Eye drops

[infomaniac]

Does anyone know why you shouldn't use "Sparkling" eye drops when you have thyroid problems?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Suspect it would be due to this ingredient - Naphazoline Hydrochloride. Have a look here:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napha...

Rod

[infomaniac in reply to helvella]

It's a bit technical for me Rod! I expect it's the adrenergic activity?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to infomaniac]

It's definitely too technical for me!

My take is this:

Probably it would not matter much in someone who is very well-treated for their hypothyroidism. But if it has this capability (of causing problems) in someone who isn't well-treated, I would be unwilling to use the product at all. It is not, after all, an important treatment.

[infomaniac in reply to helvella]

Yes that's what I thought. I'd never noticed the warning before but once I did the drops went back on the shelf...I'm not that vain!

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

The logic behind the warning is that those with hyperthyroidism should avoid adrenergics because they might be more sensitive to the side effects, . There is no issue in hypothyroidism.

Naphazoline is effective for the short-term 'whitening' of bloodshot eyes due to tiredness ie. 'the morning after the night before'. Use for more than a few days can cause rebound redness when it is stopped.

[infomaniac in reply to Hidden]

Oh-I could have had some then! I used to use them on a regular basis then stopped because I'd read that it could make redness worse.

[Hidden in reply to infomaniac]

If you use it regularly it can make the redness worse. Occasional use is OK, say once or twice a week. It's just for special occasions.

[infomaniac in reply to Hidden]

Yes I have stopped but was just going to buy some as I'm going to a wedding on Saturday. I wish they'd make some with single use applications.

[Hidden in reply to infomaniac]

You could buy Murine drops instead. They're less expensive.