Mild side effects: Eye drops and ointment can cause mild stinging, blurred sight or a funny taste in the mouth soon after putting them in.

Preservative-free eye drops have fewer additives. They are usually recommended for people with moderate to severe dry eye. They are often best for those who use artificial tears more than four times a day. UKHSA considers the risk to the general public from Burkholderia cenocepacia to be very low, but some patient groups (such as individuals with cystic fibrosis) are at higher risk of adverse effects. As a precautionary measure until further information is available, UKHSA has recommended that all carbomer containing eye gels are avoided where possible in individuals with cystic fibrosis; patients being cared for in critical care settings (e.g. intensive Investigations into whether any other products are affected continue. So, as a precautionary measure, and until further information is available, the UKHSA recommends that individuals with cystic fibrosis avoid using carbomer-containing lubricating eye gels where possible. If you have CF and are currently using eye lubricating gel and are unsure if this is carbomer-containing or have any questions concerning this, please speak to your CF clinical team. UKHSA and partners are working to confirm the source of the infections and will provide more information on their investigations as soon as possible. For high-risk patients, practitioners should stop supplying any brand of carbomer eye gel as a precaution – not just the brands subject to the recall. Lacri-lube® eye ointment used to be a popular choice for protecting the eye but there is currently a global shortage due to manufacturing issues. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists recommend Xailin Night eye ointment and HYLO NIGHT (formerly VitA-POS) as suitable alternatives. Eye dropsCommonly known as Hypromellose, brand names such as Evolve® include a Hypromellose option for the relief of dry eye. There are many other brand names of this type of eye lubricant as it is commonly used for milder dry eye symptoms. When comparing brands it is always important to look at the ingredients. Another product containing Hypromellose that is preservative-free is Xailin Hydrate. Eye gels Carmellose sodium eye drops can be stored at room temperature and do not need to be kept in a fridge. What if I forget to use it? Generally the recommended treatment is frequent instillation of artificial tear drops in the day time (at least every two hours) and lubricant ointment at night. If drops are needed more than four times a day they should be preservative-free. Eye drops containing preservatives used over a prolonged period of time or in large quantities may damage the surface of the eye or cause inflammation. It is always important to follow the advice of your ophthalmic care provider or an optician.

NICE guidelines are evidence-based recommendations for health and care in England. The only guidelines specific to facial palsy are for the management of Bell’s palsy. They state that it is important to keep the eye lubricated but there are no further recommendations regarding what kind of drops to use. This can lead to confusion and patients often end up buying over-the-counter drops which can vary greatly and not always provide the relief needed. Hypromellose is one of the most common over-the-counter eye drops used for tear deficiency in patients with mild dry eye and will sometimes contain preservatives depending on the brand you choose. We therefore recommend you discuss with a pharmacist which products are suitable for moderate-severe dry eye when the eyelid does not close properly. Types of eye drops Eye ointments If one eye drop doesn’t suit you, discuss with your health care provider and try switching to one with different ingredients. Lubricating eye drops, also called artificial tears, provide moisture and relief for dry eyes due to temporary causes, like being tired or being in a dry climate. How Do Artificial Tears Relieve Eye Dryness? Eye ointment: Pull down the lower lid and squeeze about 1/2 a centimetre (1/4 of an inch) of ointment into each eye. You need to take care not to touch the eye with the end of the tube. Examples: Viscotears® (Carbomer 980), Celluvisc® (Carmellose), Hypromellose, Sno Tears® (Polyvinyl Alcohol), Ilube® (Acetylcysteine), Lacrilube® ointment and Simple eye ointmentThe scratchy, burning feeling and irritation of dry eyes can be very uncomfortable. Eye strain from computer use, certain medical conditions, and smoky or windy environments are just a few dry eye causes. Lubricating eye drops—also called artificial tears—can help relieve this discomfort. What Are Lubricating Eye Drops? In addition, UKHSA has recommended that all carbomer containing eye gels (in other words, any carbomer containing lubricating eye gel product, not just those referred to in the FSN) are avoided where possible in individuals with cystic fibrosis, patients being cared for in critical care settings (e.g. intensive care), or who are severely immunocompromised and in hospital, and for patients awaiting lung transplantation.

blink regularly (ask your doctor or eye specialist for advice on blinking exercises if you need them)

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Below are some frequently asked questions about gel eye drops. How often should people with dry eyes use eye drops? Close your eye. Gently press your finger over the inside corner of your eye (over the eyelid) for about 1 minute. This helps to keep the drop in your eye. Provides a lubricating and moisture-retaining film on the surface of the eye, acting as a barrier against moisture loss. Preservative-free eye drops. This type has fewer additives and is generally recommended if you apply artificial tears more than four times a day, or if you have moderate or severe dry eyes. Preservative-free eye drops may come in single-dose vials.