ocular lubricant Health Article

Generic name(s):

ocular lubricant

Brand name(s):

What is the most important information I should know about ocular lubricant?

Do not use ocular lubricant if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in the eye, unless you are also using an anti-infective medicine.

Ask your doctor before using this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Some eye medicines may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. It may be best to wait at least 15 minutes after using ocular lubricant before putting your contact lenses in.

Stop using ocular lubricant and contact your healthcare provider if you have severe eye pain or vision changes. Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Stop using ocular lubricant and contact your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve within 72 hours of using ocular lubricant.

What is ocular lubricant?

Ocular lubricant is a solution specially formulated to moisturize the eyes.

Ocular lubricant is used to relieve burning, irritation, and discomfort of the eyes due to dryness.

Ocular lubricant may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ocular lubricant?

Do not use ocular lubricant if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in the eye, unless you are also using an anti-infective medicine. Ocular lubricant is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider before using ocular lubricant if you are pregnant. Ocular lubricant is not expected to pass into breast milk or cause harm to a nursing baby. However, talk with your doctor before using this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use ocular lubricant?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops. Ask your doctor before using this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Some eye medicines may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. It may be best to wait at least 15 minutes after using ocular lubricant before putting your contact lenses in.

To use the gel form of ocular lubricant:

• Pull your lower eyelid down to create a small pocket. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye.

• Look downward before closing your eye.

• You may have blurred vision for a short time s the ointment settles in your eye.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.

• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.

• Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Stop using ocular lubricant and contact your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve within 72 hours of using ocular lubricant. Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.