From the FDA Drug Label
Uses for the temporary relief of burning, irritation and discomfort due to dryness of the eye or exposure to wind or sun may be used as a protectant against further irritation The uses of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) eye drops are for the:
- Temporary relief of
- Burning
- Irritation
- Discomfort due to dryness of the eye or exposure to
- Wind
- Sun
- As a protectant against further irritation 1 There is no information about povidone (Polyvidone) eye drops in the provided drug labels.
From the Research
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and povidone (Polyvidone) eye drops are primarily used to treat dry eye symptoms by supplementing natural tears and providing moisture to the eye surface. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2021, which investigated the safety and tolerability of an eye drop based on 0.6% povidone-iodine nanoemulsion in dry eye patients 2. This study found that the treatment with 0.6% povidone-iodine was safe and well tolerated in a group of patients with a damaged ocular surface. Key points to consider when using PVA and povidone eye drops include:
- Applying 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed, typically 4-6 times daily
- Using preservative-free formulations or removing contact lenses before applying drops (unless specifically labeled as safe for contact lens use)
- Gently pulling down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket, looking up, and placing the drop in this pocket without touching the dropper to the eye to prevent contamination
- Consulting an eye care professional if symptoms persist despite regular use for two weeks, as prescription-strength treatments or underlying conditions may require different management. Additionally, a study from 2021 found that lutein/PVA eye drops could effectively decrease inflammation in dry eye syndrome (DES) mice 3. However, the primary use of PVA and povidone eye drops remains the treatment of dry eye symptoms, and their effectiveness and tolerability have been demonstrated in various studies, including one from 1996 that found distinct improvement in complaints among patients treated with artificial tears containing polyvidone 4. Overall, PVA and povidone eye drops are a common and effective treatment for dry eye symptoms, and their use should be guided by the principles of supplemental tear therapy and proper application technique.