Eye Lubricants

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: eye lubricants; artificial tears

Generic and brand names: artificial tears; 20/20 Tears; Akwa Tears; AquaSite; Artificial Tears; Bion Tears; Celluvisc; Duratears Naturale; Gen Teal; HypoTears; HypoTears PF; Isopto Tears; Lacri-Lube; Lacri-Lube S.O.P.; Liquifilm Tears; Moisture Eyes PM; Murine Tears; Muro 128; Murocel; Nature's Tears; Nu-Tears; Nu-Tears II; OcuCoat; Preservative Free Moisture Eyes PM; Puralube Tears; Refresh; Refresh Plus; Refresh PM; Systane; Teargen; Tearisol; Tears Again; Tears Naturale Free; Tears Naturale II; Tears Plus; Tears Renewed; TheraTears; Ultra Tears; Visine Tears; Viva-Drops

What is this medicine used for?

This product is used in the eyes to treat dry eyes. It comes as eyedrops or in ointment form. You can buy it without a healthcare provider's prescription.

How do I use it?

Use this medicine according to your healthcare provider's directions or the directions on the package label. The ointment is usually applied to the eyes at bedtime. The eyedrops may be used several times a day.

If you have the ointment:

Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicine to your eyes. Hold the tube of ointment in your hand for a minute or two to warm the ointment so it will flow easily. When you open the tube for the first time, squeeze out a little of the medicine and throw it away because it may be dry. Gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Look up, and squeeze a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch ribbon of ointment into the pouch. Close your eyes and roll them in all directions to spread the medicine around. Do not rub your eyes.

To keep from contaminating the ointment, do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye or any other surface. After use, wipe the tip with a clean tissue. Put the cap on tightly. Do not use any ointment that becomes dry or hard.

If you have the eyedrops:

Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicine to your eyes. Tilt your head back, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.

To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. Do not rinse the dropper. Put the cap on tightly. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored.

What should I watch out for?

Before using this medicine, talk with your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine or preservative.

Some eye medicines should not be used if you wear contact lenses. Read the product label carefully or talk to your eye healthcare provider or pharmacist before using artificial tears.

Your vision will be blurred for a little while after you use the ointment. Avoid activities that require good vision until you can see clearly.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Headache, eye pain, vision changes, continued redness or irritation of the eyes.

Other: Temporarily blurred vision, mild stinging or burning.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, if you are using other medicines in your eyes, use them at least 15 minutes apart.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.