What is a common use for hypotonic eye drops?

Hypotonic eye drops are commonly used to treat dry eyes due to their ability to provide moisture and hydration to the ocular surface. These drops contain a lower concentration of solutes than the tears, which helps to draw water into the tissue, thus alleviating the symptoms associated with dryness, such as discomfort, irritation, and the sensation of grittiness.

The hypotonic nature of these drops can effectively replenish tears in patients whose natural tear production is insufficient or in those experiencing evaporative dry eye conditions. By increasing the hydration of the surface of the eye, hypotonic drops help restore comfort and improve visual acuity.

Other uses mentioned in the options, such as decreasing intraocular pressure or enhancing tear stability, typically involve different formulations of eye drops, such as those that are hypertonic or contain specific agents to target particular ocular conditions. Post-operative care may involve different ocular treatments aimed at preventing infection or inflammation rather than simply hydrating the tears.