1. About Polyvinyl Alcohol Eye Drops

Type of medicine	Ocular lubricant
Used for	To relieve dryness and irritation caused by a reduced flow of tears. Also sometimes used as a lubricant for false eyes
Also called	Liquifilm Tears, Liquifilm Tears Preservative Free, Sno-Tears
Available as	Eye drops, single dose eye drops

Polyvinyl alcohol eye drops work by lubricating the surface of eyes that are too dry.

2. Before using polyvinyl alcohol eye drops
Before using polyvinyl alcohol eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
• If you wear soft contact lenses
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• If you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use polyvinyl alcohol eye drops
1. Wash your hands
2. Remove the cap of the eye drop container
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye, but try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops
6. Close the eye and keep it closed for a minute or two. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes
8. Replace the outer cap of the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with anything, including the eye or fingers
9. If you are using single dose eye drops then discard the container straight away after use
10. Wash your hands
11. Apply the drops as often as needed, unless told otherwise by your doctor

Getting the most from your treatment
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• If you also have to use any other eye drops or ointments, leave at least five minutes between each one. Polyvinyl alcohol should always be the last eye medication used.
• He preservative used in the eye drops could cause discolouration of soft contact lenses. Remove soft contact lenses before using these drops and wait for at least 15 minutes after using the drops before putting them back in.
• When first put into the eyes, the eye drops may cause blurred vision. Make sure you can see clearly before you drive, operate machinery or do other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not able to see properly.

Can polyvinyl alcohol eye drops cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. The most common problems that people experience with polyvinyl alcohol eye drops are shown below:.

Common side-effects	What can I do if I experience this
Mild stinging in the eyes	This should soon disappear as your eyes adjust to the new drops
Blurred vision	This usually disappears within a few minutes of applying the eye drops. Do not drive or use machinery unless your vision is clear

If any of these effects continue or becomes severe or if you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you thinsk may be due to these eye drops, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice..

How to store polyvinyl alcohol eye drops
• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Discard single dose eye drop containers straight away after use.
• Discard all other eye drops 4 weeks after opening.