What is Viscotears Liquid Gel?
Viscotears Liquid Gel is an eye drops solution which helps to soothe dry, uncomfortable eyes. These eye drops hydrate your eyes, feeling like natural tears so that your eyes will feel more comfortable. They’re perfect for those who struggle with dry eyes and use contact lenses, which can aggravate dry eyes.
What causes dry eyes?
Many people suffer from dry eyes at one point or another, and it usually isn’t a serious condition, but if you regularly experience dry eyes then it can be extremely irritating. Dry eyes can cause symptoms such as itching, soreness, and blurred vision, leaving you looking for a solution which will hydrate your eyes and ease discomfort. Some of the most common causes of dry eyes include:
- Looking at computer screens for long periods
- Wearing contact lenses
- Being older than 50
- Air-conditioned or heated environments
- Weather, e.g. wind, heat, cold, dust
- Some medication, e.g. antidepressants, blood pressure drugs
- Certain medical conditions, e.g. blepharitis, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus
How will Viscotears help to hydrate my dry eyes?
Viscotears liquid gel contains the active ingredient carbomer, which means that these eye drops work as “artificial tears”. Eye drops that work in this way hydrate dry eyes in the same way your natural tears would, making your eyes feel more comfortable and less irritated.
Can I use this product if I’m wearing contact lenses?
If you wear contact lenses, you can use these eye drops, but you’ll need to remove your contact lenses before using this product. Once you’ve used these eye drops, wait for at least 15 minutes before putting your contact lenses back in. Viscotears eye gel contains the ingredient cetrimide, which can discolour soft contact lenses.
Can I use these eye drops if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before using these eye drops. Some medications may not be safe for you or your baby at this time, and a medical professional may recommend another product instead.
Can I use this product if I’m taking other medication?
If you are taking other medication, you should speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before using this product to be sure that they are safe to use together. If a medical professional tells you that you’re safe to use this product, and you are using other eye drops, make sure to leave at least 5 minutes between using different drops. Always use Viscotears after any other eye drops.
Can I drive after using these eye drops?
When you’ve used these drops, you may experience blurred vision. Do not attempt to drive or use any tools or machinery unless you are sure that you are not affected in this way.
How to use Viscotears Liquid Gel
Before using this product, wash your hands thoroughly. Hold the tube of Viscotears eye drops vertically, with the dropper pointing downwards. Tilt your head backwards and use one hand to gently pull down the lower eyelid of the eye you wish to treat. Squeeze the tube of drops gently to insert one drop into your eye. Blink a few times to disperse the drops all over the eye and then wipe away any excess drops away from around the eyes. Repeat in the other eye if necessary. For best results, use one drop of this product in each eye, 3 – 4 times a day.
When should these eye drops not be used?
Viscotears are not suitable for use by children under the age of 18. Do not use this product if you are allergic to carbomer or any of the other listed ingredients. This product should only be used in the eyes. If you experience any eye pain, vision changes, irritation, or persistent redness, or your condition becomes worse, stop using this product and speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist right away.
Does this product have any side effects?
Like all medications, Viscotears can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. These include:
- Blurred vision
- Eye discomfort
- Eyelid crusting
- Eye irritation
- Eye swelling
- Eye pain
- Itchy eyes
- Eye redness
- Increased tear production
- Skin inflammation
- Allergic reaction, showing symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, or pain of the eye, or redness, swelling, or rash of the skin around the eye
If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist right away. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Store in original packaging and do not use if the expiry date printed on the packaging has passed. Once opened, use this product within 28 days. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Important Information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:
Ingredients
Viscotears contains 2.0 mg/g of the active ingredient, carbomer (polyacrylic acid).
The liquid gel also contains the inactive ingredients cetrimide (as a preservative), sorbitol, sodium hydroxide and water.
Are they suitable for diabetics?
Yes they are suitable for diabetics
Is this product cruelty free and vegan?
Taken from the Summary of Product Characteristics https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2310/smpc There are no controlled animal or human pharmacokinetic studies available and carbomer is a vegan friendly ingredient to the best of my knowledge
Have they changed the Viscotears Gel packaging to a blue box instead of the orange and red striped box? Is there any change to the formula?
Yes, the current box design is blue and white and you are correct it did used to be red and orange.
Our stock is ordered fresh and we would always have the latest version.
We don't think there has been a formula change, but we'd recommend contacting the manufacturer via their website to be sure.
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Shipping Times
Method | Handling Time | Transit Time | Timescale | Approx Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Standard Shipping (3-5 Working Days) | 1 | 2 | 3 | £2.95 |
Royal Mail Tracked 24 | 0 | 1 | 1 | £4.95 |
Next Day Guaranteed (1 Working Day) | n/a | n/a | n/a | £6.95 |
Times are given in working days and are approximate. Costs may change based on order total, day of the week or location within the UK. Ability to hit timescales will depend on whether the products are ordered before a cut off time, as well as additional administration time incurred in reviewing your order.
Please review the estimates at the checkout.
Shipping Costs
Free UK Delivery on all orders over £30* - Delivery within 3-5 working days.
Standard UK Delivery - £2.95* - Delivery within 3-5 working days.
Express UK Delivery - £4.95** - Delivery within 1-2 working days.
Temperature Controlled Delivery - £8.85 - Delivery within 1-3 working days.
Please Note: These prices are shown as a guide only. All delivery times are approximate but have been obtained in good faith.
*Excluding refrigerated products and treatments which are subject to different postage charges.
Discreet Delivery
All our items are sent completely discreet for your peace of mind.
This means the packaging is plain, there is no mention of what product is inside your package and there is no mention of Chemist4U either.
We respect that many of our products are of a sensitive nature - this is why we take every step to keep your purchases private.
Returns Information
Customers can read our full returns policy by clicking here