Systane Eye Drops: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Systane Eye Drops are an over-the-counter ocular lubricant containing polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol. They are used to relieve burning, irritation, and discomfort caused by dry eyes in adults, as well as stinging, grittiness, or a foreign body sensation caused by dryness or environmental factors. The drops work by adding moisture to the eye's surface and forming a protective gel-like layer. They belong to the drug class of ophthalmic lubricants and irrigations.

What is Systane Eye Drops

Systane is an over-the-counter eye drop that lubricates the eyes. It contains polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, which act as demulcents (moisturizing agents) to relieve dryness and irritation.

Systane Eye Drops uses

• Relieving burning, irritation, and discomfort caused by dry eyes in adults
• Temporary relief of symptoms such as burning, irritation, stinging, grittiness, or a foreign body sensation caused by dryness of the eyes or environmental factors

Benefits of Systane Eye Drops

• Provides temporary relief from dryness, burning, and irritation
• May help reduce eye redness and itching caused by dryness
• Easy to use as an over-the-counter product without a prescription

How Systane Eye Drops works

Systane products contain hydroxypropyl-guar along with demulcents. They are thought to work in two steps: first binding to damaged, dry areas of the eye's surface to add moisture, then forming a protective gel-like layer that helps keep the eye lubricated for longer.

Systane Eye Drops dosage

Follow all directions on the product label or any instruction sheet, and use exactly as directed. Wash your hands before using the drops. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface, since this could contaminate the drops and lead to an eye infection. Do not use the drops if the liquid looks cloudy or has changed color — contact your pharmacist instead.

This medicine is used as needed rather than on a fixed schedule; if you are on a dosing schedule and miss a dose, just skip it and do not use two doses at once. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse while using the drops. Use within 30 days of opening the bottle.

Available forms and strengths

• Eye drops

Side effects of Systane Eye Drops

Common

• Mild eye burning or irritation
• Itching or redness of the eyes
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye pain
• Changes in vision

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe burning, stinging, or eye irritation after use
• Eye pain
• Vision changes

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this product to treat or try to prevent an eye infection.
• Do not use this product if you are allergic to it.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you have any type of eye infection.
• Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface — this can contaminate the product and lead to a serious eye infection.
• Do not use the drops and contact your pharmacist if the liquid looks cloudy or has changed color.
• Avoid using other eye medications at the same time unless your doctor says it is okay.
• This product should only be used on the eyes; if it gets in your nose or mouth, rinse right away with water.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. One source states this product is considered safe to use during pregnancy, but you should still discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. One source states this product is considered safe to use while breastfeeding, but you should still discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• It isn't known how this medicine interacts with alcohol. Ask your doctor before drinking alcohol while using this product.
• This medicine can cause temporary blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the drops affect you, or if you experience blurred vision, eye pain, or discomfort after using them.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Use Systane Lubricant Eye Drops within 30 days of breaking the seal.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using the product and call your doctor if you have severe burning, stinging, or eye irritation after using it, eye pain, or vision changes.
• Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, while using this product.
• Contact your doctor if you notice eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation, worsening of your condition, or symptoms lasting more than 72 hours after using the drops.
• If someone accidentally swallows this medicine, seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center.

Alternatives

• Refresh Tears
• TheraTears
• Artificial Tears