Is eyewash good for eyes? What are the dirty things washed out?

Eyewash is a product that many people use. Due to long-term use of eyes, many people will take care of their eyes. So is eyewash good for the eyes? What is the dirt washed out by eyewash?

Is eye wash good for eyes?

Ma Lihua, director of Liuzhou Eye Hospital, reminds that frequent use of eyewash can not only easily lead to drug dependence, but may also turn some minor problems into big troubles. The eye drops with eye protection function commonly seen on the market currently mainly moisturize the eyes, and some have additional functions such as anti-inflammatory and cooling. Most eye drops with eye protection functions are made of artificial tears, cellulose and some vitamins. Some will add nutrients, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory ingredients and some preservatives. Frequent use will not only cause drug dependence and reduce the self-cleaning function of the eyes, but also cause damage to the cornea and conjunctiva. Using eye drops containing antibacterial ingredients may also cause the bacteria in the eye to develop drug resistance, and once an eye infection occurs, it will be difficult to treat. If the eyes are inflamed, excessive eye washing may cause the originally mild corneal inflammation to turn into corneal ulcer due to improper treatment. The most serious thing is that in order to stabilize the performance of the drug or prevent it from being contaminated by external microorganisms for a long time, most eye drops contain preservatives. These ingredients can change the microenvironment of the eyeball surface, destroy the ocular surface structure, damage the originally tightly connected epithelial cell structure, and cause corneal epithelial detachment, defects, and erosion. In severe cases, corneal ulcers, corneal dissolution, perforation, and even blindness may occur. Doctors remind that tears themselves are the best cleansing liquid, because tears themselves have a cleansing and protective effect on the conjunctival sac. The best way to improve dry eyes is to blink from time to time.

What is the dirt washed out by eyewash?

It is mucin. In fact, there is no need to use eyewash at all. The protection that tears provide to the eyes cannot be simulated by any eyewash. Long-term use of eyewash will cause damage to the eyes.

Q Many people report that eyewash can wash out dirt, such as dust, mascara residue, small black spots, white flocs, etc., so they think eyewash is very effective. What exactly is the "dirty stuff" washed out by eyewash?

Dai Hong: The tears that people shed are pure. If there is dust or other foreign matter in the eyes, the eyes will be unable to bear it at any time. The dust, mascara residue, small black spots and other impurities washed out should be impurities attached to the eyelids, eyelashes and skin around the eyes. The white flocs are mucin, which is a component of the tear film that protects the eyes.

Li Mingwu: What is washed out is not the excess secretions from the eyes, but the mucin components in the tear film. Impurities such as "little black spots" attached to eyelashes and eyelids may also enter the eyes if they enter the eyewash cup or liquid, which will be counterproductive.

Q So the eyewash cup may also cause secondary pollution?

Li Mingwu: The eyewash cup is easily contaminated, so you must wash it with clean water before use and do not share the eyewash cup with others.

Okay, my friends, you all understand it clearly. You know that the dirt washed out by eyewash is mucin.