Question and Answer

Vasoconstrictor eye drops and nasal sprays can lead to dependence after just a few days of use, and prolonged use may cause serious tissue damage. The medication used to treat the problem can, over time, become the cause of its persistence: with repeated use, the same dose no longer produces the desired effect, prompting patients to increase the frequency of application. This chronic vasoconstriction weakens blood flow to the tissues, which can gradually thin and damage them; in severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.

Doctors emphasize that vasoconstrictor eye drops and nasal sprays are intended only for short-term use, typically for three to five days, and that patients should consult a doctor if symptoms persist rather than continuing use without medical supervision.

The same issue applies to eye drops designed to reduce redness, as they also contain vasoconstricting agents that quickly restore a normal appearance to the eyes. However, daily use leads to bodily dependence, causing redness to return more intensely once the effect wears off.

Continuous use of these drops can cause drug-induced conjunctivitis, a condition in which the eye’s blood vessels lose their ability to function independently. Therefore, these drops should be used only as a temporary solution. If eye redness recurs, the underlying cause—such as dry eye, allergies, fatigue, ill-fitting contact lenses, or other medical conditions—should be identified and addressed.

Doctors advise individuals who show signs of dependence on these medications—such as needing to use them more frequently than recommended, experiencing worsening symptoms when stopping, or feeling compelled to carry the bottle at all times—not to discontinue them abruptly, especially after prolonged use. Instead, they should consult an ophthalmologist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist to develop a plan for gradual discontinuation and to treat the root cause of the problem.

Source: Izvestia newspaper