Carbomer liquid eye gels

About carbomer eye gels

Carbomer eye gels are used to relieve eye dryness and soreness. The gel produces a fine transparent film on your eye. This protects, soothes and lubricates the surface of your eye and makes it feel more comfortable.

Carbomer eye gel is quite runny and works like a liquid eye drop. It is available on prescription or you can buy it without a prescription at a pharmacy.

Before you use a carbomer eye gel

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using a carbomer eye gel it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you wear soft contact lenses.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a preservative in any eye drops.

How to use carbomer eye gel

1. Wash your hands well before you use the gel.

2. Remove the cap.

3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.

4. Hold the container upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.

5. Apply enough pressure to release one drop into your eye. Only use a second drop if the first one missed going into your eye.

6. Roll your eye or blink a few times to spread the gel around the inside of your eye.

7. Repeat the process in your other eye if needed.

8. Replace the cap.
   

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before you start using the eye gel, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about using the gel and will provide a full list of the side-effects which you may experience.

• Use one drop into the eye (or eyes) affected by dryness. You can do this three or four times each day unless you have been told otherwise by your doctor.

• Please take care that the dropper doesn't touch your eye, your fingers, or any other surface. This could contaminate the gel left in the tube/bottle.

• If you forget to use the gel at the correct time, do not worry, just use it when you remember. Do not 'double up' the number of drops you use to make up for forgetting to use it.

• If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave about ten minutes between applying each one. You should use carbomer eye gel last. This is so that the gel stays in contact with your eye and works for as long as possible.

• When first put in, the gel may cause blurred vision. This should quickly clear. Make sure you can see clearly again before you drive and before using tools or machines.

• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using the gel unless your doctor or pharmacist has advised you otherwise. This is because there is a preservative in many of the brands of carbomer gel which can affect soft contact lenses.

Can carbomer eye gels cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, carbomer eye gels can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the most common ones although fewer than 1 in 10 people are affected by these. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your gel.

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

How to store carbomer liquid eye gels

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Eye gels only keep for four weeks once the container has been opened, so do not use the gel if it has been open for longer than this. This helps prevent the risk of eye infection.

• Single-dose units should be used immediately they are opened. Do not store an opened unit to use later. This is because the units do not contain any preservative.

Important information about all medicines