Eye drops: Does anyone know why you shouldn't use... - Thyroid UK

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Eye drops

infomaniac profile image
9 Replies

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

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infomaniac profile image
infomaniac
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helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

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

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

Rod

infomaniac profile image
infomaniac in reply tohelvella

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

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toinfomaniac

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 profile image
infomaniac in reply tohelvella

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!

in reply tohelvella

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 profile image
infomaniac in reply to

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.

in reply toinfomaniac

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 profile image
infomaniac in reply to

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.

in reply toinfomaniac

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

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