257:
prescription and can be used as often as needed. Patients who use artificial tears more frequently than four to six times a day should choose a brand without preservatives or one with non-irritating preservatives. Thicker artificial tears that come in the form of gel or ointments may be used in more severe cases as they last longer, although they may temporarily blur vision. In more severe cases, providers may prescribe a form of artificial tears that works to reduce inflammation in the tear glands in an effort to improve natural tear production and the quality of tears produced.
219:, purite, chlorobutanol, sodium perborate, thiomersal, disodium edetate, and oxychloro complex (SOC). Preservatives can be toxic and cause damage to the corneal epithelium. For instance, high concentrations of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) can cause cytotoxicity, cause cell lysis, and reduce tear and mucin production. Patients should limit their use of artificial tears with preservatives to less than four to six times a day. If artificial tears need to be utilized more than four to six times a day, a preservative-free formulation should be used.
40:
269:. The most common side effect of artificial tears is temporary blurry vision. Allergic reactions have been reported and are associated with itchy or swollen eyes, dizziness, and breathing problems. These symptoms warrant discontinuation of the drops and to see a physician immediately. Prescription drops may have additional side effects such as burning, redness, pain, and a foreign body sensation.
167:
298:
seeking to compare the effectiveness of various over the counter artificial tears in treating dry eye. While the review stated that it is unclear which artificial tear formulation works best, two trials found that 0.2% polyacrylic acid-based tears were more effective in treating dry eye symptoms over
247:
The most common indication for artificial tear use is dry eyes. Risk factors for developing dry eyes includes increasing age, female gender, environments with low moisture, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, and autoimmune conditions. Examples autoimmune conditions are
Sjogren's syndrome,
272:
For contact lens users, specific drops should be used to avoid ingredients that can damage the contact lens. If using multiple types of eye drops, it is important to wait a few minutes in between application of each to avoid rinsing out the prior drop. Proper technique should be conducted to avoid
252:
are at increased risk of having dry eyes. Normal tears are important to keep the surface of eyes clean and moist and protect eyes from infections. They are composed of many components including enzymes that act as natural antibiotics, proteins that prevent bacterial growth, and nutrients. Without
256:
Artificial tears work by adding similar lubricating elements that natural tears contain. This helps thicken and stabilize the pre-corneal tear film, prolonging tear film breakup time, and allowing for tears to properly protect the surface of the eyes. Most artificial tears do not require a
227:
Preservative-free artificial formulations are indicated for patients who cannot tolerate artificial tear formulations with preservatives, patients who are using artificial tears more than four to six times a day, and patients who are using multiple topical eye drops with preservatives.
285:
for animals such as dogs, cats and horses. Similarly to human use, proper care should be performed to avoid contamination of the bottle. A veterinarian should be contacted if any signs of allergy, irritation, or pain develop due to the usage of artificial tears.
248:
autoimmune thyroid disease, and uveitis. Patients with dry eyes may have an inability to produce adequate amount or quality of tears leading to a disruption in their tear film. In addition, those who wear contact lenses or have undergone eye surgeries such as
149:
Artificial tears are used to supplement a patient's naturally-produced tears and increase eye lubrication by mimicking characteristics of the tear film. Artificial tears can be supplemented with other treatments to treat dry eye syndrome and are available
318:(VIM)- and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)- producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) infections from the contaminated eye drops has led to reports of eye infections, permanent loss of vision, and one death.
313:
On
February 2, 2023, Global Pharma Healthcare issued a recall on artificial tears eye drops distributed by EzriCare and Delsam Pharma after reports of bacterial contamination. A multi-state cluster of Verona Integron-mediated
183:, they do not contain the biologically active components found in naturally-produced tears. Moreover, artificial tears often contain chemicals that are not present in naturally-produced tears. Preparations can contain
1247:
228:
Preservative-free eye drops are found in single vials. However, single unit-dose artificial tears without preservatives are more expensive than bottled artificial tears with preservatives.
253:
adequate lubrication, patients are at risk for infection as well as irreversible scarring and damage. Artificial tears are the recognized treatment of choice for this problem.
