What are lubricating eye drops?

Lubricating eye drops are over-the-counter drops whose active ingredients are lubricants. They are often called artificial tears, and they are what most people mean by eye drops for dryness. Quell is one of them: the full name on its carton is Quell™ Preservative-Free Lubricating Eye Drops.

What makes a drop a lubricating drop

It comes down to the active ingredients and the purpose the label gives them. Quell’s panel lists Glycerol (1.0%), Polysorbate 80 (1.0%) and Light Mineral Oil (0.5%). The first two are listed with the purpose “lubricant.” The third, light mineral oil, is listed as an emollient: an oily ingredient that softens and coats.

Glycerol and polysorbate 80 are used in other lubricating drops as well, which is one reason panels from different brands can look similar at a glance. The differences tend to sit in the concentrations, the inactive ingredients, and whether a preservative is included.

What their labels say they are for

The Uses section is where a lubricating drop says what it does, and the wording is usually modest. Quell’s reads: For use as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye. On this site that is summarized as relief for dryness, irritation and itching.

Anything beyond the Uses section is marketing, and on an over-the-counter drug it should never contradict the panel. If it does, go with the panel.

Water and oil

Most drops top up the water layer of the tear film. Quell’s formula is designed to reinforce the eye’s natural lipid (oil) layer instead — the outermost barrier of the tear film, responsible for minimizing evaporation of the watery layer beneath it.

That design is why the formula includes an emollient and natural oils alongside its lubricants, and why it looks milky brown instead of clear. The eye drops have a naturally milky-brown appearance. This is normal and does not indicate a problem with the product. There is more on this in the tear film’s oil layer, explained.

How they are used

Directions vary from brand to brand, so the only ones that matter are on the bottle in your hand. Quell’s read: Apply 1 drop 3 times per day in each eye. The panel adds one handling rule: Do not touch tip of bottle to any surface to avoid contamination.

Who should check first

Quell’s label opens its warnings with this: Caution should be used in those with egg or bird allergies — For use in the eyes only. The caution exists because the formula contains emu oil. If that applies to you, ask your doctor before ordering.

If you use prescribed eye drops, wear contact lenses, or are thinking about drops for a child, ask too. The label doesn’t give directions for those situations.

When a lubricating drop isn’t the answer

Quell’s label covers dryness and irritation. It goes no further. It isn’t a substitute for an eye exam. Stop use and ask a doctor if you feel eye pain or changes in your vision, if irritation or redness continues, or if the condition worsens or persists for 72 hours. Sudden vision loss, eye pain or an eye injury call for emergency care straight away, not a drop.

Buying them online

Lubricating drops don’t need a prescription, so you can order them directly. Quell ships anywhere in the United States for a flat $10.00, and free on 3 bottles or more. See prices, or read how to buy eye drops online safely first.