Hypromellose eye drops (artificial tears)
Hypromellose
A simple artificial tear drop that adds moisture to relieve dry, gritty or tired eyes.
What is Hypromellose?
Hypromellose is one of the most common artificial tears used for dry eye in the UK. It is a thickened watery drop that coats the surface of the eye to add moisture and ease the gritty, sandy or burning feeling of dry eyes. It can be used as often as needed, but may need to be put in several times a day to keep working. It can briefly blur your vision just after you put it in. For frequent use a preservative-free version is usually preferred to avoid irritation.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Hypromellose — 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
Hypromellose is an artificial tear, a lubricating eye drop used to relieve dry eye. Dry eye happens when the eyes do not make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the surface dry, gritty and uncomfortable. Hypromellose is a thickened, water-based solution that sits on the surface of the eye and replaces some of the missing moisture. It is available without a prescription from pharmacies as well as within the UK health service.
How it works
Hypromellose coats the front of the eye with a moist, slightly thickened film that holds water against the surface for longer than ordinary tears. This soothes the dryness, smooths the surface and reduces the gritty, burning or tired feeling. Because it simply lubricates rather than treating a cause, the effect is temporary and wears off, so it usually needs to be reapplied through the day. It does not contain any active medicine that changes how the eye works.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Various manufacturers.
A long-established artificial tear used widely in the UK and within the UK health service to relieve dry, gritty eyes.
Practical use
How to take Hypromellose
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Wash your hands, tilt your head back and pull down the lower lid to make a small pocket, then let one drop fall into it without touching the eye with the dropper.
- Use the drops as often as you need to keep the eyes comfortable, which may mean several times through the day.
- Blink gently and, if you like, press lightly on the inner corner of the eye for a short while to help the drop stay on the eye.
- Remove soft contact lenses before using the drops unless the label says they are suitable for use with lenses.
- Choose a preservative-free version if you need to use the drops frequently, and do not share your drops with anyone else.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Hypromellose
Advantages
- Soothes dry, gritty eyes quickly and can be used as often as needed.
- Widely available without a prescription and inexpensive.
- Preservative-free options suit frequent use and sensitive eyes.
Disadvantages
- Only relieves symptoms for a while, so it often needs reapplying.
- Can blur vision briefly straight after it is put in.
- Preservatives in some versions may irritate the eye with frequent use.
Practical use
Good to know
Hypromellose can briefly blur your vision straight after you put it in, so wait a moment before driving or focusing on close work. If you need to use drops more than a few times a day, a preservative-free version is usually preferred, because preservatives can irritate the eye with frequent use. If you wear soft contact lenses, take them out before using the drops unless the product specifically says it is suitable for use with lenses, then wait before putting them back in. To avoid contamination, wash your hands first and do not let the dropper tip touch your eye, eyelashes or any surface. See your GP or optician if dryness is persistent, your eye becomes red and painful, or your vision changes.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to hypromellose or other ingredients in the drops.
- People with a red, painful eye or sudden change in vision should be assessed before self-treating.
- Soft contact lens wearers should not use preserved drops while lenses are in unless the label allows it.
Monitoring
- Review with your optician or GP if dryness persists despite regular use.
- Seek advice if the eye becomes red, painful or vision changes.
- Watch for ongoing irritation that may suggest a preservative sensitivity.
Side effects
- Brief blurring of vision just after putting the drops in.
- Mild stinging or irritation when first applied.
- Occasional redness or watering of the eye.
Key interactions
- If using other eye drops, leave a gap between them so they are not washed out.
- Preserved drops can interact with 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
Hypromellose: frequently asked questions
How often can I use hypromellose drops?
You can use them as often as you need to keep your eyes comfortable, which may be several times a day; if you need them very frequently, choose a preservative-free version.
Why does my vision blur after putting the drops in?
The drops are slightly thickened, so they can briefly blur vision; wait a moment until it clears before driving or close work.
Can I use them with contact lenses?
Take out soft lenses first unless the product says it is suitable for use with lenses, then wait a little before putting them back in.
Do I need a prescription?
No, hypromellose is available to buy from pharmacies as well as within the UK health service.
When should I see someone about my dry eyes?
See your GP or optician if dryness is persistent, your eye becomes red and painful, or your vision changes.
The wider class
About Eye lubricants (artificial tears)
Hypromellose 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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