Refresh Optive Lubricant Eye Drops, Preservative-Free, 0.01 Fl Oz Single-Use Containers, 60 Count

I have several types of lubricant drops since one of my eyes had a filtering bleb for advanced glaucoma created, but the after surgery procedures went wrong after the original surgeon failed to time right for scar tissue and I was left with added damage. The eye not only gets dry, but then the bleb gets tugged. Granted, that could happen even without complications. Anyway, as a result I am VERY familiar with a range of eye lubricants, so here is a summary of types and uses now that I use so many. For some people artificial tears will be totally sufficient and less expensive. Ask your ophthalmologist which manufacturers to favor and which to avoid. Some makers of eye products have had recalls which you can find at the FDA site. Refresh has consistently sold very safe products to date per the recall emails I have gotten from the FDA, but some other manufacturers have a spotty record. I do not know if Refresh makes artificial tears, but if the shelves locally are representative it sadly does not. For the rest of us, here is my breakdown below. Individuals WILL vary in their needs and how their own bodies respond so realize that I can speak ONLY for how these products have worked specifically for me. Some of the options contain preservatives. These are best for carrying but long time use of eye drops with certain preservatives can itself cause dry eye which is one reason it is not unusual in those of us who have had glaucoma for a very long while. Everything in life has its upsides and downsides, and glaucoma is far worse than dry eye so the meds that needed and prescribed must be used. Refresh offers the Sensitive and the Advanced options for drops in individual capsules without preservatives. These are what I use in the home setting. The Advanced is best for me on very dry days but it causes an increase in gunk production which can be quite uncomfortable for my bleb so I use it only when the need is greatest. Then I am grateful it exists. That is also what I needed during the first weeks after the invasive surgery. Their Sensitive capsules, THIS PRODUCT, serve as my daily use product, and these drops are very soothing for most of my needs and do not lead to an increase in gunk production. I am exceedingly happy on a daily basis that this product exists. For sleeping I use their gel, Refresh PM, with very good results. Follow the FDA recall List! In all the years I have been on that I have NEVER seen a recall of any of the Refresh products, but can not say that for a few other manufacturers. This is the primary reason my ophthalmologist and glaucoma surgeons (having a different one now) all have recommended that I stick with products by this manufacturer. The FDA lets you search onsite and also has an email service for recalls that you can use. Still, even when you are being most careful, it pays to stay up to date and the FDA makes it easy to do so. Individuals WILL vary in their needs and how their own bodies respond so realize that I can speak ONLY for how these products have worked specifically for me. Final point: in my case my open angle glaucoma, which began earlier than it usually does, was caught early, so because of treatment I went over a dozen years before my worse eye became advanced, but in the U.S. still about half of all glaucoma patients do not have their problem caught in time and therefore can wind up blind simply because they did not get regular pressure checks, or in the case of closed angle glaucoma because they did not immediately seek care with an ophthalmologist or a hospital emergency room when an eye became hard, red and painful. Everyone should get a thorough eye exam including a pressure check at least every 2 years. If you are in a group with greater risk then you will need those more often. Pressure checks and having an ophthalmologist look at the nerve through the eye are both so very, very easy and comfy. Please, do not take needless risks by avoiding them. I would have been blind within a year of my glaucoma being discovered if it had not been treated, but FIRST it has to be found and that means getting examinations. Here I am 14 years later seeing well enough to even make jewelry, despite that worse eye, and my better eye is just so very much better with only two meds and at times an easy laser surgery.

I’ve always had some degree of Dry Eye Syndrome but as I have aged (I was 69 last week) it’s gotten dramatically worse. These little self contained diesels are real eye savers! I can use them much easier than a small squeezable bottle. If I had a complaint or at least a product design modification it’d be for them to come in a BRIGHT COLOR like Orange instead of Clear. I lose as much as I use, or more. Otherwise this is a superb product and it feels so wonderful when my eyes itch and burn.

Great product. I use a sleep machine every night , and this product keeps them moist from the unit blowing on my eyes

Simple and straightforward, mainly for eye hydration. Recommended by my eye doctor after my vision correction surgery. The individual packaging makes it travel-friendly and prevents contamination from repeated use. Simple, convenient, and a must-have if you have dry eyes!

Due to my dry eyes in the winter, my eye doctor recommended preservative free eye drops. These are a solid option, offering temporary relief from the dryness. Not sure I like them more than other brands though. These feel like these arent as hydrating as Systane.