carbomer at a glance
Medicine class
Ocular lubricant and tear substitute
Licensed role
Symptomatic management of dry-eye conditions and unstable tear film
After application
Vision may be temporarily blurred; wait until it clears before driving or using machinery
Contact lenses
Remove lenses before application and follow the product-specific instructions before reinserting them
Preservatives
Some multidose products contain benzalkonium chloride; selected single-dose units are preservative-free
What is carbomer used for?
Selected UK products are licensed as tear substitutes for:
Symptomatic treatment of dry-eye syndrome
Dry-eye conditions including keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Unstable tear film
How does carbomer work?
Carbomer is a water-attracting polymer that spreads across the conjunctiva and cornea. It forms a lubricating film that remains on the eye longer than a thin liquid tear substitute.
carbomer preparations and strengths
Eye gel
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 2.0 mg/g
How to take carbomer
For use in the eye only. Wash your hands, pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket and apply the gel without touching the eye, eyelid or any surface with the nozzle. Close the eye briefly and blink to spread the gel. Recap multidose containers promptly; use single-dose units immediately after opening and discard them after use.
Remove contact lenses before application and follow the product-specific instructions before reinserting them.
When using other eye medicines, separate applications as directed and apply carbomer gel last.
Store Liquivisc vertically with the dropper pointing down after use to help the next drop form.
carbomer side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary blurred vision
- Mild stinging, burning, discomfort or irritation
- Crusting around the eyelid margin
Get urgent medical advice
- Eye or surrounding-tissue swelling
- Significant eye pain, persistent redness or a change in vision
- Contact dermatitis or another suspected hypersensitivity reaction
carbomer in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited, although exposure beyond the eye is expected to be negligible. Product information differs: Liquivisc advises caution, while Viscotears Single Dose Unit recommends use only for compelling reasons. Check the specific product with a prescriber or pharmacist.
carbomer while breastfeeding
Exposure beyond the eye is expected to be negligible, so effects on a breastfed infant are not anticipated. However, direct evidence is limited and product wording differs. Ask a prescriber or pharmacist to confirm that the chosen formulation is appropriate.
carbomer interactions
Clinically important systemic interactions are not expected, but other treatments applied to the eye require practical separation.
Other ophthalmic medicines, including glaucoma treatments
Do not apply them simultaneously. Separate applications according to the product instructions and use carbomer gel last to avoid interfering with the other medicine.
Common questions about carbomer
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is carbomer an artificial tear?
Yes. It forms a wetting film over the eye and temporarily supplements an inadequate or unstable tear film.
Does carbomer cure the cause of dry eyes?
No. It relieves symptoms by lubricating the eye; persistent or worsening symptoms may require assessment for an underlying cause.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.