Carbomer eye drops

About carbomer eye drops

This belongs to the group of medicines known as ocular lubricants.

Carbomer is used in the eye to relieve dryness and irritation caused by a reduced flow of tears. In certain circumstances it can reduce damage to the eye.

Carbomer is available in gel form, but the gel is quite runny and will leave the container as drops. It is available in a tube or in individual dose units.

It is also sometimes known as: Geltears; Liposic; Liquivisc; Viscotears. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using carbomer eye drops

Before using any of this preparation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to use carbomer eye drops

1. Wash your hands
2. Remove the lid from the tube
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the tube vertically. A small drop will form on the end of the tube which should be dropped into the eye. Try not to touch the eye with the end of the tube
5. Close the eye, and keep it closed for one to two minutes. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
6. Close the tube, making sure that you do not touch the end on any surface (including the eye or fingers)

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you wear contact lenses, read the leaflet supplied with the medicine for instructions. Some brands of carbomer gel may recommend that contact lenses are not worn while using the gel.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• If you also have to use any other eye drops or ointments, leave about five minutes between each one. Carbomer should always be the last preparation used.
• When first instilled, Carbomer may cause blurred vision. Make sure you can see clearly before you drive, operate machinery or do other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not able to see properly.

Can carbomer eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

A mild burning sensation in the eyes or sticky eyelids.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store carbomer eye drops

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Discard these eye drops 4 weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 26/01/2006