Skip to main content
Artificial Tears Coupon - Artificial Tears 15ml of 1.4% eye dropper

Artificial Tears

Generic
Used for Dry Eye
Used for Dry Eye

Artificial Tears are lubricating (moistening) eye drops that are commonly used to relieve irritated and dry eyes. There are many products available called "Artificial Tears," and they can come in different forms, such as eye drops, gel, or ointment. Different products can contain different active ingredients, such as polyvinyl alcohol and povidone. Some artificial tear drops also contain preservatives, while others are preservative free. Be sure to check the warning section on the product label because some shouldn't be used with contact lenses. Artificial Tears products are available over the counter.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 27, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Artificial Tears?

What is Artificial Tears used for?

  • Dry eyes

  • Prevention of eye irritation

How Artificial Tears works

Artificial Tears acts like real tears. When you place the drops into your eyes, they help protect and moisten (lubricate) your eyes to relieve dryness and irritation.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsArtificial Tears
Drug ClassOphthalmic agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$11.23(save 42.34%)
GoodRx discount
$6.48
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Artificial Tears?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Side effects aren't common. See "Other Side Effects."

Other Side Effects

  • Eye pain
  • Vision changes
  • Eye redness
  • Eye irritation

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Artificial Tears

thumbs-up

Pros

Well tolerated and commonly used

Available over the counter at many stores

Available with or without preservatives

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause some eye-related side effects

Not meant to be used long term

Many products can't be used when wearing contact lenses in the eyes

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Artificial Tears

pharmacist

  • You can use Artificial Tears for dry eyes and eye irritation that's caused by aging, certain medications, a medical condition, eye surgery, or environmental factors (e.g., windy or dry climates).

    • There are many over-the-counter products available called "Artificial Tears" that might contain different active ingredients (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol, povidone). They might also come in different forms, such as eye drops, gels, and ointments. Check with your provider to make sure you're using the best product for your condition and personal preference.

      • Don't touch the tip of the container with your hands or to any surface, and make sure to close the cap tightly after each use. This helps avoid contamination and eye infections.

        • How to use the eye drops: Wash and dry your hands before and after using the eye drops. Tilt your head backward, and look up. Then, gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a small pocket, and squeeze one drop of medication into this pocket. Try not to blink or wipe your eyes. Close your eyes while pressing a finger against the inside corner of your eye for about 1 minute to help keep the medication in your eye.

          • Don't use the eye drops if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy, since these can be signs of contamination.

            • Besides using Artificial Tears, there are other steps you can take to help relieve dry eyes. Try to avoid drying environments, like windy conditions and strongly air-conditioned rooms. You can also limit or take breaks from screen time with your computer or phone.

              • Store Artificial Tears up and away from children and pets. If it's accidentally swallowed, contact a Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Artificial Tears

                Can you use Artificial Tears with contacts?
                Many Artificial Tears products have instructions to remove contact lenses before using them. This is probably because of two reasons. For one, contacts might not allow the artificial tear drops to coat your eyes and work properly when they're still in your eyes. Second, many artificial tears contain preservatives (e.g., benzalkonium chloride) that can get absorbed by contact lenses and damage them. If you're having dry eye problems from your contact lenses, talk to your provider about rewetting eye drops that are specially made for use with contact lenses.
                Can I use Artificial Tears after cataract surgery?
                You might be able to use Artificial Tears after cataract surgery. But talk to your provider first, since they might recommend preservative-free eye drops or specific brands to use.
                How often can you use Artificial Tears?
                You can use Artificial Tears as needed for dry eye symptoms. But if you're using them more than 6 times per day, it's recommended to use preservative-free tears. This is because preservatives (chemicals that prevent bacteria from growing) can sometimes cause eye irritation and make your symptoms worse.
                Can I overuse Artificial Tears?
                While Artificial Tears is used to add onto your naturally-produced tears to relieve eye dryness and irritation, you can overuse the eye drops. If you use the eye drops too much, they might end up washing away your eye's own natural tears. Most experts recommend to avoid using moistening eye products like Artificial Tears more than 4 times a day as needed.
                Are Artificial Tears safe?
                Artificial Tears are generally safe to use for short periods of time. It's important to check the expiration date and don't use them after they've expired. Also, don't touch the tip of the dropper to your eyes, hands, or any surfaces to prevent contamination (spreading germs). Never share Artificial Tears with anyone else, since this could also spread germs and cause an infection. In addition, using Artificial Tears products that contain preservatives for a long time can cause eye irritation. If you find yourself using Artificial Tears very often or for a long period of time, talk to your provider about other ways to treat your dry eyes.
                Can I use Artificial Tears to treat pink eye?
                Artificial Tears can help relieve some symptoms of pink eye, such as dry eyes. Ask your provider if it's okay to use Artificial Tears if you or your child has pink eye. If you're using antibiotic or other eye drops, talk to your provider about how to space your treatments out so they work the best for you.
                What ingredients are in Artificial Tears?
                Different Artificial Tears products can have different active ingredients in them to help with dry eyes. Some of these active ingredients include polyvinyl alcohol and povidone, which help wet the eyes. In addition, there are several inactive ingredients in the eye drops that mimic the minerals found in your natural tears. Depending on the type of artificial tears you have, some contain preservatives that help the drops have a longer shelf life and can be used from the same bottle multiple times.
                How do I know if I should use preservative-free Artificial Tears?
                There might be certain situations when you might prefer using preservative-free Artificial Tears. Preservative-free eye drops are typically recommended for people who can't use drops with preservatives, need to use it more than 6 times a day, use multiple medicated eye drops in a day, or who've just had eye surgery. For some people, eye drops containing preservatives can cause eye irritation and eye damage, especially if used for a long time. For this reason, it might be more comfortable for some people to use preservative-free Artificial Tears. There can be other reasons why your provider might recommend you to use preservative-free Artificial Tears. Check with your provider if you're not sure whether preservative-free Artificial Tears is right for you.
                GoodRxEducationalIcon

