Health Dictionary
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Artificial tears
Introduction
Artificial tears are lubricant eye drops used to treat the dryness and irritation associated with deficient tear production in keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes).[1] They are also used to moisten contact lenses and in eye examinations.
Artificial tears are available over-the-counter. Artificial tears are supplemented with other treatments in moderate to severe forms of dry eyes.
Chemistry
Chemistry
Preparations contain carboxymethyl cellulose,[1][2] hydroxypropyl methylcellulose[2] (a.k.a. HPMC or hypromellose), and hydroxypropyl cellulose[1]. They contain water, salts and polymers but lack the proteins found in natural tears. Patients who use them more frequently than once every three hours[1] should choose a brand without preservatives[1] or one with special non-irritating preservatives.
Effects
Effects
Application of artificial tears every few hours[3] can provide temporary relief from the symptoms of dry eyes. Hydroxypropyl cellulose stabilizes and thickens the precorneal tear film, and prolongs the tear film breakup time.[1]
Usage
Usage
Artificial tears usually are the first line of treatment for dry eyes.[2] While mild cases require application of lubricant drops four times a day, severe cases require more aggressive treatment, such as ten to twelve times a day.[1] Thicker artificial tears can be used in severe cases, although these may temporarily blur vision.[1]
An artificial tear insert such as Lacrisert which contains hydroxypropyl cellulose can also be used every morning.[1]
Precautions
Drops for red eyes can make the eyes even drier.[2] If wearing contact lenses, rewetting or lubricating drops specifically for contact lenses should be used.[2] Other types of drops may contain ingredients that damage the lens.[2]
Adverse effects, interactions and contraindications
Adverse effects, interactions and contraindications
Possible adverse effects of carboxymethyl cellulose and other similar lubricants include eye pain, irritation, continued redness, or vision changes.[1] Use should be discontinued if any of them occur.[1] Those of hydroxypropyl cellulose include hyperaemia, photophobia, stickiness of eyelashes, discomfort, and irritation.[1] Long term use of preservatives present in some artificial tears may harm the eye.
Artificial tears have no reported interactions.[1] A documented contraindication of artificial tears is hypersensitivity.[1]
Veterinary uses
Veterinary uses
Artificial tears are a part of the topical therapy for keratoconjunctivitis sicca for animals such as dogs, cats and horses.[4]
References
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 “Keratoconjunctivitis, Sicca”. eMedicine. WebMD, Inc. 2006-04-21. Retrieved 2006-11-12.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5
Meadows, Michelle (2005). “Dealing with Dry Eye”. FDA Consumer Magazine. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 2006-11-16. Unknown parameter
|month=ignored (help); More than one of|author=and|last=specified (help); External link in|work=(help) - ↑ “Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca”. The Merck Manual, Home Edition. Merck & Co., Inc. 2003-02-01. Retrieved 2006-11-12.
- ↑ “Keratoconjunctivitis, Sicca”. The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Inc. Retrieved 2006-11-18.