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Introduction About REFRESH TEARS EYE DROPS

Refresh Tears Eye Drops is a moisturizing solution designed to relieve dry eyes and irritation. The active ingredient, Carboxymethylcellulose 0.5%, helps provide instant hydration and long-lasting lubrication for comfort.

Refresh Tears Eye Drops is typically used as needed. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the number of drops to use. Allow at least 5-10 minutes before applying any other medication to the same eye to reduce dilution. Do not use the bottle if the seal is broken before opening. Always wash your hands and avoid touching the tip of the dropper to reduce contamination. This medication may need to be used long-term and is safe for extended use as prescribed.

Common side effect of this medication includes eye irritation (including burning and discomfort), eye pain, eye itching, and visual disturbance. These effects are typically temporary and may fade over time. However, if they persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in any activities that require clear vision until you are confident it is safe to do so. If your condition does not improve or if the side effects become bothersome, consult your doctor.

This medication is unlikely to interact with other medications you are taking. However, inform your doctor if you have a history of glaucoma. Avoid using it while wearing soft contact lenses, and consult your doctor if you experience an eye infection during its use.

Uses Of REFRESH TEARS EYE DROPS

Dry eyes
Eye irritation

Benefits of REFRESH TEARS EYE DROPS

Provides fast relief from dry eyes-Refresh Tears helps to quickly relieve the discomfort caused by dry eyes, providing prompt hydration to the eyes.
Lubricates and moisturizes the eyes for lasting comfort-The drops create a protective layer on the surface of the eyes, ensuring lasting comfort by keeping the eyes lubricated and moisturized.
Ideal for those who suffer from eye irritation caused by environmental factors or prolonged screen time-Whether it is from prolonged exposure to screens, air conditioning, wind, or dry environments, Refresh Tears is an effective solution to combat irritation and dryness.

How REFRESH TEARS EYE DROPS Works

Refresh Tears eye drops, which contain carboxymethylcellulose, work by acting as a lubricant for dry eyes. Carboxymethylcellulose is a synthetic polymer that mimics the natural tears in the eye, providing moisture and relief from irritation caused by dryness, environmental factors, or insufficient tear production. When applied, the drops form a protective layer over the surface of the eye, helping to retain moisture, reduce friction during blinking, and alleviate the discomfort associated with dryness. This helps maintain eye comfort and improves the function of the tear film, supporting overall eye health.

How to use REFRESH TEARS EYE DROPS

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the exact dosage. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.

How to Take Refresh Tears Eye Drops?

For effective relief, use 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed throughout the day.
It is for ophthalmic use only

Step-by-Step Application Guide:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the drops.
Shake the bottle gently to ensure the solution is well-mixed.
Hold the bottle upside down and tilt your head slightly back.
With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
With the other hand, squeeze 1-2 drops into the pocket formed by the lower eyelid.
Close your eye gently and blink a few times to help spread the drops across the surface of the eye.
If necessary, gently press the corner of your eye near the nose to prevent the drops from draining out.
Wipe away any excess solution from around your eye with a clean tissue.
Wash your hands again after application.

When and How Often to Use Refresh Tears:

Refresh Tears can be used as needed for relief from dry eyes.
The recommended dosage is 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) at a time.
You can apply them multiple times throughout the day, depending on how often you experience dryness or discomfort.

Common times to use the drops include:

In the morning to start the day with comfort.
Before bed to ensure moisture overnight.
After long periods of screen time or exposure to dry environments.
Whenever you feel dryness or irritation in your eyes.

Side Effects Of REFRESH TEARS EYE DROPS

Like all medicines, Refresh Tears Eye Drops may cause certain side effects in some individuals, although not everybody gets them.

The most common side effects of using Refresh Tears Eye Drops are:

Eye irritation (including burning and discomfort)
eye pain
eye itching
visual disturbance

When to consult your doctor?

Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as swelling of the eyes or face, itching, rash, or hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing
Severe eye irritation or redness
Severe eye pain

How To Manage Side Effects

Eye irritation Or Itching

Apply a Cold Compress: Place a cool, damp cloth over your eyes for 10-15 minutes to reduce irritation.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Rubbing can make irritation worse. Instead, try blinking gently.
Clean Your Glasses/Contacts: Make sure your eyewear is clean to avoid further irritation.
Take Breaks from Screens: Look away from your computer or phone every 20 minutes to reduce strain.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water to keep your eyes moist and reduce dryness.
Avoid Allergens: Stay away from things like dust, pollen, or smoke if they cause irritation

Eye pain Or Sensitivity

Apply a Warm Compress: Gently place a warm, damp cloth over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes to soothe the pain.
Rest Your Eyes: Take regular breaks from screens and close your eyes for a few minutes to rest.
Avoid Bright Lights: Stay away from bright lights or glare, which can worsen eye pain. Consider wearing sunglasses.
Keep Your Eyes Clean: Gently wash your eyelids with warm water to remove any irritants or debris.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes from becoming dry or irritated.
Take Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) can help if the pain is mild.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Use with Caution

Refresh Tears Eye Drops should be used with caution in pregnant women. It is important to consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Breastfeeding

Use with Caution

Refresh Tears Eye Drops should be used with caution in breast-feeding women. It is important to consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate a machine if you experience blurred vision or discomfort while using Refresh Tears Eye Drops.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to carboxymethylcellulose or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Use In Pediatrics

Use with Caution

Refresh Tears should be used with caution in children. Consult your pediatrician before giving it.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

Refresh Tears should be used with caution in elderly patients. Consult your doctor before using it.

Other Warnings for REFRESH TEARS EYE DROPS

Before using Refresh Tears Eye Drops, inform your doctor if you:

Wear contact lenses

Safety Advice

Follow the recommended dosage provided by your doctor or as indicated on the packaging.
Typically, these eye drops can be used 1-2 times a day or as needed.
Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before using the eye drops to reduce introducing bacteria into your eye.
Do not let the tip of the dropper come into contact with any surface, such as your eye or fingers, to avoid contaminating the solution.
If you are wearing contact lenses, take them out before using Refresh Tears. Wait at least 15 minutes after applying the drops before putting your lenses back in, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Using eye drops too often or for a prolonged period without proper guidance can lead to irritation or reduced effectiveness. It is important to follow the recommended instructions for proper use.
If you have any existing eye conditions, like glaucoma or other serious eye diseases, it is important to consult a doctor before using these drops.
Let your doctor know If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Make sure to use within 4 weeks of opening the bottle.

Diet and Lifestyle Advice

01.Lifestyle and Environmental Tips for Managing Dry Eyes:

Tip	Description
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule	Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.
Use a Humidifier	Adding moisture to the air helps prevent dryness, especially in winter or in air-conditioned spaces.
Avoid Direct Exposure to Wind	Protect your eyes from wind, which can exacerbate dryness, by wearing sunglasses or a hat with a brim.
Limit Exposure to Smoke	Smoke can irritate the eyes and cause dryness. Avoid smoky environments or use protective eyewear.
Control Air Conditioning & Heating	Both air conditioning and heating can dry out the air. Keep the temperature moderate and use a humidifier.
Blink Regularly	Make a conscious effort to blink more often, especially when working on screens for long periods.
Stay Hydrated	Drinking plenty of water helps maintain moisture in the eyes and throughout the body.
Use Protective Eyewear Outdoors	Wear wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes from wind and sun when outside.
Maintain a Healthy Diet	Include omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., from fish or flaxseed) to help improve tear production.
Avoid Long Hot Showers	Hot water can dry out your eyes and skin. Opt for a cooler shower to avoid aggravating dry eyes.

02. What lifestyle changes, including hydration and proper eye care practices, can help reduce dry eyes?

Lifestyle Change	Action	Benefit for Dry Eye Prevention
Increase Hydration	Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for 8-10 cups.	Hydration helps maintain tear production and keeps the eyes moist.
Use a Humidifier	Use a humidifier in your home or office, especially in dry environments.	Prevents dry air from evaporating tears and drying out your eyes.
Take Regular Breaks from Screens	Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.	Reduces eye strain and minimizes tear evaporation caused by prolonged screen use.
Blink Regularly	Be conscious of blinking more frequently, especially when using screens.	Blinking helps spread tears across the eye surface, preventing dryness.
Wear Protective Eyewear Outdoors	Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear on windy or sunny days.	Shields eyes from drying winds and harsh sunlight.
Maintain a Healthy Diet	Include omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) in your diet.	Omega-3s help improve tear quality and reduce inflammation in the eyes.
Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke	Avoid smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke.	Smoke can irritate eyes and increase dryness by affecting tear production.
Proper Contact Lens Care	Follow your eye care provider’s instructions for cleaning and wearing contact lenses.	Prevents irritation and dryness caused by improper lens use.
Limit Air Conditioning	Avoid direct airflow from air conditioning vents toward your face.	Reduces the drying effect caused by cool, circulating air.
Use Artificial Tears Regularly	Use preservative-free artificial tears as needed to lubricate eyes.	Provides moisture to the eyes and helps to reduce dryness and irritation.

