Hypromellose 0.3% w/v Eye Drops for Dry Eyes Hypromellose eye drops are also known as 'artificial tears'and are used in the eye to relieve dryness and irritation caused by a reduced flow of tears. In certain circumstances they can reduce damage to the eye. Hypromellose can also be used as a lubricant for artificial eyes and to moisten hard contact lenses
How to use hypromellose
- Wash your hands well before use
- Remove the outer cap
- Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
- Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye, but try not to touch the eye
- Apply enough pressure to the container to release one drop
- Close the eye and keep it closed for a minute or two. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
- Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use hypromellose in both eyes
- Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with any surface, including the eye or fingers
- Wash your hands after use
Apply the drops three to four times a day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. For very dry eyes, this preparation may need to be applied every hour.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you wear hard contact lenses, remove them before using the eye drops. Leave them out for at least half an hour before re-inserting.
- You should not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with hypromellose.
- If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you also have to use any other eye drops or ointments, leave at least five minutes between each one. Hypromellose should always be the last preparation used.
- When first instilled, hypromellose may cause blurred vision. Make sure you can see clearly before you drive, operate machinery or do other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not able to see properly.
Can hypromellose cause problems?
Hypromellose can occasionally cause a mild stinging sensation in the eyes, which should soon disappear as your eyes adjust to the new drops. If this continues or becomes severe or if you experience headaches, eye pain, changes in eyesight or constantly red eyes stop using hypromellose and contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
How to store hypromellose
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
- Discard these eye drops 4 weeks after opening
- Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you Ingredients - Preservative: benzalkonium chloride 0.01 %w/v, Hypromellose 0.3% w/v Also contains sodium chloride, potassium chloride, borax, boric acid and purified water Dosage: Instill one or two drops into each eye three times daily as needed, or as directed by your doctor. See patient information leaflet enclosed.
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