Natural Alternatives to Steroid Eyedrops

Steroid eye drops are prescribed to treat eye infections, reduce inflammation and relieve dry eye. But their use is not without potentially harmful side effects. Steroid eye drops can sting your eyes or cause vision changes or reduce your eyes' ability to fight infection. In addition, allergic reactions may include rash, itching or swelling in or near the eyes. Furthermore, long-term use can lead to glaucoma or cataracts, according to the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Natural alternatives to steroid eye drops are available for some eye conditions and may be worth discussing with your eye care provider.

Eye Compress

An alternative to steroid eye drops for pink eye, also referred to as conjunctivitis, is to use an eye compress 2. Make a compress by soaking a lint-free cloth in water and squeezing out the excess water. Then apply the compress to the eyes. For allergic conjunctivitis, a cool compress may be more soothing. A warm compress works best with bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, according to the health education website of the Mayo Clinic 12.

If you have pink eye only in one eye, do not use the compress for both eyes as this may spread the infection.

Over-The-Counter Eye Drops

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Over-the-counter eye drops, sometimes called artificial tears, can help soothe dry eyes and relieve pink eye symptoms. OTC eye drops that contain antihistamines or other non-prescription medications may be helpful for allergic pink eye.

Preservative-free eye drops are available for relief of dry eye symptoms. These are packaged in individual-dose vials that are discarded after use. These are useful if you need to use eye drops frequently during the day. Eye drops that contain preservatives have a longer shelf life, but may cause irritation in some people, especially if they are used multiple times throughout the day.

Ointments

Ointments can be used to treat dry eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic 1. Ointments remain in the eye giving you longer relief from dry eye. Ointments can cause blurry vision or cloud your eyes and are best suited for nighttime use before bedtime.

Washing the Eyes

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If you have blephartitis or inflammation of the eyelids, washing your eyes can help relieve your symptoms. Use a mild soap, such as a baby shampoo or other doctor recommended soap. Use a small amount of soap on clean hands and gently wash the eyelids with your eyes closed. Rinse and pat dry.

Applying a warm washcloth on your eyes for five minutes and then wiping away the loosened debris or crust can help with pink eye and blephartitits.

Precaution

Before using any alternative to prescription eye drops, consult with your doctor or health care professional for recommendations and safety precautions.