Drug - Drug interaction

Inform your physician if you are taking any of the following medicine before taking Refresh Tears Eye Drops:

1. Other Eye Drops or Ointments:

Interactions: Using Refresh Tears Eye Drops in combination with other eye drops, particularly those containing preservatives like benzalkonium chloride, may result in an increased risk of irritation or dryness of the eyes.
Effects: Potential outcomes include eye irritation, burning sensations, blurred vision, and increased dryness of the eyes.
Management: Allow a gap of at least 10-15 minutes between the application of different eye drops or ointments to minimize interactions. If irritation persists, consult with a healthcare provider to switch to preservative-free eye drops.

2. Contact Lenses:

Interactions: Refresh Tears Eye Drops may interact with contact lenses, particularly those that are soft or contain hydrophilic materials, as the preservatives can bind to the lens material.
Effects: The preservatives in the eye drops could cause discomfort or accumulation on the contact lens, leading to irritation or reduced lens clarity.
Management: Remove contact lenses before applying Refresh Tears Eye Drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. Alternatively, use preservative-free eye drops if you wear contact lenses regularly.

3. Other Ocular Medications:

Interactions: Using Refresh Tears with other ocular medications (e.g., glaucoma treatments, anti-inflammatory eye drops) may reduce the efficacy of one or more medications.
Effects: Potential outcomes include reduced effectiveness of the treatment, eye discomfort, or additional irritation.
Management: Administer Refresh Tears at least 10-15 minutes before or after other ocular medications to minimize interaction. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure optimal scheduling of different management.

4. Systemic Medications (Rare):

Interactions: While carboxymethylcellulose is generally well-tolerated, it may have minor interactions with systemic medications that affect eye lubrication (e.g., antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants) which can lead to dry eyes.
Effects: The dry eye symptoms may worsen, potentially leading to discomfort or increased risk of eye irritation.
Management: In the case of systemic medications affecting tear production, monitor for dryness and increase the frequency of Refresh Tears Eye Drops as needed. Discuss with a healthcare provider for an appropriate regimen.

5. Allergic Reactions (Very Rare)

Interactions: In rare cases, individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the components of Refresh Tears, including carboxymethylcellulose.
Effects: Symptoms may include redness, itching, swelling, or irritation of the eyes.
Management: If allergic reactions occur, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare provider. Alternative eye drops may be recommended.

Synopsis

Drug	:	Carboxymethylcellulose
Pharmacological Category	:	Topical ophthalmic eye lubricant and moisturizer
Therapeutic Indication	:	To manage eye dryness
Dosage Forms	:	Eye drops

More Information

Storage

Store Refresh Tears Eye Drops at room temperature, typically between 20-25°C
Keep this medication away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity to maintain its effectiveness
Store the medications in a safe location, out of reach of children and pets
Never freeze Refresh Tears Eye Drops, as freezing can damage the medication

FAQs About REFRESH TEARS EYE DROPS

Q: What are Refresh Tears Eye Drops used for?

A: Refresh Tears Eye Drops are used to relieve dryness and irritation of the eyes caused by factors such as environmental conditions (wind, smoke, air conditioning), prolonged screen time, or other causes of dry eyes. They help to lubricate and hydrate the eyes.

Q: What is Carboxymethylcellulose 0.5% in Refresh Tears Eye Drops?

A: Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a type of cellulose, which is a natural polymer. In eye drops, CMC works as a lubricant that mimics natural tears, helping to provide moisture to the eyes and alleviate the discomfort of dryness.

Q: How long do the effects of Refresh Tears last?

A: The relief from dryness and irritation typically lasts a few hours, depending on the severity of dryness and environmental factors. It is important to reapply the drops as needed to maintain comfort.

