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Artificial Tears
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.
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 Brands | Artificial Tears |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Ophthalmic agent |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
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."
Less Common Side Effects
- Eye pain
- Vision changes
- Eye redness
- Eye irritation
The following Artificial Tears side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Blurry vision
- Eye irritation or itching
Get your GoodRx coupon
$9.90
GoodRx discount
$7.20
Pros and cons of Artificial Tears
Pros
- Well tolerated and commonly used
- Available over the counter at many stores
- Available with or without preservatives
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 for Artificial Tears
- 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.
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.
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
Artificial Tears dosage
The average cost for 2 eye droppers of 15ml of 1.4% of Artificial Tears is $9.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 15.89% off the average retail price of $10.70. 
Eye dropper
Eye dropper| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15ml of 1.4% | 2 eye droppers | $9.00 | $4.50 |
| 15ml of 1% | 1 eye dropper | $7.20 | $7.20 |
Typical dosage 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.
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)
$7.20
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.
News about Artificial Tears
What Eye Drops Have Been Recalled? What to Know Before Buying or Using Artificial Tears
Eye drop recalls can happen due to contamination, adverse effects, and other reasons. Learn more about which eye drops have been recalled and why with GoodRx.
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You can treat chronic dry eyes with prescription medication, OTC eye drops, and even home remedies like omega-3. Explore the best eye drops for dry eye relief here.
Is Long-Term Use of Artificial Tears Safe?
Long-term use of artificial tears can lead to eye damage and dependency. However, preservative-free artificial tears may be less damaging to sensitive eyes.
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What’s the Difference Between Artificial Tears and Redness-Reducing Eye Drops?
Red, stinging eyes are a common reason why we reach for eye drops. But artificial tears and anti-redness drops aren’t the same thing — so which should you pick?
Artificial Tears images
