Ocugent Eye Drop belongs to a group of medications called ‘Antibiotics and Corticosteroids’ used in the treatment of bacterial eye infections or eye discomfort, especially in patients who have undergone eye surgeries. It also decreases the risk of eye infections such as conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva) and other inflammatory conditions of the eye (cornea, iris, and connective tissue) in postoperative patients.

Ocugent Eye Drop contains Gentamicin and Dexamethasone. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that interferes with the formation of essential proteins required for bacterial growth, which kills the bacteria by preventing its growth. Dexamethasone is a steroid that reduces inflammation and symptoms associated with infection, such as redness and irritation. It works by inhibiting the chemicals, such as prostaglandins, that cause inflammation.

Use this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. The common side-effects of Ocugent Eye Drop are red eyes, eye pain, irritation of the eye, blurred vision, and burning sensation in the eye. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you persistently experience any of these effects.

Do not use Ocugent Eye Drop if you are allergic to any of its contents. Before using Ocugent Eye Drop, inform your doctor if you are diagnosed with any fungal infections, viral infections such as herpes simplex or varicella, or parasitic infections such as amoebiasis. Do not use Ocugent Eye Drop if you have tuberculosis, damaged cornea, ulceration, open lesions with incomplete formation of the covering tissue and increased pressure inside the eye. Ocugent Eye Drop should be used in pregnant, breastfeeding, and elderly persons if suggested by the doctor.

Gentamicin, in Ocugent Eye Drop, is used to treat bacterial infections like conjunctivitis (pinkeye) and blepharitis (inflammation of the oil glands in eyelids) of the eye and the skin around the eyelids. This medicine is also helpful in preventing the infection that may happen after surgery or eye injury. This medicine works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Ocugent Eye Drop also contains Dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that reduces swelling, itching, and redness of the eye and thus helps treat inflammation of the eye. Dexamethasone is supposed to control the formation of certain chemicals that cause allergic reactions in the body.

Before using Ocugent Eye Drop, inform your doctor if you have vision problems, severe pain in the eye, glaucoma (raised pressure in the eye), eye injury, or have undergone eye surgery or using any other eye drops or eye ointment. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice swelling or weight gain around the trunk or in the face, as it may be a sign of Cushing’s syndrome (high levels of cortisol in the body). Do not use eye drops for longer than recommended by your doctor, as they may suppress adrenal gland function, increase the risk of cataracts (clouding of the eye), and increase the risk of a secondary infection.

• Sleep for at least six to eight hours to rejuvenate your eyes naturally.
• Wash your eyes with clean water at least two to three times a day
• Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages as they can make you dehydrated and affect your sleep. This effect can also affect your body’s ability to fight off infections.
• Reduce screen time (by avoiding watching tv or phone) and use sunglasses while going out into the sunlight.

If you are using other eye drops along with Ocugent Eye Drop, maintain an interval of at least 5 minutes before administering other medicines in the same eye to avoid dilution. 

Bacterial eye infections: Bacterial eye infections are the common eye problems seen in a primary care setting. The common eye problems are conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), stye (bump on the eyelid), and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). The risk for eye infection is high in post-operative patients or patients who have undergone Lasik, cataract, or other eye surgeries. 

Blepharitis: It is the inflammation of the oil glands of the eyes that causes dryness of the eyes. This medical condition causes redness, swelling, and itching of the eyes. Other symptoms may include the feeling of a foreign object in the eyes, sensitivity to light, watery eyes, and red eyes.

Conjunctivitis: It is also known as pink eye, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva (thin clear tissues that is present over the white part of the eyes. This infection usually happens in children and can spread from person to person, like children in schools and daycare.