. This might be an option for people whose pinguecula interferes with the application of their regular contact lenses since scleral contact lenses completely vault the cornea, bypassing the problems posed by an irregular corneal surface. Treatment includes warm compresses and antibiotic eye drops . If surgery is required for both eyes, the procedures typically take place on separate days to allow you to see out of one eye while the operated eye is healing. I have tried MANY other products for this condition which has really seemed to worsen in the last several years. It is possible for a pterygium to grow back following surgery. Outside of writing, Lauren runs a small farm with her husband and their four big dogs. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 (1 %). LUMIFY eye drops significantly reduce redness to help eyes appear whiter, brighter, and more radiant. Inactive Ingredients: Benzalkonium Chloride, Boric Acid, Chlorobutanol, Edetate Disodium, Menthol, Polysorbate 80, Potassium Aspartate, Purified Water, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Sodium Borate. Like a pinguecula, a pterygium also grows on the conjunctiva of the eye. Recovery takes place for at least a month, during which you will likely be prescribed antibiotic and steroid drops to prevent infection and reduce dryness and inflammation. Pingueculas are sometimes confused with pterygiums, which is also known as surfers eye. A pinguecula usually forms on the side of the eye closest to the nose. A pinguecula may not need treatment if it doesnt cause discomfort. Bian W, Wan J, Tan M, et al; Patient experience of treatment decision making for . If your pinguecula is making it difficult for you to see, you may want to consider having a laser procedure done, which will help flatten it out. Wear glasses or goggles to keep dust out. What is a Pinguecula? A pinguecula is a growth of fat, protein, or calcium on the conjunctiva. These lubricating eyedrops instantly provide soothing relief from inflammation, dryness, redness and itchiness, letting you go about your day more comfortably. This should cause the swelling to recede, and it might remove the pinguecula entirely; however, if the patient does not want to wait, surgery is an option. Pinguecula treatment. Active Ingredients: Cineraria Maritima 6C (HPUS-1.50%), Euphrasia Officinalis 4X (HPUS-1.00%), Calendula Officinalis 4X (HPUS-0.25%), Kali Muriaticum 10X (HPUS-0.25%), Calcarea Fluorica 10X (HPUS-0.25%), Magnesia Carbonica 10X (HPUS-0.25%), Silicea 10X (HPUS-0.25%). Dont squeeze bottle, squeeze plastic tip to release 2-3 drops into eye. Pinguecula and pterygium are both caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and made worse by chronic dryness or irritation. People who wear contact lenses may also opt for surgery since the pinguecula can affect the way that they wear their contacts. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Surgery for pinguecula is uncommon, but may be required if there is suspicion for a precancerous lesion that needs removal. Your provider will use a slit lamp to closely examine the growth. The doctor may then refer the person to a specialist eye doctor, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Purpose: Dryness, Redness, Containing 0.0000002% Alkaloids Calculated as Hyoscyamine., Redness, Dryness. [from Similasan] Originating in Switzerland in 1980, the Similasan brand became popular across Europe. All rights reserved. New treatment for common incurable eye condition: Pterygium/pinguecula What is a pinguecula and how to treat it | Specsavers IE An anesthetic eye drop is put in your eye to numb it. To treat pinguecula, your eye doctor may suggest an anti-inflammatory steroid drop to help reduce swelling in the area and speed healing. Repeat 2 to 6 times a day, as needed, or as directed by a doctor. Subject to credit approval. The outlook for people who have a pinguecula is good. It also discusses some ways to treat and prevent a pinguecula. Sometimes the two are mentioned together, but they are distinct conditions. Spending time outside for normal activities like hiking, walking, or going to the beach is unlikely to increase your chances of getting a pinguecula. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Below are some things a person can try to protect their eyes from sunlight and other irritants: These measures may also help prevent the recurrence of a pinguecula following removal surgery. ABC News explains that during winter, fresh snow can reflect up to 80 percent of the ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun. Dr John Beaumont; Dr William Cunningham; Prof Helen Danesh-Meyer; Dr Narme Deva; Dr Peter Hadden . Purpose: Blurred Vision, Sensitivity to Light, Burning, Reflex Tearing Due to Dryness, Eyestain, Corneal Opacity, Eyestrain, Redness, Eye Pain when Reading. Eye ointments are also available. In particularly bad cases, the pinguecula can become inflamed and swollen, leading to a condition known as pingueculitis. If the pinguecula is advanced enough to cause redness and swelling in the eye (the result of extra blood vessels forming in the conjunctiva), a doctor may recommend steroid eye drops. TranslateShow in original languageme lo recomend el oftalmlogo como sustituto del corticoide para aliviar los problemas de inflamacin a raz de tener el ojo seco. Similasan doesnt deserve that negative comment from that customer. If you find the solution is too strong for you, try a weaker apple cider vinegar solution. Prevention The result is a small yellow-white bump. High exposure to dryness, dust, and wind may also increase a persons risk of developing a pinguecula. Pterygium (say "teh-RIH-jee-um") and pinguecula (say "ping-GWEH-kew-luh") are similar eye problems. Pinguecula can happen in one or both eyes and more than one can be present in the same eye. One morning, I woke up and my eye was shut with mucus and it looked really small and puffy. Time to WAKE UP your eyes! It was surprising to see how quickly they have become a convert. The common degeneration of the conjunctiva - Bangkok Hospital Unless you have a physical malady, the consumer who said she had issues with the design of the bottle, when dispensing the medication into her eyes, is the one with the issue. