What do I need to know about preservatives? (Posted: apr 2003)

Summary: Avoid frequent or long-term use of most artificial tears with preservates (particularly benzalkonium chloride) in favour of unit-doses or tears with specially formulated preservates.

How often can I use them? (posted: apr 2003)

Summary: Overusing artificial tears can make symptoms worse. If using them several times a day is not helping, consider other types of treatments.

Which artificial tears are best? (posted: apr 2003)

Summary: Most of the artificial tears sold over the counter aren't very good at helping anything but very mild dry eye. Patients' opinions vary but those we hear the best reports of most frequently are Theratears and the Aqueous Pharma products (particularly Dakrina and Nutratear/Redkote).

Is there a reference list of tears are available in the UK? (posted: apr 2003)

Summary: See list with products, active ingredients, preservatives and availability.