Ophthalmic Solution

"Ophthalmic solution" is a term sometimes used to describe liquid eye drops. These eye drops are used to treat conditions, including eye infections, eye allergies and corneal ulcers. Before using an ophthalmic solution, speak with an eye care professional.

Depending on the severity of the condition, an ophthalmic solution may be prescribed. Your eye doctor may also give you suggestions for over-the-counter products.

What are ophthalmic solutions used for?

Ophthalmic solutions are used to treat conditions such as:

• Eye infections, including bacterial, viral and allergic conjunctivitis

• Corneal ulcers

• Dry eye syndrome

• Eye discomfort and symptoms, like redness, dryness, itching, swelling or discharge

Types of ophthalmic solutions

Several types of ophthalmic solutions are available. Each treats a specific condition, from soothing irritated eyes to treating bacterial infections.

Ophthalmic solutions are often placed into categories, such as:

Within these categories, some commonly prescribed or recommended ophthalmic solutions include:

• Ciprofloxacin – an antibiotic used to treat corneal ulcers and bacterial conjunctivitis 

• Ofloxacin – another antibiotic, also used to treat corneal ulcers and bacterial conjunctivitis

• Tobramycin – an antibiotic used to treat eye infections

• Lifitegrast (Xiidra) – used to treat dry eye syndrome

• Pataday eye drops – used to relieve eye allergy symptoms

• Artificial tears – used to soothe irritated, red or dry eyes, and to relieve symptoms of viral conjunctivitis

The best ophthalmic solution to use depends on the condition for which it is prescribed. For example, an eye doctor may recommend regular artificial tears for mild eye discomfort. They might suggest or prescribe a stronger medicated eye drop for a more serious condition, such as dry eye syndrome.

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Ophthalmic solutions for eye infections

Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection. It occurs in several forms (bacterial, viral and allergic) and does not have a one-size-fits-all ophthalmic solution. 

Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotic solutions. Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, will not respond to this type of medication, as antibiotics do not kill viruses. 

Instead, someone with viral conjunctivitis may find relief from symptoms with the help of artificial tears.

As for allergic conjunctivitis, some mild symptoms can be treated with artificial tears. More serious cases may require antihistamine eye drops.

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