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. People who have a lot of exposure to the suns UV rays may be more likely to develop a pinguecula. Inactive Ingredients: Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride; Potassium Chloride; Purified Water, Sodium Chloride, and Sodium Lactate. Your doctor can prescribe eye ointment or drops if OTC treatments dont help. Use artificial tears to help keep your eyes moist and reduce irritation. If you suffer from inflammation, a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops may help. Relieves dryness of the eye. See your eye care provider if you think you have a pinguecula or notice any change in your vision. All rights reserved. 3 teaspoons distilled or filtered water. They tend to form in middle-aged or older people who spend a lot of time in the sun, but it is not unheard of for a pinguecula to form in younger adults or even children. Inactive Ingredients: Borate Buffer, Purified Water, Silver Sulfate (as Preservative), Sodium Nitrate. Sometimes patients ask for a pinguecula to be removed, which can be done by surgery or laser treatment. Pinguecula doesnt go away on its own. Pinguecula can happen to anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors in the sun without eye protection. Talk to your doctor if you think that you have pinguecula. The procedure often takes between 30 minutes and an hour. Keep out of reach of children. Should redness and swelling in the eye develop, steroid eye drops can be prescribed. Original Swiss formula. just in case. Pinguecula - College of Optometrists Research on argon laser photoablation to remove pinguecula. Your conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye. Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer. Matter of 5 days. Its most commonly seen in middle-aged and older adults. Feeling like you have sand or grit in your eye. You can protect your eyes from developing a pinguecula by: Pinguecula and pterygium are similar conditions. This is the clear covering over the white part of your eye. The usual dosage is 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye Optava / affected eye two times a day or as needed. Find more COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov. ScienceDaily. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you may have an increased risk if you spend a lot of time out in the snow, as UV rays reflect off of the snow and increase your eyes exposure to light. However, most agree that there is a connection with exposure to outside irritants over periods of months or years. Plus, its free from belladonna and silver sulfate. Blurred vision and a headache occurring together can indicate several problems, from migraine to stroke. A visit will allow your provider to confirm the diagnosis, check the general health of your eyes and change or amend your medications. If you notice a small, yellow bump on your eyeball, it could be a pinguecula. Living in a small town I was afraid I wouldnt be able to get anything for the symptoms but my boyfriend went to the Dollar General and picked this up. How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar Eye Drops for Pterygium - Earth Clinic Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This helps to protect the growth from further exposure to UV rays. The most common symptom of pinguecula is a small, yellowish patch or bump on the conjunctiva of your eye. Directions: Put 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) up to 4 times daily. C, K, CK, and X are Homeopathic Dilutions: See www.Boiron.com for details; Relieves Eye Dryness Associated with Smoke or Other Airborne Irritants, The Letters HPUS Indicate That This Ingredient is Officially Included in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States. This helps them rule out other conditions or determine the underlying cause of the pinguecula. In some cases, however, a person may need surgery to remove the pterygium. A pinguecula is a small growth on the conjunctiva of your eye. Pinguecula Vs Pterygium: How to Prevent and Treat These Eye Conditions The eye doctor may examine the eye under a special light using a magnifying lens. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. In severe cases, however, a pinguecula can be so large that it affects vision, or it may be a cosmetic issue. Effective Treatment to Relieve Irritation Caused by Pinguecula A pinguecula is a small, benign growth that can develop on the eye. Steroid eye drops can reduce swelling and redness. It helps your provider look at the front and inside of your eye. The reason for the change is not fully known, but causes may include: Your eye care provider can diagnose pinguecula through a normal eye exam. You should also be sure to clean your hands before using the eye drops. Replace cap after use. This is a different growth altogether. steriod eye drops - may be used if the eye is particularly irritated and swollen. However, they can become inflamed (pingueculitis), during which they may appear red and swollen. However, if the pinguecula is large, irritated, or causing visual problems, your doctor may recommend using artificial tears or eye drops to lubricate the eye and reduce irritation.