Hyaluronic acid eye drops (artificial tears)
Sodium hyaluronate
A moisturising eye drop that draws and holds water on the eye to relieve dry, sore eyes.
What is Sodium hyaluronate?
Sodium hyaluronate is an artificial tear used for dry eye. It is based on hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that holds a lot of water, so the drops form a long-lasting moist film on the eye. It is often supplied preservative-free, which makes it a good choice when drops are needed frequently or after eye surgery. It can be used as often as needed and may briefly blur vision after application. Soft contact lenses should usually be removed first unless the product states it can be used with lenses.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Sodium hyaluronate — 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
Sodium hyaluronate is an artificial tear used to relieve dry, gritty or sore eyes. It is based on hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that can hold a large amount of water. As an eye drop it replaces missing moisture and stabilises the tear film over the surface of the eye. It is widely used in the UK, often in preservative-free form, and is available from pharmacies as well as within the UK health service.
How it works
Sodium hyaluronate spreads into a smooth, moist film over the eye and binds water to the surface, holding it there longer than a simple watery drop. This relieves dryness, protects the surface and smooths vision. Because hyaluronic acid retains water so well, the soothing effect can last longer between applications for many people. It acts purely as a lubricant and contains no active medicine that changes how the eye functions.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Various manufacturers.
A popular preservative-free artificial tear used in the UK for dry eye, including after eye surgery.
Practical use
How to take Sodium hyaluronate
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 tasks that dry the eyes.
- Close the eye gently afterwards and press the inner corner for a short while to help the drop stay where it is needed.
- Remove soft contact lenses before using the drops unless the label says they are suitable for use with lenses.
- Follow any advice from your eye team after surgery, and never share your drops with another person.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Sodium hyaluronate
Advantages
- Holds moisture well, often giving longer-lasting relief for dry eye.
- Frequently preservative-free, suiting frequent use and use after eye surgery.
- Available without a prescription and well tolerated by most people.
Disadvantages
- Relieves symptoms only and usually needs reapplying through the day.
- Can blur vision briefly straight after it is put in.
- Some versions are more expensive than basic artificial tears.
Practical use
Good to know
Sodium hyaluronate is often chosen because many versions are preservative-free, which suits frequent use and sensitive eyes, and it is commonly used after cataract or other eye surgery on advice. It can blur your vision briefly after you put it in, so wait until it clears before driving. If you wear soft contact lenses, take them out first unless the product specifically says it can be used with lenses in. Wash your hands before use and do not let the dropper tip touch your eye, lashes or any surface so the drops stay clean. See your GP or optician if dryness is persistent, or if your eye becomes red and painful or your vision changes.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Anyone who has reacted badly to sodium hyaluronate 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 versions 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.
- Follow any specific review advice given after eye surgery.
Side effects
- Brief blurred vision just after the drops are put in.
- Mild stinging or irritation when first applied.
- Occasional redness or watering of the eye.
Key interactions
- Leave a gap between this and other eye drops so neither is washed out.
- Preserved versions can affect soft contact lenses, so remove lenses first.
- No important interactions with medicines taken by mouth are expected.
Available as: Eye drops in multidose bottles and preservative-free single-use units.
Answers
Sodium hyaluronate: frequently asked questions
Why is sodium hyaluronate often recommended?
It holds water well for longer-lasting relief and is frequently preservative-free, which suits frequent use and sensitive or post-surgery eyes.
How often can I use it?
As often as you need to stay comfortable; preservative-free versions are well suited to frequent use.
Can I use it with contact lenses?
Remove soft lenses before using preserved drops unless the product states it can be used with lenses, then wait before reinserting.
Do I need a prescription?
No, it can be bought from pharmacies and is also available within the UK health service.
When should I see someone about my eyes?
If dryness persists, or the eye becomes red and painful or vision changes, see your GP or optician.
The wider class
About Eye lubricants (artificial tears)
Sodium hyaluronate 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.
Browse by body system
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
Building a medicines information resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free drug and formulary references for teams.