Viscotears Liquid Gel. Carbomer (Polyacrylic Acid)
What Viscotears is and what it’s used for
Viscotears contains the active ingredient, carbomer (polyacrylic acid). Viscotears is used to make your eyes more comfortable when they feel dry. It is one of a group of eye drops called ‘artificial tears’.
Things to consider before you start to use Viscotears
DO NOT use Viscotears if:
you think you may be allergic to any of the ingredients. (These are listed at the end of the leaflet.)
You should also ask yourself these questions before starting to use Viscotears:
Do you wear contact lenses? Take your lenses out before you put the drops in your eyes. Don’t put the lenses back in for at least 30 minutes.
Do you have problems with your eyes apart from sore or dry eyes? Talk to your doctor before you start to use Viscotears.
Are you using any other eye drops? If you need to use more than one kind of eye drops wait 5 minutes between treatments. Viscotears should always be the last of the eye drops used.
Are you pregnant or breast-feeding? Discuss whether you should use Viscotears with your doctor.
Will there be any problems with driving or using machinery?
Some people may find that their vision is blurred immediately after using Viscotears. If affected, wait until your vision clears before you drive or use machinery.
How to use Viscotears
If your doctor has prescribed Viscotears he/she will tell you how and when to use it and the dose will be on the pharmacist’s label.
The usual dosage is:
- Adults (including the elderly): One drop in each affected eye, three or four times a day.
- Children: Viscotears should only be used if prescribed by a doctor.
If you are not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How to use your eye drops
- Wash your hands.
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using the drops and do not replace for at least 30 minutes.
- Hold the tube vertically.
- Tilt your head backwards.
- Rest one hand on your cheek and gently pull down your lower eye lid.
- Look upwards.
- Insert one drop by squeezing the tube gently (see figure 3).
- Blink a few times to spread the liquid gel evenly over your eye.
- Wipe away any excess gel from around the eyelids.
- Repeat for your other eye if required.
NOTE: Do not touch your eye or the surrounding area with the tip of the dropper. Follow the instructions carefully. If there is anything you don’t understand, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Possible side effects
Viscotears is suitable for most people, but, like all medicines, it can sometimes cause side effects.
Sometimes people notice that the drops make their eyes burn or sting slightly. This usually quickly passes.
Viscotears can make your eyelids feel sticky.
Sometimes your vision may be blurred for a short time. This will gradually clear (but do not drive or operate machinery while affected).
There have been reports of eyelid swelling, eye redness, swelling, pain and itching following the use of Viscotears.
These effects are often mild. If they are severe, or if you notice anything else not mentioned here, please go and see your doctor.
How to store Viscotears
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Do not store the drops above 25°C.
- Do not use the drops for longer than 28 days after first opening the tube.
- Do not use the eye drops after the expiry date shown on the tube (EXP).
Take any unused Viscotears back to your pharmacist to be destroyed. Do not throw it away with your normal household water or waste. This will help to protect the environment.
Further information
Viscotears contains 2.0 mg/g of the active ingredient, carbomer (polyacrylic acid). The liquid gel also contains the inactive ingredients cetrimide (as a preservative), sorbitol, sodium hydroxide and water. Each tube contains 10 g of Viscotears.
Jennifer is a clinical pharmacologist. She helps doctors of all medical specialties choose medications. Jennifer consults about drug dosage, interactions, and side effects.