751:
Ribeiro, Marina Viegas Moura
Rezende; Barbosa, Fabiano Timbó; Ribeiro, Luiz Eduardo Feliciano; Sousa-Rodrigues, Célio Fernando de; Ribeiro, Eurica Adélia Nogueira (2019).
308:
1300:
481:
1185:
1223:
753:"Effectiveness of using preservative-free artificial tears versus preserved lubricants for the treatment of dry eyes: a systematic review"
1248:"Global Pharma Healthcare Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops Due to Possible Contamination"
1015:
Moshirfar, Majid; Pierson, Kasey; Hanamaikai, Kamalani; Santiago-Caban, Luis; Muthappan, Valliammai; Passi, Samuel F (2014-07-31).
631:
Troiano P, Monaco G (27 December 2008). "Effect of hypotonic 0.4% hyaluronic acid drops in dry eye patients: a cross-over study".
179:
Although artificial tears are used to mimic or supplement the roles of the tear film and contain water, electrolytes, and certain
938:
882:
273:
contaminating the bottle. Washing hands prior to use and avoiding contact between the bottle and eyes can prevent infections.
398:
833:
Soparkar, Charles N. S. (1997-01-01). "Acute and
Chronic Conjunctivitis Due to Over-the-counter Ophthalmic Decongestants".
1274:
368:
1350:
216:
17:
215:
in order to prolong usage and avoid bacterial contamination. Preservatives include benzalkonium chloride (BAK),
239:, with artificial tears. Desensitization can occur with extended usage of drops containing tetrahydrozoline.
1345:
1251:
896:
1365:
282:
84:
1199:
1360:
1355:
1074:
1108:
327:
1190:
295:
196:
184:
151:
123:
1133:
805:
130:
that are responsible for decreasing evaporation of the tear film. The mucous layer contains
526:
Moshirfar M, Pierson K, Hanamaikai K, Santiago-Caban L, Muthappan V, Passi SF (July 2014).
8:
846:
1051:
1016:
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527:
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404:
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188:
50:
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1305:
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1028:
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842:
764:
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696:
640:
589:
549:
539:
438:
266:
236:
232:
80:
1330:
644:
593:
200:
87:) is a common ocular surface disorder and is characterized by disruption of the
1195:
769:
752:
315:
92:
1339:
1042:
976:
854:
778:
601:
497:
450:
408:
1275:"Manufacturer recalls eye drops after possible link to bacterial infections"
484:(December 2003). "Medications for dry eye syndrome: a drug-therapy review".
354:
1060:
994:
904:
887:
786:
718:
652:
609:
563:
505:
458:
212:
192:
155:
135:
98:
The tear film coats the surface of the eye and is composed of 3 layers: an
862:
442:
39:
580:
Dogru, Murat; Tsubota, Kazuo (2011-01-10). "Pharmacotherapy of dry eye".
111:
1033:
1014:
544:
525:
62:
119:
359:
88:
76:
750:
685:"Over the counter (OTC) artificial tear drops for dry eye syndrome"
180:
143:
44:
A subset of various brands of artificial tears displayed in a store
429:
Clayton, Janine A. (2018-06-07). Longo, Dan L. (ed.). "Dry Eye".
138:, which allow for an even distribution of the tear film over the
99:
139:
131:
115:
107:
79:
used to relieve dryness and irritation of the ocular surface.
1301:"Eye Drops Recalled Due to Potential Bacterial Contamination"
364:
249:
103:
309:
2022-2023 United States P. aeruginosa outbreak in eye drops
166:
231:
Some patients confuse over the counter drops that contain
1278:
931:"Dry Eye Disease: Prevalence, Assessment, and Management"
391:
Current
Treatment Options for Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy
127:
27:
Eye drops for relieving dryness and irritation in the eye
959:
Hessen, Michelle; Akpek, Esen
Karamursel (April 2014).
281:
Artificial tears are a part of the topical therapy for
126:, and other compounds. The lipid layer consists of
110:layer. The aqueous layer consists of a mixture of
1017:"Artificial tears potpourri: a literature review"
528:"Artificial tears potpourri: a literature review"
1337:
682:
521:
519:
517:
515:
479:
260:
1224:"Artificial Tear Solutions for Dogs and Cats"
630:
349:
347:
345:
343:
579:
512:
388:
154:. Artificial tears are also used to moisten
965:Journal of Ophthalmic & Vision Research
958:
389:Cursiefen, Claus.; Jun, Albert S. (2017).
