Page 83 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

02/11/2025, 00:10 Otic & Ophthalmic Disorders | Dermatological Disorders

Use of these products in narrow-angle glaucoma is contraindicated,

When used as directed, ocular decongestants generally do not induce ocular or systemic adverse
effects.

However, caution is warranted with use of ocular decongestants by patients with systemic
hypertension, or other cardiovascular diseases.

Minor Eye Irritation (Mild non-allergic conjunctivitis)

Symptoms:

Redness of the eye(s) (The most common symptom)
Watery tearing
Mild burning or stinging sensation

Foreign-body/gritty feeling "sand in the eyes."

Usually short-lived and improves after removal of irritant or eye rinsing.
Typically, no itching as a dominant symptom
Usually resolves within 24–48 hours if exposure stops

Nonallergic, occurred due to transient exposure to irritants like smoke, dust, wind, chlorine (swimming pools),
mild chemical splash, air pollution.

Treatment of Minor Eye Irritation

Minor irritation often responds well to instillations of artificial tear solutions or nonmedicated ointments.
Ocular astringents may be included in eye drops for recommended for temporary relief of minor ocular
irritation.
Zinc sulfate 0.25%, a mild astringent is the only FDA-listed ocular astringent.
The dosage: is 1–2 drops up to 4 times daily.
Use: Relief of minor eye irritation (smoke, dust, wind, chlorine).
Often combined with lubricants and/or decongestants in eye drops.
If combined with decongestant, then they should not be used more than 72 hours.

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