Refresh Tears Eye Drops: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Refresh Tears Eye Drops contain carboxymethylcellulose sodium, an ophthalmic lubricant used to relieve dry eyes. They provide temporary relief from burning, itching, irritation, and discomfort caused by dryness or exposure to wind or sun. The drops work by forming a protective moisture layer on the surface of the eye. They are available as an eye drop solution for use as needed or as directed by a doctor.

What is Refresh Tears Eye Drops

Refresh Tears is an artificial tears eye drop used to treat dry eyes, a condition where the eyes do not make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. It provides relief from burning, itching, irritation, or discomfort in the eyes.

Refresh Tears Eye Drops uses

• Dry eyes
• Temporary relief of burning, irritation, and discomfort due to dryness of the eye or exposure to wind or sun
• May be used as a protectant against further irritation
• Eye irritation

Benefits of Refresh Tears Eye Drops

• Washing hands before applying the eye drops helps keep the application clean
• Avoiding contact between the dropper tip and the eye or any surface helps prevent contamination
• Checking that the solution has not changed color or become cloudy helps ensure proper use
• Removing contact lenses before use, when advised, and waiting before reinserting them supports safe use
• Avoiding use with other eye drops without proper spacing or medical advice supports safe use

How Refresh Tears Eye Drops works

This medicine contains carboxymethylcellulose, which acts as a lubricant that keeps moisture on the surface of the eye. It forms a protective layer that helps prevent further dryness and gives lasting relief from irritation and discomfort.

Refresh Tears Eye Drops dosage

This medicine can be used when needed or as prescribed by your doctor. Wash your hands before and after use. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid to make a small pocket, and place the drops into the eye. Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination, and close the cap tightly after use. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the drops and wait a few minutes before putting them back in. After applying, keep your eyes closed and press gently on the inside corner of the eye for one to two minutes to help keep the drops in your eye. Usage does not depend on food timings. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, has particles, or has changed color.

Available forms and strengths

• Eye drops solution

Side effects of Refresh Tears Eye Drops

Common

• Eye pain and discomfort
• Eye irritation
• Visual disturbances
• Temporary blurred vision
• Minor eye irritation or redness
• Increased sensitivity to light

Serious

• Severe itching, redness, eye irritation, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light (signs of allergic reaction)
• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine is for use in the eyes only. Do not swallow it. To avoid contaminating the eye drops, do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eye or any other surface, and close the cap tightly after each use. Do not use the eye drops if the solution has changed color or become cloudy.
• Stop using this medicine and see a doctor if you have eye pain, changes in vision, ongoing redness or irritation of the eye, or if your condition gets worse or lasts more than 72 hours. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If it is swallowed, get medical help or contact your local poison control center right away. Do not take this drug by mouth. If it is put in the mouth or swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• This medicine is considered safe to use during pregnancy, but you should still tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant so you can discuss the benefits and risks. This medicine is also considered safe to use while breastfeeding, but tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye or any surface to prevent contamination. Stop use and seek medical advice if irritation, swelling, or allergic reactions occur. It is not known whether this medicine interacts with alcohol; ask your doctor before drinking alcohol while using it.
• This medicine may cause short-term blurred vision or eye pain, irritation, or discomfort. If this happens, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision is clear.

Storage

• Store at room temperature (59°-77°F / 15°-25°C)
• Use only if tape seals on top and bottom flaps are intact
• Use before the expiration date marked on the container
• Discard 90 days after opening
• Do not use this eye drop for more than 30 days after breaking the seal
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Throw away unused or expired drugs; do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless told to do so; check with your pharmacist about drug take-back programs

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you notice severe itching, redness, eye irritation, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light, as these may be signs of an allergic reaction.
• Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor as soon as possible if your eye symptoms get worse or you develop new eye symptoms.
• Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, swollen or blistered skin, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Get medical help right away if you notice a change in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation.

Alternatives

• Systane Ultra Eye Drops
• TheraTears Eye Drops
• Rohto Dry-Aid