340:
242:
38:
1050:
1032:
984:
961:"Dry Eye: an Inflammatory Ocular Disease"
768:
708:
553:
543:
1331:Use of preservatives in artificial tears
876:
874:
872:
832:
678:
676:
674:
672:
670:
165:
1299:Roberts, Catherine (February 3, 2023).
1298:
1178:
880:
428:
14:
1338:
1272:
217:ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
1218:
1216:
1156:
1154:
1103:
1101:
1099:
1097:
1095:
1010:
1008:
1006:
1004:
869:
828:
826:
800:
798:
796:
683:Pucker AD, Ng SM, Nichols JJ (2016).
667:
393:. Springer International Publishing.
206:
847:10.1001/archopht.1997.01100150036004
757:Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia
746:
744:
742:
740:
738:
736:
734:
732:
730:
728:
575:
573:
424:
422:
420:
418:
371:from the original on 16 October 2006
299:1.4% polyvinyl alcohol-based tears.
222:
881:Meadows, Michelle (May–June 2005).
24:
1273:Archie, Ayana (February 3, 2023).
1213:
1151:
1092:
1001:
823:
793:
276:
265:Artificial tears have no reported
25:
1377:
1324:
1138:American Academy of Ophthalmology
1113:American Academy of Ophthalmology
1079:American Academy of Ophthalmology
897:U.S. Food and Drug Administration
810:American Academy of Ophthalmology
806:"Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment"
725:
582:Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
570:
415:
1292:
1266:
1240:
1126:
1067:
952:
941:from the original on 2020-01-14
923:
431:New England Journal of Medicine
195:(a.k.a. HPMC or hypromellose),
1134:"Multi-dose Restasis approved"
701:10.1002/14651858.CD009729.pub2
624:
473:
382:
302:
211:Preparations can also contain
142:and decreased friction during
13:
1:
1186:"Keratoconjunctivitis, Sicca"
486:Managed Care (Langhorne, Pa.)
355:"Keratoconjunctivitis, Sicca"
333:
193:hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
1252:Food and Drug Administration
1166:Glaucoma Research Foundation
645:10.1097/ICO.0b013e318180e55c
594:10.1517/14656566.2010.518612
261:Side effects and precautions
161:
7:
1191:The Merck Veterinary Manual
321:
289:
174:
10:
1382:
770:10.5935/0004-2749.20190097
689:Cochrane Database Syst Rev
306:
283:keratoconjunctivitis sicca
85:keratoconjunctivitis sicca
835:Archives of Ophthalmology
203:(a.k.a. hyaluronan, HA).
158:and in eye examinations.
59:
49:
37:
32:
1351:Electrolyte disturbances
1109:"Lubricating Eye Drops"
243:Indications and effects
197:hydroxypropyl cellulose
185:carboxymethyl cellulose
1021:Clinical Ophthalmology
883:"Dealing with Dry Eye"
171:
124:antimicrobial proteins
1196:Merck & Co., Inc.
443:10.1056/NEJMra1407936
170:Artificial tear usage
169:
1346:Ophthalmology drugs
1075:"Facts About Tears"
1034:10.2147/OPTH.S65263
911:on January 20, 2009
545:10.2147/OPTH.S65263
492:(12 Suppl): 26–32.
482:Donnenfeld, Eric D.
1366:Equine medications
1254:. February 2, 2023
328:Sjögren's syndrome
235:(i.e. Visine®), a
207:With preservatives
172:
935:insights.ovid.com
480:Perry, Henry D.;
437:(23): 2212–2223.
