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Ocular lubricant ophthalmic and Stinging: What Users Say

Brand names: Systane, Artificial Tears, Refresh Tears, Lubricant Eye Drops, Refresh, Systane Ultra, Refresh Plus, Refresh Optive Mega-3, Avenova, Systane Complete, Systane Balance, Refresh Optive, Blink Gel Tears, Dry Eye Relief, Refresh PM, Refresh Liquigel, TheraTears, Lacrisert, Natural Balance Tears, Blink Tears, Systane Hydration PF, Oasis Tears, Stye Sterile Lubricant, optive, Soothe XP, Clear Eyes Contact Lens Multi-Action Relief, Systane Ultra Preservative Free, Isopto Tears, retaine PM, Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops, Refresh Celluvisc, Bion Tears, Aquasite Artificial Tears, GenTeal, Lubrifresh PM, Clear Eyes Natural Tears Lubricating, Alcon Tears, GenTeal Tears Night-Time, Systane Nighttime, Refresh Optive Advanced, GenTeal Tears Moderate, Celluvisc, Hypotears, Tears Naturale, Hypotears P/F, Regener-Eyes Lite, Visine Tears, Refresh Digital, Refresh Relieva, Opti-Free Pure Moist Rewetting Drops, Puralube Tears, Refresh Classic, Clear Eyes Outdoor Dry, Advanced Eye Relief Dry Eye, Lacri-Lube S.O.P., Artelac Nighttime, Tears Again, Blink Contacts, Blink-N-Clean, ImproVue, Refresh Repair, Rohto Dry-Aid, Soothe Night Time, Sterile Lubricating Tears, GenTeal Twin Pack, Refresh Lacri-Lube, Viva-Drops, Visine Tired Eye Relief, Visine Tears Long Lasting, GenTeal Tears Severe, Duratears Naturale, Adsorbotear, Akwa Tears, Aquasite, Artificial Tears Plus, Comfort Tears, Natures Tears, Tears Naturale II, Puralube, Liquitears, Moisture Drops, 20/20 Tears, Duolube, Hypotonic Tears, Twenty Twenty, Blairex Just Tears, Systane Overnight Therapy, Opti-Free Rewetting Drops, Tears Naturale PM, Hypotears Select, Tears Naturale Forte, TheraTears Contact Lens, Oasis Tears Plus, TheraTears Liquid Gel, GenTeal Mild Visine for Contacts Ultra Fresh For Sty Relief Ultra Fresh PM Altalube Moisture Eyes PM Soothe Refresh Contacts GenTeal PM FreshKote GenTeal PF Refresh Endura Moisture Eyes Visine Pure Tears Lubricant Eye Ointment Refresh Digital PF Refresh Relieva PF optive Sensitive …show all brand names

Stinging: mentioned by 13 users (4.1%)

Based on user experiences from 315 Ocular lubricant ophthalmic reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

blurred vision 15.6%
burning 13.7%
itching 10.8%
swelling 8.6%
redness 6.3%
pain 6.0%
vision issues 5.1%
headaches 4.1%
stinging 4.1%
irritation 3.5%

Reviews for Ocular lubricant ophthalmic

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Stu...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 8, 2020

For Dry Eye Disease "I started using these Systane drops a few months ago. I have since stopped because they have damaged my eyes with stinging, floaters, and terrible dulled vision. I hope this will warn people not to use them, and I hope the FDA will do a complete study on them."

1 / 10
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78 Report
  • Ida...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 31, 2021

For Dry Eye Disease "My doctor suggested using Systane 4 times a day for dry eyes. After the second dose, I felt terrible, my eye was tearing nonstop and had burning and stinging sensations as if there were sand rubbing against the eye. The eye became very red, very sensitive to light, and the vision was very blurred, feeling like a white fog covering the eyesight! I stopped it right away, and it feels much better. I read the leaflet that came with it, and it stated that these symptoms and lots more were side effects of this drug."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • RGM...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 14, 2019

For Dry Eye Disease "The optometrist said to try this Systane for dry eye and blurry vision. Did not help blurry vision (I'm diabetic). Stung badly in one eye, and now have a small pimple in the corner of the eye. Also experiencing unusually large and more visual floaties. Also experiencing a different kind of floaty, like about 1/4 of my eye has an area of very blurry vision that floats in the left eye. Also experiencing random, white streaks flashing in the dark, even when eyes are closed, like a lightning strike at the edge of the left eye. Most of these cleared up 3 days after stopping Systane. Will report to the optometrist."

