OPHTHALMIC EDUCATION (17) How to protect your eyes from the wrong eye drop!! [Archives:2000/48/Health]

Mahfouth A Bamashmus
FRCSEd, FRCOphth
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Ibn-Al-Haitham Clinic
University of Science & Technology, Sanaa
Allah created human beings and looking at the human e you can believe in the ability of our lord. Sight is very important and everyone takes care of his or her eyes. Most eye diseases in our community can be prevented or treated in the early stages. The preventive methods in dealing with eye diseases can prevent a large number of people from being visually impaired. It also decreases the cost of treating a large number of these diseases and decreases the burden on the community in taking care of the partially sighted or blind people.
Here are some advice and instructions on how to keep your eyes healthy:
Eye drops and ointments dont affect your fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan. If you are using eye drops given to you by your eye doctor, you should continue using them during the holy month.
Get rid of all old and used drops and ointments especially those that have expired. Bacteria can reach these drops and can cause serious infections of the eye if used wrongly.
Keep all the medications and drops in a safe place and out of the reach of children.
If you develop red eyes, you should visit your eye doctor and you shouldnt the once from the pharmacist or use drops found at home. Using drops without the advice of an eye doctor can cause damage to your eyes.
If you use contact lenses, you need to take care of them and clean them as your eye doctor or optician has instructed you. Contact lenses can cause serious eye infections if not cleaned carefully.
You shouldnt use drops containing cortisone or its derivatives expect under the supervision of an eye doctor. Drops containing cortisone can cause serious eye problems if used without the supervision of an eye doctor.
If a member of your family was given an eye drop and you developed similar symptoms you shouldnt use the same drops. You need to see your eye doctor because many eye diseases have similar symptoms but are treated differently.
If your eye has been exposed to chemicals or kitchen detergents you need to wash the eye thoroughly and visit your eye doctor as soon as you can.
Routine eye exam by an eye specialist is very important.
It is your sight and your eyes need every care they deserve.
Reference:
PAACO educational leaflets, Cairo



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