Q: How should I store Refresh Tears Eye Drops?

A: Refresh Tears should be stored at room temperature, away from excessive heat or moisture. It is essential to keep the cap tightly closed to avoid contamination and to store the bottle upright.

Q: Can I use Refresh Tears Eye Drops after the expiration date?

A: It is not recommended to use Refresh Tears Eye Drops after the expiration date. The effectiveness and safety of the product may be compromised after this time.

Q: Are there any alternative products to Refresh Tears Eye Drops?

A: Yes, there are many alternatives, including other brands of lubricating eye drops like Systane, Blink, TheraTears, and others that may contain similar or different active ingredients like sodium hyaluronate or glycerin.

Q: How does Refresh Tears compare to other lubricating eye drops?

A: Refresh Tears is generally considered a good, reliable lubricant for dry eyes. Other eye drops may contain slightly different ingredients, like sodium hyaluronate, which may provide a longer-lasting effect for some users. However, Refresh Tears is typically well-tolerated and effective for most people with mild to moderate dryness.

Q: Can I use Refresh Tears Eye Drops if I have a dry mouth?

A: Refresh Tears is for eye dryness and is not intended to manage dry mouth. However, using eye drops will not affect dry mouth directly. If you are experiencing both, you may want to consult a doctor to find out if there is an underlying cause.

Q: Can Refresh Tears Eye Drops help with eye redness?

A: Refresh Tears can provide lubrication and moisture to relieve discomfort caused by dryness, but it is not formulated specifically to manage eye redness. If redness is due to irritation or dryness, the drops may help, but if redness persists, a specialized eye drop for redness relief may be required.

Q: Can Refresh Tears be used with contact lenses?

A: Yes, Refresh Tears can be used with contact lenses. In fact, it is often recommended for people who wear contact lenses and experience dry eye symptoms. However, be sure to follow the instructions for use and consult your eye doctor for specific recommendations.

Q: Can Refresh Tears help with eye dryness due to allergies or environmental factors?

A: Yes, Refresh Tears can help soothe dry eyes caused by environmental factors like wind, smoke, or air conditioning. However, if your eye dryness is caused by allergies, additional management may be needed to address the underlying allergic reaction.

Q: Is it safe to use Refresh Tears while pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: Refresh Tears should be used with caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific situation.

Q: Can Refresh Tears cause blurred vision?

A: It is uncommon for Refresh Tears to cause blurred vision. However, immediately after applying, you might experience temporary blurriness due to the drop itself. This usually clears up within a few moments.

Q: What are the side effects of Refresh Tears Eye Drops?

A: Common side effects of this medicine include eye irritation (including burning and discomfort), eye pain, eye itching, and visual disturbance. If any symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately.

References

KD Tripathi. Drugs Acting on Skin and Mucous Membranes. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. 8th Edition. 2019. Page – 946.
M Labetoulle, F Chiambaretta, A Shirlaw, R Leaback, and C Baudouin. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Osmoprotectants, carboxymethylcellulose, and hyaluronic acid multi-ingredient eye drop: a randomised controlled trial in moderate to severe dry eye. [Revised in April 2017] [Accessed on 3rd April 2025]
Ke Yao, Yongzhen Bao, Jian Ye, Yi Lu, Hongsheng Bi, Xin Tang, Yune Zhao, Jinsong Zhang, and Jinling Yang. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Efficacy of 1% carboxymethylcellulose sodium for treating dry eye after phacoemulsification: results from a multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled study. [Revised in March 2015] [Accessed on 3rd April 2025]
AvPAK. NIH National Library of Medicine, Dailymed. Carboxymethylcellulose sodium solution/drops. [Revised in March 2021] [Accessed on 3rd April 2025]
Cipla med. Flogel Eye Drops, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 1.0%. [Revised in November 2020] [Accessed on 3rd April 2025]
Centaur Pharmaceuticals. Relub DS, carboxymethyl cellulose 1%. [Revised in January 2022] [Accessed on 3rd April 2025]

Author Details

Written By Dr. Karthikeyan Rajagopal - M.Pharm (Pharmacology)

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. M.Umadevi - MBBS, ENT

Last updated on 03 Apr 2025 | 03:34 PM(IST)