Why Self-Medication with Eye Drops Can Cost You Your Vision

Redness, irritation, or eye pain often sends people straight to the nearest chemist for a quick solution. While this may seem harmless, using eye drops without a prescription—especially steroid drops—can permanently damage your eyesight.

In this video, Dr. Udbhav Dorwal explains why self-medicating with eye drops is one of the most dangerous habits for eye health and how it can silently lead to Cataracts (Motiyabind) and Glaucoma (Kala Motiya).

The Hidden Danger Behind “Quick Relief” Eye Drops

Many people don’t realize that some commonly sold eye drops contain steroids. These drops may temporarily reduce redness or pain, but they do not treat the root cause and can make infections worse.

Even more concerning, fungal eye infections—if treated incorrectly with steroids—can progress rapidly and result in irreversible vision loss.

Common Eye Drop Mistakes vs Safe Practices

SituationCommon MistakeWhy It’s DangerousSafe Approach
Redness or irritationBuying eye drops from a chemistMay contain steroids that mask symptomsConsult an eye specialist
Eye painUsing leftover or shared dropsWrong medication worsens infectionProper diagnosis first
Fungal infectionSteroid eye dropsCan cause corneal ulcers and vision lossImmediate specialist care
Dryness or mild discomfortRandom medicated dropsIncorrect dosage or ingredientsPrescribed lubricant drops only

When Are Eye Drops Actually Safe?

  • Lubricant (artificial tear) drops are generally safe for dryness and mild irritation
  • Even lubricants should be used as advised, not excessively
  • Any pain, discharge, blurred vision, or redness lasting more than a day requires medical evaluation

Long-Term Risks of Improper Eye Drop Use

  • Early development of Cataracts (Motiyabind)
  • Increased eye pressure leading to Glaucoma (Kala Motiya)
  • Delayed diagnosis of serious infections
  • Permanent vision damage

What feels like a quick fix today can become a lifelong problem tomorrow.

Final Takeaway

Your eyes are too precious for guesswork. Never self-medicate with eye drops, especially those purchased without a prescription. The correct treatment depends on the correct diagnosis—and only an eye specialist can provide that safely.

At Eye Veda Eye Care Hospital, we believe in science-backed, patient-first care. If your eyes are uncomfortable, don’t experiment—get them checked by a professional and protect your vision for life.

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