About Refresh Tears Eye Drops
Refresh Tears Eye Drops contains Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%. These are lubricating eye drops, sometimes called artificial tears. They are used to relieve dry, gritty, burning or tired eyes, for example from screen use, air conditioning, wind or dust. They soothe and moisten the eye surface.
Uses of Refresh Tears Eye Drops
- Dry eyes
- Burning, gritty or irritated eyes caused by dryness
- Eye discomfort from screens, air conditioning, wind or dust
Benefits
In dry eyes
They add moisture to the surface of the eye and help it stay comfortable for longer. They ease symptoms but do not treat other causes of red or painful eyes.
Side effects
Blurred vision usually clears after a few blinks.
Common
- Brief blurred vision after putting drops in
- Mild stinging or burning
- Sticky eyelashes
Get medical help if you notice
- Eye pain, changes in vision, or redness or irritation that gets worse or lasts more than 3 days — stop using and see a doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Use it as your doctor or the label advises. Wash your hands. Tilt your head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid, and squeeze 1 or 2 drops into the pocket without letting the tip touch your eye or anything else. Blink gently, then close the bottle. If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between different drops. Throw the bottle away after the time stated on the label once opened.
How it works
Carboxymethylcellulose forms a thin, moist layer over the surface of the eye. This adds to your natural tears and protects the eye from drying.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction is known.
Pregnancy Safe
It works on the surface of the eye and very little, if any, enters the body. Check with your doctor if you are unsure.
Breastfeeding Safe
It works on the surface of the eye and is not expected to affect the baby.
Driving Caution
Vision may be blurred for a short time after using the drops. Wait until it clears before driving.
Kidney Safe
No special precautions are known.
Liver Safe
No special precautions are known.
If you miss a dose
It is used as needed. There is no missed dose.
Quick tips
- Do not let the dropper tip touch your eye, fingers or any surface.
- Do not share your eye drops.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you can use them with contact lenses.
- Take regular breaks from screens and blink often.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Cellulose derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Eye care
- Action class
- Ocular lubricant (artificial tears)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Not required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other eye drops or ointments | Leave at least 5 minutes between them so each works properly |
| Contact lenses | Some products should not be used with lenses in; check the label |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5% eye drops labelling (CDSCO-approved); NICE BNF: carmellose sodium). Pharmacist review pending.