Cellulose-derived artificial tears
Carmellose sodium
Brand names: Celluvisc, Optive, Refresh
Adult dose
Dose: 1 drop PRN (typically 4–6× daily)
Route: Ophthalmic
Frequency: PRN
Clinical pearls
- TFOS DEWS II dry eye step 1; RCOphth
- Preservative-free preparations available for frequent use
- Available OTC
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
Side effects
- Transient blurred vision
- Stinging
- Eye irritation
Interactions
- Other eye drops — separate by 5 min
Monitoring
- Symptom relief
- Frequency of use
Reference: BNF; RCOphth dry eye; TFOS DEWS II; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/carmellose-sodium/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators
Pathways
- Acute Red Eye / Vision Loss Screen · RCOphth 2020; NICE CKS
- Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension · ABN; consensus 2018
- Acute Red Eye Assessment · RCOphth / AAO
- Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma · RCOphth / EGS Guidelines
- Retinal Detachment · RCOphth Guidelines / EURETINA
- Diabetic Retinopathy — Screening and Management · NICE NG28 2016 / NHS DES Programme