Ophthalmology - Ocular lubricants (artificial tears)

Question 1

**Ophthalmology
Ocular lubricants (artificial tears):**

hypromellose, carbomers, liquid and white soft paraffin

Common indications

Answer 1

• First-line symptomatic treatment of dry eye conditions including keratoconjunctivitis sicca and Sjögren’s syndrome

Question 2

**Ophthalmology
Ocular lubricants (artificial tears):**

hypromellose, carbomers, liquid and white soft paraffin

Mechanisms of action

Answer 2

• Lubricant eye drops typically consist of an electrolyte solution with a viscosity agent, such as a cellulose polymer (e.g. hypromellose)
• Gels, such as carbomer 980 (the active ingredient of Viscotears®), have greater viscosity and are retained in the eye for longer
• Ointments such as white soft paraffin with liquid paraffin (e.g. Lacri-Lube®) are highly viscous and may provide greater protection