Carmellose sodium eye drops (artificial tears)
Carmellose
A lubricating eye drop that holds moisture on the eye to relieve dry, gritty discomfort.
What is Carmellose?
Carmellose is an artificial tear used to relieve dry eye. It is a gel-like lubricating drop that clings to the surface of the eye and holds moisture there, so it often lasts a little longer than thinner tears. It can be used as often as needed to keep the eyes comfortable. Because it is thicker, it can blur vision briefly after you put it in. For frequent use a preservative-free version is usually preferred, and soft contact lenses should be removed first unless the product says otherwise.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Carmellose — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Carmellose, also called carmellose sodium, is an artificial tear used to soothe dry, gritty or tired eyes. Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not make enough tears or the tear film breaks up too quickly. Carmellose is a slightly thickened, gel-like solution that replaces missing moisture and protects the eye surface. It is available to buy from pharmacies and is also prescribed within the UK health service.
How it works
Carmellose forms a soft, moist film over the front of the eye that binds water to the surface and is held there longer than a thin watery drop. This eases dryness, smooths the surface and reduces grittiness and irritation. Because it is more viscous than some other tears, one application may last a little longer between doses. It works purely as a lubricant and contains no active medicine that alters the eye.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Various manufacturers.
A widely used artificial tear in the UK, often chosen as a longer-lasting drop for moderate dry eye.
Practical use
How to take Carmellose
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid and let one drop fall into the pocket without touching the eye.
- Use the drops as often as needed to keep the eyes comfortable, including before activities that dry the eyes such as screen work.
- After the drop, close the eye gently and press the inner corner for a short while to help it stay on the eye.
- Take out soft contact lenses before using the drops unless the label says they are suitable for use with lenses.
- Use a preservative-free version if you need the drops often, and never share them with another person.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Carmellose
Advantages
- Longer-lasting relief than thinner tears for many people with moderate dry eye.
- Can be used as often as needed and is available without a prescription.
- Preservative-free single-use units suit frequent use and sensitive eyes.
Disadvantages
- Its thickness can blur vision for a short time after use.
- Relieves symptoms only, so it usually needs reapplying through the day.
- Preservatives in some bottles may irritate the eye with heavy use.
Practical use
Good to know
Because carmellose is thicker than some other artificial tears, it can blur vision for a short time after you put it in, so wait until your sight clears before driving. If you use drops frequently, a preservative-free version is usually preferred, as preservatives can irritate the eye over time. Remove soft contact lenses before using the drops unless the product specifically says it is suitable for use with lenses. Always wash your hands first and avoid touching the eye, lashes or any surface with the dropper tip to keep the drops clean. Speak to your GP or optician if dryness does not improve, or if the eye becomes red and painful or vision changes.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Anyone who has reacted badly to carmellose or other ingredients in the drops.
- People with a red, painful eye or sudden change in vision should be assessed first.
- Soft contact lens wearers should not use preserved drops with lenses in unless the label allows it.
Monitoring
- Review with an optician or GP if dryness continues despite regular use.
- Seek advice if the eye becomes red, painful, or vision changes.
- Watch for persistent irritation that may suggest a preservative sensitivity.
Side effects
- Temporary blurred vision just after the drops are put in.
- Mild stinging, stickiness or irritation on application.
- Occasional redness or watering of the eye.
Key interactions
- Leave a gap between carmellose and other eye drops so neither is washed away.
- Preserved drops can affect soft contact lenses, so remove lenses first.
- No important interactions with medicines taken by mouth are expected.
Available as: Eye drops in bottles and preservative-free single-use units.
Answers
Carmellose: frequently asked questions
How is carmellose different from thinner artificial tears?
It is more gel-like, so it clings to the eye and tends to last a little longer, though it can blur vision slightly more at first.
How often can I use it?
As often as you need to stay comfortable; if that is very frequent, choose a preservative-free version.
Can I wear contact lenses with it?
Remove soft lenses before using the drops unless the product says it is suitable with lenses, then wait before putting them back.
Do I need a prescription?
No, carmellose can be bought from pharmacies and is also available within the UK health service.
When should I get my eyes checked?
If dryness persists, or your eye becomes red and painful or your vision changes, see your GP or optician.
The wider class
About Eye lubricants (artificial tears)
Carmellose belongs to the eye lubricants (artificial tears) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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