Calcium
About Calcium
Calcium is an ophthalmic (eye) solution primarily used to help delay the progression of cataracts and clear up lenticular opacities. It is designed to support eye health by targeting gradual clouding in the lens of the eye. Doctors typically prescribe it to patients experiencing early-stage cataracts to help maintain clear vision.
For best results, you must apply these eye drops consistently as directed by your eye specialist, usually a few times every day. It is vital not to skip doses, as regular use helps the medicine work effectively over time. While using these eye drops, incorporating a diet rich in antioxidants, such as leafy greens and colourful fruits, can further support your eye health.
Most people tolerate these eye drops well, but some may experience temporary mild burning or stinging immediately after putting them in. If you experience severe eye pain, persistent redness, or changes in your vision, stop using the drops and consult your doctor immediately.
Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have a history of thyroid problems, severe eye infections, or recent eye surgery. Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or have a known sensitivity to iodine-based products.
Inform your doctor about any other eye drops or medications you use, as they may interfere with how this medicine works in your eye. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as elderly individuals, should consult their healthcare provider before using this product to ensure it is safe for them.
Uses of Calcium
Medicinal Benefits
Calcium helps support eye health by slowing the progression of lens clouding associated with cataracts. With regular use as prescribed, it helps maintain clearer vision for longer and supports everyday visual function.
- Helps Slow the Progression of Cataracts: By supporting the health of the eye's lens, Calcium helps delay the worsening of lens clouding, preserving vision for a longer period.
- Supports Better Daily Vision: By helping maintain lens clarity, Calcium supports visual activities such as reading, driving, and other everyday tasks, promoting greater independence.
- Offers a Convenient Non-Invasive Management Option: When prescribed by an ophthalmologist, Calcium may be used as a supportive treatment in selected patients with early cataracts. However, cataract surgery remains the only proven definitive treatment for cataracts, and these eye drops should be viewed as an adjunctive option rather than a replacement for surgery when surgery is indicated.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Lie down and tilt your head backwards. Pull your lower eyelid gently with your index finger to form a pocket. Instill the number of drops advised by the doctor into the pocket of the lower eyelid. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes.
- Calcium is for ophthalmic use only.
- Avoid touching the container tip to your eye or lids to prevent contamination.
Storage
Side Effects of Calcium
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Temporary mild stinging or burning in the eyes
- Temporary blurred vision right after application
- Mild watering of the eyes
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Severe eye pain or swelling of the eyelids
- Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, or hives
- Extreme sensitivity to light
- Persistent redness or unusual discharge from the eye
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the liquid before use: Always inspect the solution before applying it. Do not use the drops if the liquid is discoloured, cloudy, or contains visible particles.
- Remove contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Calcium. Wait at least 15 minutes after putting in the drops before reinserting your lenses.
- Avoid driving immediately after use: These eye drops may cause temporary blurred vision right after application. Wait until your vision clears completely before driving or operating machinery.
- Keep the dropper tip sterile: Never touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingers, or any other surface to avoid contaminating the medicine.
- Wait between different eye drops: If you use other eye medications, wait at least 10 minutes after applying Calcium before using another eye product.
- Important note: The evidence supporting topical anti-cataract eye drops is still emerging, and their benefits may vary between individuals. Patients should discuss realistic expectations with their ophthalmologist, as treatment decisions depend on the stage of cataract and overall eye health.
Drug Interactions
- Other ophthalmic medications: Combining Calcium with other eye drops at the exact same time can dilute the medicine or cause irritation. Always space different eye drops at least 10 minutes apart.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeConsumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this Calcium. However, consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionCalcium is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless clearly necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
Breast Feeding
cautionCalcium is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
Driving
cautionCalcium may cause side effects like blurred vision, affecting your driving ability. Hence, do not drive or operate machinery in such cases until your vision is clear after using Calcium.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Calcium.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Calcium.
Children
cautionNo data are available on the use of Calcium in children. Please consult your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat eye-healthy foods: Focus on diets rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, and lutein. Leafy green vegetables (like spinach and kale), citrus fruits, and nuts help protect your eyes from oxidative damage.
- Protect your eyes from UV light: Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when outdoors, as UV exposure accelerates cataract formation.
- Manage blood sugar levels: If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under tight control, as high blood sugar can speed up lens clouding.
- Quit smoking: Smoking increases the production of free radicals in the body, which can worsen cataracts. Talk to your doctor about support to help you quit.
Special Advise
Try to maintain good hygiene to keep your eyes clean and irritant-free.
Do not rub your eyes even though some ophthalmic drugs make your eye itchy.
Wash your hands thoroughly, and do not touch the dropper before using drops to avoid contamination.
If you are using two or more eye medications, wait for at least 15-20 minutes before delivering the next medication in the same eye to avoid dilution.
If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before putting in these eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting your lenses back in.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cataract: A cataract is a dense, cloudy area in the eye's lens. A cataract begins when proteins in the eye form clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina. The retina converts the light that comes through the lens into signals. It sends the signals to the optic nerve, which carries them to the brain. Symptoms include blurry vision, trouble seeing at night, and seeing colours as faded.
FAQs
Calcium is used in the treatment of cataracts.
Calcium consists of sodium iodide, and calcium belongs to a group of medicines called ophthalmic agents used in the treatment of cataracts. Calcium works to prevent lenticular opacity in pre-operative cataracts (before cataract surgery) and is also used for the prevention of Posterior Capsular Opacity in post-operative cataracts (after cataract surgery). Thus Calcium together improves eyesight and prevents the formation of cataracts.
Calcium causes common side effects like blurred vision, headache or brow ache, irritation or redness of the eye, stinging or burning, tearing, and twitching of the eyelid. Most of these side effects of Calcium do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Please do not stop taking Calcium even if you feel better. Continue the course as suggested by the doctor.
Calcium can cause blurry vision for some time in the beginning. Avoid driving and operating machinery in such cases until you feel better. If the effect persists longer, seek medical attention.
Eye drop formulation of Calcium is for external use only. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying to avoid contamination, and do not touch the tip of the solution dropper. Remove your contact lenses before using them if you are wearing any. Lift and tilt your head back, look up and pull down the lower lid and put the drops in the affected eye.
No, you should not apply these eye drops while wearing contact lenses. Remove your lenses before putting in the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting your lenses back in. Talk to your doctor if you experience persistent irritation.
No. Calcium does not cure cataracts or reverse established lens clouding. While it may be used as a supportive treatment in selected patients with early cataracts, the evidence for topical anti-cataract eye drops is still evolving. Cataract surgery remains the only proven definitive treatment, so discuss realistic expectations and the most appropriate treatment plan with your ophthalmologist.
A mild, temporary stinging or burning sensation right after application is a common side effect and usually goes away within a minute. If the burning is severe, persistent, or accompanied by redness and swelling, stop using the drops and talk to your doctor immediately.
These eye drops can cause temporary blurred vision immediately after you apply them. It is highly recommended to wait a few minutes until your vision is completely clear before driving or operating any machinery. Talk to your doctor if blurred vision persists.
You should safely discard the bottle of Calcium 4 weeks after opening it, even if there is still liquid left. This helps prevent bacterial contamination that could cause eye infections. Talk to your pharmacist if you need advice on safe disposal.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should exercise caution. Systemic absorption of the ingredients can occur, so it is best to talk to your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks before starting this medication.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply extra drops to make up for a missed dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
