Liquifilm tears

How does it work?

These eye drops are a form of 'artificial tears'. They do not contain any pharmacologically active ingredients as such, but do contain polyvinyl alcohol, which is a lubricant that relieves dryness and irritation of the eyes. Tears consist of a slightly alkaline fluid that is spread across the eye by blinking. The tear film is kept stable by mucin that is secreted by a thin membrane covering the front of the eye, called the conjunctiva. Dry eyes result from a reduced production of tears, a reduced production of mucin by the conjunctiva, or increased evaporation of tears from the surface of the eye. Reduced tear production is common in elderly people, but can also occur in some diseases or as a side effect of certain types of medicines. Increased evaporation of tears can occur in thyroid disease, or from disorders affecting the eyelid or other parts of the eye. These problems make the film of tears that covers the eye become unstable, allowing it to break into dry spots between blinks, rather than remaining spread across the eye to keep it moist. Polyvinyl alcohol works by decreasing the surface tension of the tears so that they spread more easily over the surface of the eye and don't break into dry spots. It also has properties similar to the natural mucin produced by the conjunctiva, which soothes and lubricates the eye and enhances the stability of the tear film. 'Artificial tears' such as this are used to relieve the dryness, gritty sensation and irritation associated with reduced or abnormal tear production.

What is it used for?

Dry eye conditions

Warning!

This medicine may cause your vision to blur temporarily after you have applied it into your eye. Do not drive or operate machinery until this has worn off.

This medicine is not to be taken by mouth.

Each container of this medicine should discarded four weeks after the first opening. You may find it helpful to write the date of opening on the pack. Dispose of carefully, preferably by returning to your pharmacy.

If you are using more than one type of eye drop you should administer them at least five minutes apart, to prevent the second drop washing away the first. Use eye gels or ointments last.

When using the eye drops you should take care to not touch the dropper tip to any surface, or to your eye, in order to avoid contaminating the eye drops.

These eye drops contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride. As this may be absorbed by soft contact lenses these drops should not be used by people who wear this kind of lenses. Preservative-free drops are available and your pharmacist should be able to recommend a suitable one.

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Soft contact lens wearers

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Blurred vision after application

Eye burning/stinging

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

If you are using more than one type of eye drop you should administer them at least five minutes apart, to prevent the second drop from washing away the first. Use eye gels and ointments last.

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