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

Thyroid UK

141,243 members166,489 posts

Eye drops

infomaniac profile image
9 Replies

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

Written by
infomaniac profile image
infomaniac
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
9 Replies
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.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Eye Drops

I think I have accepted that I need eye drops, I have been struggling with dry eyes for a few years...
Spangle15 profile image

Prednisolone eye drops

My husband has been prescribed prednisolone eye drops 2 a day for his eye inflammation due to TED....
Kari55 profile image

Cataract and steroid eye drops

Cutting long story short, my husband has Graves’ disease and had suspected TED. He has seen a well...
Kari55 profile image

Iodine drops

Hi, I’ve heard from few natural holistic practitioners that taking iodine drops daily helps with...

vit d drops

hi all What vitamin d drops do you use please Thank you
Owleyes profile image

Moderation team

See all
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator
RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.