Artificial Tears - Benefits and Usage

Artificial Tears are lubricating eye drops used to relieve dryness and irritation in the eyes.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Available over the counter without a prescription.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Artificial Tears FAQ


Image credit: walmart.com

What are artificial tears used for?

Artificial tears are eye drops used to lubricate dry eyes and help keep moisture on the outer surface of your eyes. Dry eyes can result from: Aging. Certain medications. A medical condition. Eye surgery. Environmental factors, such as smoky or windy conditions. Artificial tears are available without a prescription.

Do you need artificial tears?

If you have eyes that are irritated from dry, smoky or windy environments or from fatigue, you may turn to artificial tears. If you need to use them often, consider making an appointment with an eye care provider. What are artificial tears? Artificial tears are eye drops, gels or ointments that lubricate your dry eyes.

Do artificial tears work without a prescription?

Artificial tears are available without a prescription. No single brand works best for every form of dry eyes. You may need to try several different brands before you find one that works best for you. Besides lubricating your eyes, some artificial tears also promote healing of the eyes. Others work to decrease tear evaporation.

Do all artificial tears have a demulcent?

All artificial tears include at least one demulcent. Some examples of demulcents used in artificial tears are as follows: Cellulose ingredients bind to the surface of the eye and make tears thicker. This allows the tears to stay in the eye longer and provide better lubrication.

Artificial Tears References

If you want to know more about Artificial Tears, consider exploring links below:

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