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Home > Drug Category > Eye Care > Tear Gel and Equivalent

Tear Gel Information

Tear Gel (Carbomer) is an ophthalmic liquid gel designed to act as an artificial tear substitute. It is used to relieve the symptoms of dry eyes, which can include burning, itching, irritation, and discomfort. Dry eyes occur when the eyes do not produce enough natural tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to an uncomfortable, gritty sensation. Tear Gel contains carbomer, a hydrophilic polymer that spreads rapidly over the conjunctiva and cornea, forming a clear, protective, and lubricating film. This film helps to moisten the eye surface, reduce friction, and maintain a longer contact time compared to less viscous eye drops, thereby providing prolonged relief from dry eye symptoms. It can be used as needed to alleviate dryness and soreness.

Tear Gel Side Effects

The most common side effects of Tear Gel may include blurred vision (especially immediately after application), a mild stinging sensation, eye discomfort, eyelid crusting, eyelid stickiness, and eye irritation. Some individuals might also experience mild light sensitivity (photophobia). Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Allergic reactions (e.g., itching, redness, swelling, or pain of the eye, or redness, swelling, or rash of the skin around the eye)
• Eye pain
• Irritation of the eyes that worsens or persists
• Persistent redness of the eye
• Vision changes that do not clear

Tear Gel Precautions

Do not use Tear Gel if you are allergic to carbomer or any other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have any eye problems apart from dry eyes, active ocular infections, or if you have severe ocular surface disorders or corneal epithelial defects. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. If you are using other eye drops or eye ointments, it is generally recommended to wait at least 5 to 15 minutes between applications. Tear Gel should typically be applied last to ensure it remains on the eye surface for maximum effect. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant before using Tear Gel. The safety of use during pregnancy has not been definitively established; it should only be used if necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Tear Gel. The safety of carbomer for use during breastfeeding is unknown; caution should be exercised. Do not use this medicine in children without talking to your doctor, although clinical experience has supported its use in children and adolescents at adult posology. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before instilling Tear Gel and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, as some multi-dose formulations contain a preservative (e.g., cetrimide, benzalkonium chloride) that can be absorbed by and discolour soft contact lenses or cause irritation. Consider using preservative-free single-dose units if you have very sensitive eyes or use the product frequently, as they minimize exposure to preservatives.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Tear Gel comes as an ophthalmic liquid gel in a tube or single-dose vials. Wash your hands thoroughly before use. Gently pull down the lower lid of the affected eye to form a pocket. Hold the container upside down near your eye and apply one dab or drop into the conjunctival sac. Avoid touching the tip of the applicator to your eye, fingers, or any other surface to prevent contamination. After application, blink a few times to spread the gel evenly over your eye. You may experience temporary blurred vision immediately after instillation; wait until your vision clears before driving or operating machinery. If using single-dose units, discard the opened container immediately after use, even if solution remains, as they do not contain preservatives. If using a multi-dose tube, close the container tightly after each use. Do not use the gel if it has been open for longer than the recommended period (typically 4 weeks for multi-dose tubes) to prevent the risk of eye infection. Do not stop using Tear Gel without consulting your doctor. Store Tear Gel at room temperature, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer (some formulations may require refrigeration for unopened pouches). Protect from excessive heat, moisture, or direct sunlight. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Tear Gel?

No, a prescription is not required from your physician to order Tear Gel.