From the Guidelines
Eye lubricant drops, also known as artificial tears, should be used frequently and chronically with nonpreserved tear substitutes for optimal relief of dry eye symptoms. For mild to moderate dry eye symptoms, over-the-counter options like Systane Ultra, Refresh Tears, or TheraTears can be used as needed, typically 1-2 drops in each affected eye 4-6 times daily 1. Preservative-free formulations (in single-use vials) like Refresh Plus or Systane Ultra Preservative-Free are recommended for those with sensitivity or who need to use drops more than 4-6 times daily 1.
Some key considerations when using eye lubricant drops include:
- Using preservative-free artificial tears for patients with poor ocular surface condition or those who frequently instill artificial tears (> 4 times/day) 1
- Avoiding the use of certain cosmetics and being cautious of environmental factors that can exacerbate dry eye, such as wind, dry environments, and air-conditioned environments 1
- Educating patients on the importance of complete blinking and blinking frequency, especially when using visual display terminals 1
- Recommending dietary modifications, such as a Mediterranean-diet-oriented approach, to help manage dry eye symptoms 1
For nighttime use, thicker gel formulations such as Systane Gel or GenTeal Severe Gel provide longer-lasting lubrication and can be applied before bedtime. These products work by supplementing your natural tears with similar components like electrolytes and lubricants that help stabilize the tear film, reduce evaporation, and protect the eye surface. If symptoms persist after regular use for 1-2 weeks, or if you experience eye pain, vision changes, or discharge, consult an eye care professional as you may need prescription-strength options or have an underlying condition requiring different treatment 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Systane® LUBRICANT EYE DROPS ULTRA HIGH PERFORMING DRY EYE RELIEF Fast-acting hydration and lasting relief Moisture rich formula #1 Doctor Recommended Brand Open your eyes to a breakthrough in comfort with Systane® ULTRA Lubricant Eye Drops. From first blink, eyes feel lubricated and refreshed. Feel the difference in dry eye relief with SYSTANE® ULTRA.
Systane Ultra is a lubricant eye drop used for dry eye relief. It provides fast-acting hydration and lasting relief with a moisture rich formula 2.
From the Research
Types of Eye Lubricant Drops
- There are various types of eye lubricant drops available, including artificial tears, which are the first line of treatment for dry eye disease (DED) 3, 4, 5.
- These drops can be categorized based on their ingredients, such as viscosity-enhancing agents, electrolytes, osmo-protectants, antioxidants, lipids, surfactants, and preservatives 6.
Effectiveness of Eye Lubricant Drops
- Studies have shown that different eye lubricant drops can have similar efficacies in treating dry eye symptoms 5, 7.
- However, some drops may be more effective than others in certain individuals, depending on their specific needs and conditions 7.
- For example, osmolarity balanced artificial tears may be preferred by individuals with low baseline tear volume, while liposomal spray may be preferred by those with a baseline lipid layer deficiency 7.
Selection of Eye Lubricant Drops
- The selection of eye lubricant drops can be based on the individual's specific needs and conditions, such as the severity of dry eye symptoms, tear film instability, and ocular surface damage 3, 6.
- A study suggests that simple guidelines can be used to select lubricants for patients with mild to moderate dry eye 3.
- Another study proposes an approach to select the most appropriate tear substitute formulations according to the predominant etiological causes of DED 6.
Safety and Adverse Events
- Eye lubricant drops can be generally safe, but may cause adverse events such as burning on instillation due to mismatches of eye drop with tear acidity 3.
- A review found that OTC artificial tears may be safe and effective means for treating dry eye syndrome, but the literature indicates that the majority of OTC artificial tears may have similar efficacies 5.