400:978-3-319-43021-8
223:Preservative-free
189:polyvinyl alcohol
70:
69:
16:(Redirected from
1373:
1318:
1317:
1315:
1313:
1306:Consumer Reports
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999:
998:
988:
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949:
947:
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920:
918:
916:
907:. Archived from
878:
867:
866:
830:
821:
820:
818:
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802:
791:
790:
772:
748:
723:
722:
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510:
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386:
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351:
233:tetrahydrozoline
152:over the counter
81:Dry eye syndrome
75:are lubricating
73:Artificial tears
63:edit on Wikidata
42:
33:Artificial tears
30:
29:
21:
1381:
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1376:
1375:
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1361:Cat medications
1356:Dog medications
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1162:"Eye Drop Tips"
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1002:
957:
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914:
912:
879:
870:
831:
824:
815:
813:
804:
803:
794:
749:
726:
695:(2): CD009729.
681:
668:
639:(10): 1126–30.
629:
625:
578:
571:
532:Clin Ophthalmol
524:
513:
478:
474:
427:
416:
401:
387:
383:
374:
372:
353:
352:
341:
336:
324:
311:
305:
296:Cochrane Review
292:
279:
277:Veterinary uses
263:
245:
237:vasoconstrictor
225:
209:
201:hyaluronic acid
177:
164:
140:corneal surface
128:fatty compounds
66:
45:
28:
23:
22:
18:Artificial tear
15:
12:
11:
5:
1379:
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1358:
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1334:
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1326:
1325:External links
1323:
1320:
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1265:
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1198:Archived from
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1125:
1091:
1066:
1000:
971:(2): 240–250.
951:
922:
868:
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792:
763:(5): 436–445.
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569:
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307:Main article:
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156:contact lenses
91:and increased
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9:
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1202:on 2007-03-16
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1027:: 1419–1433.
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159:
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136:glycoproteins
134:, gelatinous
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55:ophthalmology
54:
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1312:February 13,
1310:. Retrieved
1304:
1294:
1284:February 13,
1282:. Retrieved
1268:
1258:February 13,
1256:. Retrieved
1242:
1231:. Retrieved
1227:
1204:. Retrieved
1200:the original
1189:
1180:
1169:. Retrieved
1165:
1142:. Retrieved
1140:. 2016-10-31
1137:
1128:
1117:. Retrieved
1115:. 2018-08-15
1112:
1083:. Retrieved
1081:. 2016-12-21
1078:
1069:
1024:
1020:
968:
964:
954:
943:. Retrieved
934:
925:
913:. Retrieved
909:the original
892:
888:FDA Consumer
886:
838:
834:
814:. Retrieved
812:. 2019-08-23
809:
760:
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636:
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585:
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489:
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373:. Retrieved
367:2006-04-21.
358:
312:
293:
280:
271:
267:interactions
264:
255:
246:
230:
226:
210:
178:
148:
112:electrolytes
97:
93:inflammation
72:
71:
841:(1): 34–8.
538:: 1419–33.
365:WebMD, Inc.
316:β-lactamase
303:2023 recall
1340:Categories
1233:2020-01-23
1206:2006-11-18
1171:2020-01-23
1144:2020-01-23
1119:2020-01-22
1085:2020-01-23
945:2020-01-16
816:2020-01-21
375:2006-11-12
334:References
120:antibodies
1043:1177-5467
977:2008-2010
855:0003-9950
779:0004-2749
602:1465-6566
498:1062-3388
451:0028-4793
409:979934453
360:eMedicine
162:Chemistry
89:tear film
77:eye drops
51:Specialty
1061:25114502
995:25279127
939:Archived
905:16127813
787:31508669
719:26905373
661:41027463
653:19034126
618:25217717
610:21214414
564:25114502
506:14723111
467:46980680
459:29874529
369:Archived
322:See also
314:Metallo-
290:Research
181:polymers
175:Overview
144:blinking
1052:4124072
986:4181208
899:: 8–9.
863:9006422
710:5045033
555:4124072
294:A 2016
116:enzymes
100:aqueous
1059:
1049:
1041:
993:
983:
975:
915:14 May
903:
861:
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785:
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717:
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659:
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633:Cornea
616:
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562:
552:
504:
496:
465:
457:
449:
407:
397:
132:mucins
108:mucous
106:, and
895:(3).
657:S2CID
614:S2CID
463:S2CID
250:LASIK
104:lipid
61:[
1314:2023
1286:2023
1260:2023
1057:PMID
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