Over the counter (OTC) eye drops are used for a variety of eye irritations. The price and ingredients will prompt you to a specific treatment of use. Before buying solutions for your eyes, be clear about the particular irritant that is causing eye distress. Treatment for dry, allergy, pink, and stye problems will be clearly marked on the packaging. Choose one that is for your specific problem and read the list of ingredients and directions. Over the counter eye drops are being used with frequency due to poor air quality and known allergens. There are many common eye irritants that warrant certain OTC drops.

Dry eyes are a prevalent condition as a person ages. Lubricating drops are specifically designed to aid in the production of moisture for the eyes. Without proper lubrication, a common condition called keratitis can inflame the corneas. Adequate use of lubricating drops will keep the potential for increasing problems at bay. Another common eye irritant is allergies and allergic reactions to the environment. Some allergies are stimulated by common products such as hairspray, room deodorizers, and fabric softeners. Eye solutions are available to reduce the irritation and itching that occurs when allergies are affecting the eyes.

There are OTC eye drops to help relieve the pain of conjunctivitis, or pink eye. These drops do not replace the antibiotic drops that are prescribed by a physician. These eye drops are in addition to any treatment that your doctor prescribes. The pain associated with styes can be alleviated through the use of eye drops for this specific problem. The drops can reduce the inflammation and shrink the styes through the prescribed dosages. All OTC eye drops should be preservative free for obtaining the best results. Individual dosage vials are the best means of preservative free OTC eye drops.