5 / 10
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42 Report
  • Jen...
  • September 23, 2015

For Eye Redness "Was prescribed this for dry eyes by optometrist, told to use twice daily. Ever since 1st use, eyes stung and got extremely red, vision got worse, blurry vision, redness, itchy, and sensitivity to light. Did not realize it was this until I stopped use. Was told to use every 2 hours, and vision was getting worse. This product did not work for me."

1 / 10
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37 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 23, 2012

For Eye Redness "I have Sjögren's and extremely dry, inflamed eyes. I have used plugs and a lot of different eye drops, including Restasis. My doctor added FreshKote to my Restasis and Altrex. As badly as it stings, it coats my eye and has provided more relief than the plugs. Unfortunately, I have to change insurance, and it will not be covered, so I will have to pay for it on my own. I highly recommend you try it."

9 / 10
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32 Report

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  • dry...
  • February 26, 2012

For Eye Redness "I have been using Restasis drops for approx 5 years, but still suffer from severe dry eyes. My doctor gave me a sample of FreshKote to try. At first, the stinging alarmed me, but within a few minutes, my eyes felt refreshed. These are the first drops that I've actually felt some relief. I haven't had to purchase them yet, but they can't be any more expensive than Restasis drops."

8 / 10
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31 Report
  • Jus...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 31, 2023

For Dry Eye Disease "I’ve been using Refresh Mega-3, and I felt relief at first. Then, within an hour or less, the stinging begins, itching and stinging. I want to rub my eyes so badly to stop the burn! This too was recommended by my doctor with a coupon. I'm going to stop using it! Going to buy another brand because I do need the eye drops because of dry eye."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • Gin...
  • April 10, 2015

For Eye Redness "I also received a sample of Systane Balance from my ophthalmologist when I asked what he would recommend for my dry eyes. I have found Systane Balance to be the best drops I have ever used for my condition. Previously, I had been using Blink and GenTeal 'Severe Dry Eye Relief' Gel, and while both of these products had provided some relief, neither can compare with Systane Balance. Within a few seconds of my applying the drops for the first time, the stinging in my eyes totally disappeared. The relief provided is also very long-lasting, with the beneficial effects sometimes lasting for more than 24 hours."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
22 Report
  • Jud...
  • November 19, 2021

For Dry Eye Disease "I have used many, many eye drops for dry eye. All need to be preservative-free. Recently, my eye specialist recommended FreshKote. It is a game changer for me. Yes, there is a sting for a bit at first. I have no problem with the bottle design. I believe you can purchase an individual package of vials. Some say to give this product a fair chance. I have been using it for two weeks and really like it. Fingers crossed."

9 / 10
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0 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 1, 2023

For Dry Eye Disease "Toxic product. I was prescribed these eye drops. They cause calcific eyelid discharge, increased sensitivity to light, stinging, and pain, and they seem to offer no improvement."

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • Bea...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 16, 2021

For Dry Eye Disease "Only used Systane Complete once, stung then burned. I’m left with sticky feeling eyes that are more irritated than before. I do not recommend using this at all."

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 10, 2022

For Dry Eye Disease "Made my son's dry eyes worse, stinging and burning every time he put drops in. He is now dizzy. Everyone, please make a complaint to the FDA. The more complaints, they should take it off shelves."

1 / 10
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3 Report
  • smi...
  • January 23, 2020

For Dry Eye Disease "I was glad to be able to get Lacrisert. I couldn't open because my eyes were stinging, and now they are comfortable. Life is expensive, but I think it is worth it. Thank you. Keep making medicine."

10 / 10
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3 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.