Optrex Refreshing eye drops

Tired and uncomfortable eyes are a common ailment and an unfortunate crux of modern life. While there are numerous ways to reduce your risk of eye fatigue, it can still occur from time to time.

Screen eyes

Screens are everywhere - from your work desk to your pocket. They're often unavoidable and sometimes essential to our daily lives, but they can put strain on the eyes.

You might assume that blue light is the sole perpetrator of eye fatigue, but it is only one of several aspects of a display which can affect you.

Blue light is harsh and prevents our body from producing enough melatonin to induce sleep. Moreover, staring at screens increases the likeliness of the protective fluid layer of the eye, known as the tear film, to evaporate. The tear film helps to lubricate the eyelids.

You can reduce the amount of blue light on your screen by using a blue light filter - this is built into most devices. This setting will gradually tint your screen red (the opposite of blue on the colour wheel) to essentially neutralise the colour and relieve some eye strain. It can be set to come on in the evening to help your body produce more melatonin.

Some monitors allow you to adjust the "temperature" of the display. Most displays are between 6500 and 9500 kelvins (K). The lower the number, the warmer the image. If you are struggling with eye straight, try lowering the temperature of your display.

Refresh rate is a major contributor to eye strain. The refresh rate is the speed at which your screen redraws the image - usually represented as a cycle or hertz (Hz). Most modern screens are set at 60Hz, which is usually adequate. If you are using a CRT monitor, you can try to increase the refresh rate of your monitor to reduce eye strain.

You should also keep your head a fair distance away from your monitor to prevent unnecessary eye strain. If you are struggling to see the screen, try increasing the scaling of the text and icons.

Dry environments

Air conditioning and central heating keep our bodies at the optimum temperature (~32°c), but they also reduce the humidity in the air. Dry and still air can contribute to the evaporation of the tear film, leading to dry eyes.

If possible, you can use a humidifier to circumvent moist air around the room. During the summer, you can leave a bowl of water on the windowsill - the sun will evaporate the water into the air.

Equally, cold and windy weather can cause eye dryness. While wind can trigger your tear ducts to produce more tears, it can also push the existing tear film away from the cornea and to the edges of the eye. Cold and still air can have a similar effect to warm still air.

The air conditioning found on planes, combined with the possible change in climate and jet lag, can all contribute to dry and uncomfortable eyes.

If you are going on holiday, you can take eye drops with you in your hand luggage. We advise you to check the UK government website about carrying medicine onto planes - you can find the information here.

Sleep disturbances

Jet lag and lack of sleep cause your eyes to feel tired, as they remain open for longer than they would normally. In most cases, getting a good few hours can help your eyes to rest and replenish the tear film.

Sleeping in a cool, dark environment can help you get a good nights sleep. You can try placing a quiet fan in your room to circulate cool air around your room. Alternatively, you can open your bedroom window during the warmer months to keep your body cool.

Try to reduce the amount of light in your room by turning off electronic devices such as TVs and computers, and keep the screen on your phone off while it's charging.

If you have a habit of using your phone in bed, try switching to reading a book or use an e-reader with an e-ink display to give your eyes some respite from screen glare.

Avoiding caffeine and alcohol an hour leading up to bed can help you settle into a peaceful slumber and give your eyes the rest they need.

Particles and pollution

Small particles in the air such as smoke, dust and air pollution can irritate the eyes, making them feel tired and irritated.

Smoke from cigarettes and barbecues for long periods can irritate your eyes and gradually lead to eye tiredness. Air pollution can similarly affect the eyes.

If you can, avoid polluted areas. If you can't avoid smoky, dusty or polluted environments, take precautions to mitigate your risk of getting dust and smoke in your eyes by wearing adequate eye protection.

Wrap-around sunglasses and goggles can block particles from coming into contact with your eyes. Sun hats, baseball caps and similar head wear can also prevent particles from getting in your eyes.

Medicine and chemicals

Some medicines can cause dry and tired eyes. A full list of associated side effects can be found within the patient information leaflet enclosed within the packaging of your medication. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

Regular exposure to strong cleaning products such as bleach/chlorine, or strong foods such as chopped onions, chillies and garlic can contribute or worsen tired eyes. In these instances, consider wearing appropriate eye protection or limiting your exposure to these irritating substances. You can also try ventilating the environment you are in by opening a nearby window.

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How do Optrex refreshing eye drops work?

Optrex refreshing eye drops contain a natural ingredient called Hamamelis water, also known as distilled witch hazel, as well as other natural ingredients.

Distilled witch hazel provides and cool and soothing sensation to the eyes. The fluid also helps to lubricate the eye lids and bring relieve from the feeling of tiredness.

Optrex refreshing eye drops will not treat eye infections, such as conjunctivitis, and can only help relieve symptoms of tired eyes. If you regularly suffer from eye strain and fatigue, speak to your doctor about what might be causing it and make adjustments.

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How do I use Optrex eye drops?

You should always wash your hands before applying eye drops to prevent any debris from getting in your eye.

If you wear contact lenses, take them out before applying Optrex eye drops. You can reinsert your contact lenses once 15 minutes have elapsed since you applied the drops.

Tilt your head back, look up and pull your lower eyelid down.

Holding the dropper directly over your eye, gently squeeze to administer 1 or 2 drops into your eye.

Close your eye for 1 or 2 minutes.

Repeat these steps for your other eye if necessary.

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Side effects and cautions

All medicines carry the potential risk of side effects, though not everybody experiences them. Being aware and vigilant of any potential side effects is an important part of your care.

Side effects of Optrex sore eyes may include:

• Discomfort after applying the drops
• Mild stinging after applying the drops
• Short period of blurred vision after applying the eye drops

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of this medicine can be found within the included pamphlet enclosed with your treatment.

If you experience any side effects, regardless of whether they are listed above or in the supporting literature, inform your doctor or ask a pharmacist for assistance.

Allergic reaction

Do not use Optrex Sore eyes eye drops if you are allergic to distilled witch hazel or any of the other excipients of this medication.

If you experience an allergic reaction to Optrex sore eyes eye drops, stop using them and seek immediate medical attention.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Dry, red, and cracked skin
• Tightening of the chest

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist before using Optrex sore eyes eye drops.

Other safety information

Always seek your doctor's advice before you buy Optrex Sore eyes eye drops online.

If you need to use Optrex Sore eye drops for longer than 14 days, speak to your doctor.

Always store the bottle in the original carton away from sunlight.

Take care when handling ocular solutions. If handled wrongly, the bottle can become contaminated with common bacteria and lead to eye infections.

Be careful not to touch the tip of the bottle on your eye or any other surface.

Always replace the cap securely after use.

Do not use Optrex eye drops past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Do not use Optrex eye drops for more than 4 weeks after opening the bottle.

Never throw away medicine via household or water waste. Ask your local pharmacy to safely dispose of any unwanted or expired medicine on your behalf.

Always keep medicine out of the sight and reach from children and pets.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I forget to take Optrex when I should?

If you forget to use Optrex, use it as soon as you remember and continue to use it as you normally would. Do not apply more eye drops to make up for the ones you forgot.

What should I do if I apply too many eye drops?

If you apply more than one drop to the eye, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Optrex?

While alcohol is unlikely to affect Optrex, alcohol can cause dehydration which may exacerbate the symptoms of dry eyes.

Can Optrex be used with contact lenses?

Remove your contact lenses before applying the eye drops. Wait 15 minutes before putting your contact lenses back in.

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Table of contents

What causes tired eyes?

How do Optrex refreshing eye drops work?

How do I use Optrex eye drops?

Side effects and cautions

Frequently asked questions