Lubricant Eyedrops

What is this medication for?

Lubricant eyedrops are applied to the eyes to relieve or prevent eye discomfort due to dryness. They may be prescribed by your doctor, recommended by pharmacists or purchased off the shelves.

Dry eyes may be caused by factors such as age, dry windy environments, prolonged screen time or contact lens usage.  They may also be worsened by medical conditions (e.g. diabetes), certain medications (e.g. antihistamines for runny nose) or certain eye surgeries (e.g. LASIK/cataract). 

Eventually, dry eyes may cause discomfort such as:  

• Burning/stinging feeling in the eyes 

• Foreign body sensation (e.g. feeling like there is sand or dirt in the eyes) 

• Tired eyes 

• Blurry vision 

• Excessive tearing 

• Increased sensitivity to light 

Lubricant eyedrops contain active ingredients that soothe such symptoms by:

• substituting tears (e.g. carboxymethylcellulose)

• providing lubrication (e.g. carbomer)

• retaining moisture (e.g. sodium hyaluronate).  

How should I take or use this medication?

To use the eyedrops:

• Wash your hands with soap and water

• Read & follow the instructions on the label if applicable 

• While seated, tilt your head backwards and look up. You may also lie down 

• Using your index finger, gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket and instill one drop into the eye. Make sure the tip does not touch the eye or any other surface to avoid contamination. 

• Wipe off any excess eye drops with a clean tissue. Do not squeeze your eye. 

• Keep your eyes closed and press down gently on the inner corner of your eye for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed 

You may use them as often as you need since these eyedrops are not medicated. These products generally do not have a maximum dosage.  

For more details on how to apply eye drops, click on this link for a step-by-step guide.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. 

Use eye lubricants when necessary to relieve your symptoms. 

You can stop using it when you have no symptoms unless your doctor has advised you to use it in a certain manner.

Consult your doctor if you have been prescribed eye lubricants and are unsure on how to use them. 

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this eyedrop or any of the other ingredients of this eyedrop
• You are using any other eye preparations
• You are wearing contact lenses. (You will need a preservative-free option if you are using them while wearing lenses)

If you have any questions about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

Eye lubricants are generally well tolerated.
Temporary blurring of vision is normal and usually subsides within a few minutes. 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 
• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your eye/whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your eyedrops and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

When should i throw away this medication? 

For most bottled eyedrops: Discard the bottle 1 month after opening unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer.

For single-vial eyedrops: Some may be kept for up to 12 hours after opening, while others are recommended to be discarded immediately. 

Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the most accurate instructions.