ocular lubricant

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Pronunciation: OK yoo lar LOO bri kant

Brand: Artificial Tears, Celluvisc, Clear Eyes CLR, GenTeal, Hypotears, Isopto Tears, Lacri-Lube S.O.P., Liquitears, Moisture Drops, Oasis Tears, Opti-Free Rewetting Drops, optive, Refresh, Soothe, Systane, TheraTears, Ultra Fresh, Visine Tears

What is the most important information I should know about ocular lubricant?

You should not use an ocular lubricant to treat or prevent an eye infection.

What is ocular lubricant?

There are many brands and forms of ocular lubricant available and not all are listed on this leaflet.

Ocular lubricant is a solution specially formulated to moisten the eyes.

Ocular lubricant is used to relieve burning, irritation, and discomfort caused by dry eyes.

Ocular lubricant may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ocular lubricant?

You should not use an ocular lubricant if you are allergic to it. Ocular lubricant will not treat or prevent an eye infection.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have any type of infection in your eye.

Ocular lubricant is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using ocular lubricant if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether ocular lubricant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using ocular lubricant if you are breast-feeding.

How should I use ocular lubricant?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Ocular lubricant may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
  • Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
  • Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
  • Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

To apply the ointment:

  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip.
  • Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes.
  • Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.
  • After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube. Do not place the tip directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper or tube tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using ocular lubricant.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medicine is used when needed, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of ocular lubricant can cause serious or life-threatening side effects.

What should I avoid while using ocular lubricant?

This medicine may cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of ocular lubricant?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using ocular lubricant and call your doctor if you have:

  • severe burning, stinging, or eye irritation after using the medicine;
  • eye pain; or
  • vision changes.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild eye burning or irritation;
  • itching or redness of your eyes;
  • watery eyes;
  • blurred vision; or
  • unpleasant taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ocular lubricant?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on ocular lubricant used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ocular lubricant.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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