From the Guidelines
For pediatric eye lubrication, preservative-free hyaluronates drops are recommended, with one drop applied to each eye two to four times daily, but only for children under 7 years old after discussion with ophthalmology. When selecting eye lubricants for kids, it is essential to consider the formulation and concentration of hyaluronate, as higher percentages are considered to offer greater therapeutic efficacy for more severe disease 1. Some key points to consider when choosing an eye lubricant for children include:
- Preservative-free formulations to minimize irritation, especially for frequent use
- Avoiding products containing vasoconstrictors or redness relievers, as these are not suitable for regular use in kids
- Considering the viscosity of the lubricant, with more viscous options providing longer-lasting relief for moderate to severe cases
- Assessing response to lubricant therapy at 4 weeks and escalating treatment if ineffective, as recommended for managing dupilumab-related ocular surface disorders 1. For children with pre-existing eye disease, ocular lubricants should be co-prescribed with any necessary medication, and parents should be advised on lifestyle measures to help manage dry eye conditions, such as avoiding irritants and maintaining good eye hygiene 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions adults and children 6 years of age and over: put 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed children under 6 years of age: consult a doctor
The recommended eye lubricant/drops for kids 6 years of age and over is polyethylene glycol (OPHTH), with a dosage of 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed 2. For children under 6 years of age, it is recommended to consult a doctor before use 2.
From the Research
Recommended Eye Lubricants for Pediatric Use
There are no specific studies provided that directly address the recommended eye lubricants for pediatric use. However, the available evidence discusses various artificial tears and their effectiveness in managing dry eye disease in general.
Key Findings
- A study published in 2023 3 reviewed the safety and effectiveness of hydroxypropyl guar and hyaluronic acid dual-polymer lubricating eye drops (SYSTANE™ HYDRATION) in managing dry eye disease.
- Another study from 2020 4 found that preservative-free artificial tears and rewetting drops are safe and effective to use with contact lenses, and can help minimize the impact of wearing contact lenses on the ocular surface.
- A cost-effectiveness study from 2009 5 compared two ophthalmic lubricants, Systane and Refresh Tears, and found that both are effective and cost-effective interventions, although Systane is more expensive and more effective.
- A clinical trial from 2018 6 evaluated the effects of fixed versus as-needed use of artificial tears in dry eye disease, and found that regular use of artificial tears may provide better symptomatic relief than as-needed use.
- A study from 2025 7 compared the short-term impact of different artificial tear formulations on tear film in moderate dry eye disease patients, and found that all artificial tears showed significant improvement in noninvasive tear breakup time values, although patients reported better relief with sodium hyaluronate-based lubricants.
Artificial Tears for Dry Eye Disease
Some of the artificial tears mentioned in the studies include: