Artificial tear drops are the mainstay of treatment for dry eye⁸

NICE recommends the use of tear supplements (sometimes called artificial tears or lubricant eye drops) if lifestyle measures do not relieve dry eye symptoms.⁹

However, one survey found that:¹⁰

• 

  of dry eye patients make repeat visits to the GP, optometrist or pharmacist

• 

  of patients prescribed hypromellose eye drops return with problems

If a customer has tried using a tear supplement for dry eye and it hasn't been effective, there are other options you can recommend.