Hypromellose

An artificial tear is the first step for dryness and burning in the eyes. The AEMPS ficha técnica frames the indication simply: symptomatic relief of eye irritation and dryness, one drop in the conjunctival sac 3 to 5 times a day, more often if needed. The 2016 Cochrane review of over-the-counter artificial tears showed that this group relieves symptoms but found no convincing differences between formulations – the choice goes by tolerance and convenience. The 2017 TFOS DEWS II report places tear substitutes at the first step of treatment, with lid hygiene, anti-inflammatory drops and meibomian gland work coming later. Two practical points from the ficha: with preservative sensitivity the single-dose form is used, and if symptoms last beyond 7 days or vision drops, an ophthalmologist should look.

ICD-10: H04.1

A red eye with discharge is often treated with an artificial tear simply because it is already at home. Hypromellose does not treat infection: it has no pharmacological action at all and only moistens the surface. In viral conjunctivitis that brings relief while the illness clears on its own in one to two weeks, but it does not speed recovery. In bacterial conjunctivitis the antibiotic decision belongs to a doctor, and the ficha técnica warns that other eye medicines are instilled 5 minutes before the artificial tear, otherwise the gel gets in their way. A doctor is needed for eye pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, injury, and when symptoms last beyond a week. If an artificial tear was offered as conjunctivitis treatment instead of an examination, consider seeking a second opinion from an ophthalmologist.

ICD-10: H10.0 · ICD-11: 9A60.3