# What Are Artificial Tears and How Are They Used?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/what-are-artificial-tears

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-12

> **Summary:** Artificial tears (medically, tear preparations) are drops that imitate natural tears and keep the eye moist in dry eye, which occurs when the glands producing the eye's protective fluid do not work properly. They relieve dryness but do not protect against germs or infection, and are used as often as the ophthalmologist directs.

## Quick Facts
- **Use:** Treating dry eye; among the methods doctors recommend most
- **Frequency:** From once or twice a day up to once an hour, as the doctor instructs
- **Preservative-free:** Choose single-dose drops if needed more than four times a day
- **After applying:** Keep eyes closed for one minute
- **Limitation:** Do not protect against germs or infection

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## What is Dry Eye?
The secretions that keep the eye moist and protect its surface (also helping resist microorganisms) become irregular. Dry eye is increasing; frequent hand-to-eye contact and contact lenses add to eye problems and dryness.

## Symptoms
- Feeling of a foreign body in the eye
- Burning and stinging, including when blinking
- Worse with long computer use or time outdoors; lens wearers may notice stinging or discomfort after removing lenses

Symptoms are often dismissed as tiredness; long-lasting burning or stinging warrants a specialist visit, as dry eye can also damage the eye's protective layer.

## What Artificial Tears Do
- Imitate natural tears and keep the eye moist, greatly reducing dryness.
- Prescribed after examination by an ophthalmologist; placed directly into the eye and rarely cause discomfort.

## How to Use Artificial Tears
- Tilt the head back.
- Open the lower and upper eyelids with the fingers.
- Drop directly into the eye without touching the area beneath the eye or the eyelid.
- Blink slowly rather than squeezing the eye shut.
- Press on the inner corner of the eye so excess does not run out.
- Keep eyes closed for one minute without bringing the head back at once, then wipe away excess.

## Frequency
- Follow the ophthalmologist's instructions: from once or twice a day (irregular tear system) up to once an hour (tear system not working at all).
- If needed more than four times a day, use preservative-free (single-dose) drops.
- Use regularly.

## Possible Side Effects
- Redness and itching, allergic reactions
- Blurred vision, eye pain
- Stinging when blinking

With itching or blurred vision, pause the drops and see a doctor at once; an allergic reaction also requires seeing a doctor directly.

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## References
- Lubricating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, AAO
- How to Put in Eye Drops, AAO
- Dry Eye, NEI