Tag: Medicated eye drops

According to a 2018 study in *Clinical Ophthalmology*, a significant majority of patients with dry eyes reported improved symptoms when switching to preservative-free drops, and yes, you can buy many types of over-the-counter medicated eye drops for various common issues.

Conservative estimates suggest that 10-20% of the population over 40 reports moderate to severe dry eye symptoms, often reaching for lubricating drops like Systane [1.7.2]. But can you use Systane with other eye drops prescribed for different conditions? Yes, with important guidelines.

The effects of over-the-counter lubricating eye drops are often short-term, providing relief that lasts for a few hours, but how long do the effects of eye drops last depends greatly on the specific type and purpose. A wide range of factors, including the medication's formulation, your application technique, and individual physiology, all play a role in determining how long you'll experience relief.

The global market for ophthalmic drug delivery systems was valued at $15.76 billion in 2024 and is a critical area of medicine [1.7.1]. A key formulation within this market is the ophthalmic suspension. So, **what is an ophthalmic suspension?** It is a sterile liquid dosage form where fine particles of a drug are suspended, but not dissolved, in a liquid vehicle for application to the eye [1.2.3, 1.2.4].