Hypromellose with dextran 70

How it works

Hypromellose is a viscous cellulose polymer that increases tear film stability and contact time, while dextran 70 helps retain moisture on the ocular surface, together relieving dryness and grittiness rather than treating any underlying disease.

Prescribing in practice

• Multidose preserved formulations can cause surface toxicity and sensitivity with frequent long-term use, so a preservative-free preparation is preferable for patients needing very frequent dosing or with sensitivity.
• Soft contact lens wearers should check compatibility, as some preserved drops should not be instilled with lenses in place.
• Transient blurring after instillation is expected because of the viscous vehicle.

Monitoring

No laboratory monitoring is needed; treatment is titrated to symptom relief, with review if dryness persists or worsens despite regular use to consider underlying causes.

Counselling the patient

• You can use these drops as often as needed for comfort.
• Vision may blur briefly after each drop, so wait a moment before tasks such as driving.
• If you need drops very frequently, ask about a preservative-free version to protect the eye surface.

Evidence & guidelines

Ocular lubricants such as hypromellose-based artificial tears are first-line symptomatic treatment for dry eye disease in routine clinical practice.