From the Research
Propylene glycol eye drops are primarily used as lubricating artificial tears to treat dry eye syndrome and related eye discomfort, as evidenced by the most recent study in 2023 1. These drops work by forming a protective layer over the eye's surface, preventing moisture evaporation and providing relief from dryness, irritation, and grittiness. The dual-polymer eye drops, consisting of propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol 400, along with hydroxypropyl guar and hyaluronic acid, provide long-lasting lubrication and ocular surface protection 1. Key benefits of propylene glycol eye drops include:
- Relief from dry eye symptoms
- Improvement in tear film quality
- Protection against desiccation
- Promotion of corneal re-epithelialization Typically, patients can apply 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed throughout the day, though specific dosing may vary by product. Most over-the-counter formulations containing propylene glycol (such as Systane or GenTeal) are safe for frequent use, as supported by studies in 2022 2 and 2021 3. When applying, tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, place the drop in this pocket without touching the eye or eyelid with the dropper, then close your eyes gently for 1-2 minutes to allow proper distribution. Propylene glycol works effectively because it has hygroscopic properties, meaning it attracts and retains moisture from the surrounding environment, helping maintain proper eye lubrication, as demonstrated in a study in 2020 4. If symptoms persist beyond a week of regular use, consult an eye care professional as persistent dry eye may indicate an underlying condition requiring different treatment. It's also worth noting that other treatments, such as lifitegrast, are available for dry eye disease, as discussed in a study in 2019 5, but propylene glycol eye drops remain a commonly used and effective option.