Structural Biochemistry/Eye Drop

Definition

Eye drop is a tropical drug administration route in which a medicated solution of saline-containing liquid is administered to the surface of the eye. Though most of the eye drop usually is lost through patient reaction or resides on the surface of the eye, some of the drug enters the bloodstream through the mucous membranes that line the cornea as well as through the conjunctival mucosa and parts of the tear drainage system. A major advantage of eye drop administration is the ease of regular application of high concentrations of medication as well as its lack of need to go through intestinal digestion. Drugs that are administered through the usage of an eye drop can either be in a fully aqueous solution or in suspension (cloudy).

Eye Drop is a drug that is given to patients after eye surgery, or when having severe dry eyes. Eye drops can help with clearing eyes to make it better for sight.

Types of Eye Drops

1) Rinse eye drops

Rinse eye drops are solutions that help lubricate or replace the tears of the eyes. Rinse eye drops do not necessarily contain any medication. This is the most common form of eye drop administration.

2) Antibiotic and steroid eye drops

Antibiotic and steroid eye drops are predominantly used for treating eye infections. They also can be used to prevent infections from occurring after eye surgeries.

3) Glaucoma eye drops

Glaucoma eye drops assist in the draining of fluid from eyes, which in turn lowers eye pressure. Glaucoma eye drops can vary vastly and are sometimes combined with many other medications that vary on a patient’s need.

4) Antihistamine eye drops

Antihistamine eye drops contain antihistamines, which inhibit a body’s response to allergens. They work by inhibiting the release of histamines into the body. They do not necessarily target the allergens, but allow the patient to cope better with its presence. Antihistamine eye drops are used to lessen the histamine response in the eye.

5) Steroid and antibiotic eye drops

These eye drops are used to treat eye infections. It must be used for the full time prescribed to avoid relapse of the infection. The medication may sting your eyes when first used.

6) Glaucoma eye drops

These eye drops decrease eye pressure by helping the eye's fluid to drain better. They are classified by their active ingredient.

Side Effects

As many other drugs, eye drops are considered to have some side effects: sore throat, fever, rash, itching, dizziness, swelling. One of the most common side effects is eye redness after using the eye drop. This will lead to pain in eyes or problem with visions that one should be cautious. But in fact, eye drops are less risky than tablet medicines and sometimes, these risks can be prevented from pressing the inner corner of the eye after using. If you do not use them the correct way then you can infect not only one eye, but both eyes.

Reference

"Generic Name: Steroid and Antibiotic Eye Drops"

"Glaucoma Medications and Their Side Effects"

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Prescribing-for-and-Administration-of-Drugs-to-the-Eye.htm#ref-1

http://development.aao.org/eyecare/treatment/eyedrops.cfm