What should I pay attention to when using eye drops during pregnancy?

After a woman becomes pregnant, her body is very weak and her resistance is greatly reduced, so she is prone to some discomfort symptoms. For example, some pregnant women will feel uncomfortable in their eyes after being blown by the wind. In addition, bacterial infection can cause inflammation of the eyes. The eyes may become itchy or even painful. You must be especially careful at this time, especially since many people are used to using eye drops, which makes their eyes more comfortable. So what are the precautions for using eye drops during pregnancy?

First, precautions for pregnant women to use eye drops

1. Just one drop of the medicine at a time is enough. One drop of eye drops contains about 30 microliters (25 to 35 microliters). The conjunctival sac normally has a storage capacity of only 7 microliters, and this can only be increased to 30 microliters at most when applying the drops. Applying several drops at a time is just a waste.

2. Medicines generally contain preservatives. Using them too frequently may cause damage to the surface of the eye. You should also avoid using drops while wearing contact lenses.

3. Do not use eye drops casually; use them according to the doctor's instructions.

4. It is advisable to close your eyes after applying the medicine. Blinking your eyelids will increase the speed of medicine excretion. Every time you blink your eyelids, about 2 microliters of medicine will be excreted through the nasolacrimal duct. Closing your eyes and resting for three minutes can increase the contact time between the medicine and the eyeball, which has the function of promoting the efficacy of the medicine.

Second, which eye drops should not be used by pregnant women?

Eye drops containing chloramphenicol should not be used because chloramphenicol can cause teratogenic effects on the fetus. Eye drops include eye drops and eye ointments, which come in many varieties, most of which are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs or hormone-containing eye drops. For bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis, eye drops with chloramphenicol as the main ingredient are often used. However, since chloramphenicol has a serious bone marrow suppressive effect, it may cause serious adverse reactions in newborns if used by pregnant women. Therefore, it is recommended that expectant mothers do not use it. Doctors recommend that tetracycline be used with caution because it can easily cause fetal malformations. Erythromycin is relatively safe. However, expectant mothers should not use any medications at will. It is best to inform the doctor that you are pregnant and follow the doctor's guidance on medication, especially in the early stages of pregnancy and when delivery is imminent.

Third, the correct way to use eye drops for pregnant women

1. First, wash your hands before applying eye drops, and then take the eye drops out of the refrigerator. Eye drops should generally be stored in a refrigerator at 4°C.

2. Check whether the medicine is expired, precipitated, discolored, or has an odor. If it is found to be deteriorated, it cannot be used. When using precipitating drugs, they should be shaken well before use.

3. Before applying the eye drops, the patient should use a sterilized cotton swab to wipe away the secretions and tears from the affected eye to improve the efficacy.

4. Sit or lie on your back with your head slightly tilted back. Use your left thumb and index finger to gently separate the upper and lower eyelids. Look upward. Hold the eye drops in your right hand and drop 1 to 2 drops into the eyelids. Then gently lift the upper eyelid to allow the liquid to be fully distributed in the conjunctival sac.

5. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not close your eyes forcefully to prevent the medicine from being squeezed out.