Question 1

dr. put me on restasis for 2 months + otc drops. how long can one stay on restasis - forever?

Accepted Answer

Indefinitely: Many patients doing well on Restasis will stay on it indefinitely. Remember that dry eye syndrome is a progressive disease in many people and while Restasis can slow the progression and increase tear production, it does not cure the disease. Much like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, the medications control, not cure, the condition and must be taken chronically.

Question 2

are there otc drops for herpetic keratitis?

Accepted Answer

No OTC treatment: Herpetic keratitis requires prescription therapy, usually with both topical drops or ointment in the eye and oral acyclovir or valacyclovir. And of course this dangerous condition should not be self diagnosed or treated. If you think you have it, see a doctor. If you have done that, contact her office if you have questions or uncertainties about treatment.

Question 3

painful and burning eyes from lack of sleep : tried home remedies and otc drops ,  want something effective . p,s: good sleep is essential , i agree?

Accepted Answer

? infection: not just eye strain, you need to see your doctor as you may need prescription medications, good luck

Question 4

best otc drops for ear wax removal?

Accepted Answer

Murine ear wash kit: Murine ear wax kit.  Do not stick the water syringe in the ear.  Remember, not all ear wax is bad or requires removal.  Ear wax is part of the natural cleansing and protective process for the ear.

Question 5

i havea white bump on the actual eyeball and some tenderness and slight pain.  is there any otc drops for this?

Accepted Answer

Have it checked: It's hard to give you a fast diagnosis for a white bump on the eye. Possibilities include a pingueculum, pterygium, foreign body, calcification, malignancy, and other. An exam will help sort these out and appropriate therapy given. You can always try some artificial tears for comfort, but make an appointment.

Question 6

i have finally now finished all the rx'd eye drops over 6 weeks post cataract surgery. in general, when can i put in otc drops from time to time?

Accepted Answer

6 weeks.: There's different types of drops. Most are more or less, water. 2 weeks is probably plenty for the risk of the surgical wound being open and increased risk of infection but 6 weeks is generally the rule of thumb for healing being complete.

There is the other issue of if the drops have some active ingredients but OTC eye drops don't have those.

Question 7

how many eye doctor visit until prescribing drops b/c otc drops have no effect on my chronic dry eyes. $25per visit,same issue no relief. 2x already.

Accepted Answer

There are: systemic (pills) medicines for some cases of dry eye plus some NEWER drops....get a second opinion!

Hope this is helpful
Dr Z

Question 8

left eye watering on/off for 5 mos. ive seen optometrist who said allergies & then dry eyes. ive been using otc drops/heat compress, yet only my left eye continues to water, oftn triggered by cold air or bending over. no redness/itching. thoughts??

Accepted Answer

: It is time to see an ophthalmologist. It is not feasible to provide a meaningful opinion without examining you.
Wish you good health!

Question 9

my contacts almost always feel dry and my vision is blurry. i use otc eye drops constantly but they only help for a little while. what can i do?

Accepted Answer

Go back to your doc: Either your lubrication regimen is not adequate, you don't have adequate tears to support the type of contacts, or the fit or type of contact is wrong for you.

Question 10

my left eye is always red requiring otc  eye drops. should i use otc  eye drops ? if  not  what should i use?

Accepted Answer

Red eyes: Red eyes could be due to allergies, dry eyes, or eye infections.  The treatments are very different. For allergies, zaditor (ketotifen) is a good otc eye medicine.  Naphcon-a can help reduce the redness. For dry eyes, lubricating tears are necessary.  For infection, usually of the eyelids, start with eyelid warm compress and diluted baby shampoo scrubs.  You should have a baseline exam with your eye doctor.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

OTC drops

A member asked:

Dr. put me on restasis for 2 months + otc drops. how long can one stay on restasis - forever?

A member asked:

Are there otc drops for herpetic keratitis?

A member asked:

Painful and burning eyes from lack of sleep : tried home remedies and otc drops , want something effective . p,s: good sleep is essential , i agree?

A member asked:

Best otc drops for ear wax removal?

A member asked:

I havea white bump on the actual eyeball and some tenderness and slight pain. is there any otc drops for this?

A member asked:

I have finally now finished all the rx'd eye drops over 6 weeks post cataract surgery. in general, when can i put in otc drops from time to time?

A member asked:

How many eye doctor visit until prescribing drops b/c otc drops have no effect on my chronic dry eyes. $25per visit,same issue no relief. 2x already.

A member asked:

Left eye watering on/off for 5 mos. ive seen optometrist who said allergies & then dry eyes. ive been using otc drops/heat compress, yet only my left eye continues to water, oftn triggered by cold air or bending over. no redness/itching. thoughts??

A member asked:

My contacts almost always feel dry and my vision is blurry. i use otc eye drops constantly but they only help for a little while. what can i do?

A member asked:

My left eye is always red requiring otc eye drops. should i use otc eye drops ? if not what should i use?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?