There are numerous Systane eye drops side effects that you may not expect, but they are minor. Systane eye drops help relieve eye irritation, burning, and discomfort.
When you have dry eyes, you will likely experience the stated feelings in your eyes. You should also know that Systane eye drops are for children and adults.
You need to use 1 to 2 drops of the medicine. However, while looking for a way to fight eye problems, you should now be aware of potential Systane eye drops side effects.
The article will dive into the 8 alarming Systane eye drops side effects.
Systane Eye Drops Side Effects
The article is for you if you want information on Systane eye drops side effects. Discover some of the risks and dangers of what to expect from using Systane eye drops.
Systane eye drops are a potent medicine used to treat various eye conditions, including dry and irritated eyes (pink eye). You can also use it to treat other diseases of the eyes and eyelids.
However, in treating any eye problem using Systane eye drops, there are possible side effects you may experience.
#1. Mild Eye Irritation
The first side effect you may experience after using Systane eye drops is mild eye irritation. The irritation gives scratchy feelings that make you keep rubbing your eyes, which can worsen your condition.
According to the ADV vision center, you may be overusing your Systane eye drops. One of the articles says that overusing eye drops could cause a rebound effect.
When this happens, your blood vessels constrict so much. Hence, so little oxygen and nutrients reach your eyes.
As a result, your body overcompensates and dilates the vessels even more. This worsens and prolongs your eye irritation even more.
It’s important to ensure you don’t overuse eye drops because this could hide an underlying condition. Using too many eye drops can also lead to eye drop poisoning.
When this happens, stop using the eye drops and visit your specialist as soon as you can.
#2. Mild Eye Burning
Besides eye irritation, eye burning is another Systane eye drops side effect you may experience. The eye burning could result from not using the medicine often enough.
Additionally, the burning may be because your eyes are sensitive to the drops. If you had used eye drops with preservatives, you would also feel some burning.
Eye drops with preservatives sometimes give your eyes cracks/cuts that are microscopic—the cracks/cuts sting when you first put the Systane eye drops.
However, you can use artificial tears to combat this burning feeling. Additionally, you can always seek advice from your doctor about other alternatives or how to combat the burning.
#3. Itching Eyes
When you have burning and irritating eyes, you will always feel itchy. Another Systane eye drops side effect. Itchy eyes make your body react to the eye drop hence releasing histamine.
Histamine productions cause your blood vessels in the eye to dilate, hence irritating the nerve endings. As a result, you will experience itchiness when this happens.
You can always talk with your doctor when you experience itchy eyes after using Systane eye drops to give you the go-ahead.
In addition, you can place a cold washcloth or ice pack over your eyes to relieve the itching.
#4. Watering of Eyes
Systane eye drops side effects can influence each other. For example, when your eyes are irritated and start to itch, you will experience watery eyes.
When Systane eye drops trigger your body to release histamine, your eye’s blood vessels dilute. This results in water in the eyes.
If your eyes are watering excessively, you should see your doctor, as this may be a sign of infection or allergies.
#5. Redness of Your Eyes
Systane eye drops result in a “rebound redness,” which can persist and worsen over time. The “rebound effect” mainly happens when you abruptly stop using the eye drops.
Additionally, a tolerance to the medication may also be the cause of the redress. There is a “rebound effect” as the eye drops lose effectiveness.
When the eye drops wear off, your eyes become redder.
#6. Discomfort
You’ll experience discomfort after using Systane eye drops. Feeling irritated, burning, and itchy eyes can result in discomfort in your eyes.
#7. Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is a Systane eye drops side effect you may experience using the product for the first time. However, the side effect is temporary, but it is best to request immediate medical attention.
You, therefore, need to tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.
When you have blurred vision, you won’t be able to see things clearly and sharply. The blurring can occur in one or both of the eyes.
There will be times when everything you see is blurry, and there will also be times when only a portion of your field of vision is blurry.
#8. Increased Sensitivity of Eyes to Light
Last but not least, you may experience light-sensitive eyes after using Systane eye drops. Sensitive eyes make you feel pain in bright sunlight or indoor lighting.
It can also feel painful to look at screens which can make it difficult to work.
Additionally, they lead to migraine headaches, dry eyes, and swelling inside your eye. These make you want to close your eyes more or keep blinking to minimize the light.
But that doesn’t play out effectively. It’s, therefore, best to seek medical attention.
How To Use Systane Eye Drops
First, never use Systane to treat or prevent an eye infection. And having stated possible Systane side effects, make sure you know if you’re allergic to it. If you are, avoid using it.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other possible alternatives. You can also ask if it’s safe to use Systane if you have any infection in your eye.
Make sure to tell them if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Otherwise, when you are given the go-ahead, here is how to use Systane.
There is a sheet provided with guides and instructions that come with the product. You will also find the directions to follow and the prescription label.
Before using the product, make sure to wash your hands! Additionally, shake the medicine well before use. You may need the help of another person. To take Systane eye drops,
- Look up with your head tilted back.
- To create a pouch, pull your lower eyelid down.
- Place the Systane dropper over your eye.
- Apply one or two drops to your eye by squeezing the bottle.
- You can now blink, look down, and take a moment as you close your eyes.
Remember, the dropper should be placed directly over your eye, not into your eye. Additionally, avoiding touching the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube would be best.
This is due to the possibility of contaminating the tip, which could result in an infection that could spread to your eyes. That can result in more serious vision issues.
Furthermore, don’t use two doses at a go to make up for skipped or missed doses.
Conclusion
Systane eye drops are over-the-counter eye drops available as a preservative-free solution. You can use it to relieve mild discomfort caused by dryness and irritation of the eyes.
Systane is a lubricant and an anti-inflammatory agent that provides comfort for your eyes. However, Systane eye drops also come with unexpected side effects.
Fortunately, the risks are rare but real. Therefore, it is always wise to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using these eye drops.
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