                How to save using GoodRx

                Compare Prices
                1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                Select your free coupon
                2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                Show coupon to your pharmacist
                3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                Get free couponLearn more
                warings-icon

                What are the risks and warnings for Artificial Tears?

                Artificial Tears can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Eye-related side effects

                Artificial Tears should only be used on the eyes. Stop using the eye drops if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, or continued eye redness or irritation. If your condition worsens or doesn't go away after 3 days, stop using the eye drops and contact your provider.

                More on Artificial Tears warnings

                GettyImages 1356344288 BW.jpg

                Is Long-Term Use of Artificial Tears Safe?

                Written by Clay M. Cooper, PharmD
                dosage

                Artificial Tears dosage forms

                The average cost for 2 eye droppers of 15ml of 1.4% of Artificial Tears is $9.29 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 17.28% off the average retail price of $11.23.
                eye dropper
                Eye dropper
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                15ml of 1%1 eye dropper$6.48$6.48
                15ml of 1.4%2 eye droppers$9.29$4.64

                Typical dosing for Artificial Tears

                The typical dose is 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) on an as-needed basis for dry or irritated eyes.

                drug-cost

                How much does Artificial Tears cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                Artificial Tears (generic)
                GoodRx lowest price

                $6.48

                (save 42.34%)
                View prices & coupons
                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Artificial Tears?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Artificial Tears. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Artificial Tears
                Used for:

                • Dry eyes

                • Prevention of eye irritation

                $6.48 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Freshkote Preservative Free
                Used for:
                $37.23 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                images

                Artificial Tears images

                This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.

                Get savings updates for Artificial Tears

                Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Artificial Tears and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

                References

                Best studies we found

                Ahn, J., et al. (2021). Binding affinity of benzalkonium chloride on contact lens surfaces and the effects on their physical properties. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces.

                Aru Pharma Inc. (2023). Artificial tears- polyvinyl alcohol solution/drops [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Boyd, K. (2022). Lubricating eye drops for dry eyes. American Academy of Ophthalmology.

                View All References (9)

                Boyd, K. (2023). What is dry eye? Symptoms, causes and treatment. American Academy of Ophthalmology.

                Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Conjunctivitis (pink eye) treatment.

                Kathuria, A., et al. (2021). Categorization of marketed artificial tear formulations based on their ingredients: A rational approach for their use. Journal of Clinical Medicine.

                Kathuria, A., et al. (2021). Categorization of marketed artificial tear formulations based on their ingredients: A rational approach for their use. Journal of Clinical Medicine.

                Lazarus, R. (2021). Can eye drops be overused? Optometrists Network.

                Pharmaceutical Journal. (2023). Managing eye conditions with preservative-free products.

                Pharmaceutical Journal. (2023). Pharmacy Technician’s Guide – Advising patients on the prevention and treatment of dry eye disease.

                Pucker, A. D., et al. (2016). Over the counter (OTC) artificial tear drops for dry eye syndrome. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 

                SafeMedication. (n.d.). How to use eye drops.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                Was this page helpful?

                Browse medications

                View All

                Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.