The most common eye mistakes start at the pharmacy: “redness relief” drops for months, antibiotics “just in case” and steroids without an exam.
Lesson 1
Drops “for red eyes”
Key point
“Redness relief” drops — a couple of days at most
Why it matters:Decongestant drops clear up redness for a couple of hours but don't treat the cause. With regular use, the blood vessels dilate even more (rebound redness), and people end up using the drops more and more often.
Do this
Use them for a couple of days at most, for a special occasion.
If your eyes are red all the time, look for the cause: dry eye, eyelid inflammation, allergies, contact lenses.
For dryness, choose artificial tears, preferably preservative-free.
Don't do this
Don't use tetrahydrozoline, naphazoline or similar drops every day for weeks.
Don't use decongestant drops if you have glaucoma (especially angle-closure glaucoma) without checking with your doctor.
Lesson 2
Antibiotics and steroids — only after an exam
Key point
Antibiotics and steroids — only after an exam
A bottle lasts 4 weeks after opening
Why it matters:Most cases of pink eye are viral or allergic — antibiotics don't work on them. Steroid drops used without an exam can make herpes keratitis worse, and with long-term use they raise eye pressure and speed up cataracts.
Do this
For a red eye with pus, pain or reduced vision, see a doctor.
Use the full prescribed course, on schedule.
If you use more than one kind of drop, wait 5 minutes between them.
Don't do this
Don't use leftover drops with dexamethasone or another steroid “from last time.”
Don't use someone else's drops or share yours.
Don't use a bottle past its after-opening date — usually 4 weeks.
Lesson 3
How to put in eye drops
Key point
One drop, close your eye and press the corner
Why it matters:The eye holds less than one drop. Everything extra drains through the tear duct into the nose and into the bloodstream — that means wasted medicine and side effects elsewhere in the body.
Do this
Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down your lower lid and put one drop into the “pocket” that forms.
Close your eye for 1–2 minutes and press a finger against the inner corner of the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, take them out before using medicated drops, unless your doctor says otherwise.
Don't do this
Don't let the bottle tip touch your eye, lashes or fingers.
Don't put in two or three drops “to be safe.”
Don't blink a lot right after putting in drops.
Lesson 4
Eyelids and makeup
Key point
New mascara every 3 months, remove makeup before bed
Why it matters:Dryness and burning often come not from the eye itself but from the eyelids: the glands along the lid margin get clogged with thick secretions (meibomian gland dysfunction), and tears evaporate quickly.
Do this
For chronic dryness and eyelid inflammation — a warm compress for 5–10 minutes and a gentle eyelid massage, as your doctor recommends.
Remove all your makeup before bed.
Replace mascara and liquid eyeliner every 3 months, and throw them out after an eye infection.
Don't do this
Don't apply eyeliner to the inner rim of the eyelid — it blocks the gland openings.
Don't share mascara or eye pencils, and don't use store testers.
Don't squeeze a stye.
Myth
Rinsing your eyes with tea or chamomile cures pink eye.
The facts:Tea and herbal infusions aren't sterile and can introduce an infection or trigger an allergy. For rinsing, use saline or artificial tears.
Check yourself
True or myth?
The key points of the course mixed with myths. Pick an answer — the explanation appears right away.
Rinsing your eyes with tea or chamomile cures pink eye
“Redness relief” drops — a couple of days at most
One drop, close your eye and press the corner
Antibiotics and steroids — only after an exam
A bottle lasts 4 weeks after opening
New mascara every 3 months, remove makeup before bed
These courses offer general advice for healthy eyes. If you have a diagnosis, have had eye surgery or are on prescribed treatment, your ophthalmologist decides what's right for you.