Generic Name: ocular lubricant (OK yoo lar LOO bri kant)
Brand Names: Artificial Tears, Celluvisc, Clear Eyes CLR, Comfort Tears, Dry Eye Relief, GenTeal, Isopto Tears, Lacri-Lube S.O.P., Lacrisert, Lubricant Eye Drops, Moisture Drops, Oasis Tears, Opti-Free Rewetting Drops, optive, Refresh, Soothe, Sterilube, Systane, Systane Balance, Tears Again, Tears Naturale, Tears Renew, TheraTears, Ultra Fresh, Visine Tears
What is Refresh (ocular lubricant)?
There are many brands and forms of ocular lubricant available and not all are listed on this leaflet.
Ocular lubricant is a solution specially formulated to moisten the eyes.
Ocular lubricant is used to relieve burning, irritation, and discomfort caused by dry eyes.
Ocular lubricant may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Refresh (ocular lubricant)?
There are many brands and forms of ocular lubricant available and not all are listed on this leaflet.
You should not use an ocular lubricant if you are allergic to it. Ocular lubricant will not treat or prevent an eye infection.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have any type of infection in your eye.
Do not allow the dropper or tube tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper or tube becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Stop using ocular lubricant and call your doctor if you have severe burning, stinging, irritation, eye pain, or vision changes.
This medication may cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while you are using ocular lubricant.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Refresh (ocular lubricant)?
You should not use an ocular lubricant if you are allergic to it. Ocular lubricant will not treat or prevent an eye infection.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have any type of infection in your eye.
Ocular lubricant is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using ocular lubricant if you are pregnant. It is not known whether ocular lubricant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using ocular lubricant if you are pregnant.
How should I use Refresh (ocular lubricant)?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Eye medication may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medication before putting your contact lenses in. Wash your hands before using ocular lubricant.
To apply the eye drops:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it.
To apply the ointment:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip.
Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment 1/2-inch long into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Look down and close your eyes for a few minutes. Rolling your eyes around gently will help spread the ointment evenly.
After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Do not allow the dropper or tube tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper or tube becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while you are using ocular lubricant. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since ocular lubricant is used on an as needed basis, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of ocular lubricant is not expected to be dangerous.
What should I avoid while using Refresh (ocular lubricant)?
This medication may cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Avoid using other medications in your eyes during treatment with ocular lubricant unless your doctor tells you to.
Refresh (ocular lubricant) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using ocular lubricant and call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as:
Less serious side effects may include:
mild eye burning or irritation;
itching or redness of your eyes;
watery eyes;
blurred vision; or
unpleasant taste in your mouth.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Refresh (ocular lubricant)?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on ocular lubricant used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Refresh resources
- Refresh Side Effects (in more detail)
- Refresh Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Refresh Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Refresh - Add your own review/rating
- FreshKote Drops MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Genteal Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Lacri-Lube S.O.P. Ointment MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Lacrisert Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Lacrisert Insert MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Lacrisert Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Murine Tears Drops MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Murocel Eye Drops MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Refresh Redness Relief Drops MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Refresh liquigel
Compare Refresh with other medications
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about ocular lubricant.
See also: Refresh side effects (in more detail)
