Artificial Tears for Keratometry Eye Drops: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Artificial Tears for Keratometry are eye drops used to smooth the eye's surface before specific eye measurements to ensure accurate results.

Drug class	Adjunct
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	Varies
Common Indian brands	Standard lubricants (e.g. CMC/HPMC)
Prescription status	Over-the-counter

What Artificial Tears for Keratometry is used for

Artificial Tears for Keratometry are used in a diagnostic and surgical setting as an adjunct. Specifically, they are used for:

Smoothing the ocular surface before biometry/keratometry for accurate IOL power. This means they help prepare your eye for measurements that determine the correct power of an intraocular lens (IOL) if you are having cataract surgery or other lens procedures.

How it works

Artificial Tears for Keratometry work by restoring a regular tear film on the surface of your eye. The tear film is a thin layer of fluid that covers the front of your eye. If this film is uneven or insufficient, it can affect the accuracy of eye measurements. By making the tear film smooth and consistent, these drops ensure that the measurements taken (like biometry and keratometry) are reliable and precise. This is crucial for calculating the correct power of an intraocular lens (IOL) that might be implanted during surgery.

How it’s used

Using Artificial Tears for Keratometry is straightforward. Typically, the dosing is:

1 drop before the measurement.

Your eye care professional will guide you on when and how to instil the drop just before your eye measurements are taken. It’s a quick step designed to prepare your eye for the most accurate results.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Standard lubricants (e.g. CMC/HPMC)

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Good to know

Available without prescription, but this is not a substitute for an eye examination. If redness, pain, discharge or blurred vision persists for more than a day or two, see an eye doctor rather than continuing drops on your own.

Precautions & side effects

Artificial Tears for Keratometry are primarily used to optimise pre-surgical measurements, ensuring the best possible data for your eye care. While generally very safe, it’s important to understand their role and limitations:

This product is available without a prescription, but it is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination.
If you experience persistent redness, pain, discharge, or blurred vision for more than a day or two, it is crucial to see an eye doctor immediately rather than continuing to use drops on your own. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires professional medical attention.
Always follow the specific instructions given by your eye care professional regarding its use, especially in a clinical setting.

Understanding Eye Measurements and Your Vision

At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we understand that preparing for eye procedures can bring many questions. When we talk about ‘biometry’ and ‘keratometry’, we are referring to very important measurements of your eye. Biometry helps us measure the length of your eye, while keratometry measures the curvature of the front surface of your eye (the cornea). These measurements are vital, especially if you are considering cataract surgery or other procedures that involve replacing your eye’s natural lens with an artificial one, called an Intraocular Lens (IOL). The accuracy of these measurements directly impacts how well you will see after your surgery. If the surface of your eye is dry or irregular, these measurements might not be as precise as they need to be. This is where Artificial Tears for Keratometry come in. They help create a smooth, consistent surface on your eye, much like polishing a window before looking through it, ensuring that the readings we take are as accurate as possible. This precision is key to selecting the perfect IOL power for your eye, helping you achieve the best possible visual outcome.

How to Properly Instil Eye Drops

Using eye drops correctly is essential for them to work effectively and safely. Here’s a simple guide:

Wash Your Hands: Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing germs into your eye.
Prepare the Drop: Gently shake the bottle if instructed, and remove the cap. Be careful not to touch the tip of the dropper with your fingers or against any surface, as this can contaminate the solution.
Position Yourself: You can either lie down or tilt your head back while looking up.
Create a Pouch: With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pouch.
Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle above your eye, without touching your eye or eyelashes. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pouch you created.
Close Your Eye: After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for a minute or two. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eyes shut, as this can push the medicine out.
Clean Up: If any excess liquid runs down your face, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue. Replace the cap on the bottle immediately.
Wait Between Drops (if applicable): If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to allow each drop to be absorbed properly.

If you find it difficult to instil drops yourself, ask a family member or friend to help you, or speak to our staff for guidance.

General Eye Care, Storage, and When to See a Doctor

Maintaining good eye hygiene is crucial for overall eye health. Always ensure your hands are clean before touching your eyes or applying any eye drops. Store your eye drops as instructed on the packaging, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not use eye drops past their expiry date, and discard them within the recommended period after opening (usually 28 days for most multi-dose bottles, but check the specific instructions). Never share your eye drops with anyone else, as this can spread infections.

While Artificial Tears for Keratometry are safe and helpful for specific diagnostic purposes, it’s important to know when to seek professional medical advice. If you experience any persistent eye discomfort, redness, pain, discharge, sudden changes in vision (like blurred vision, flashes of light, or floaters), or if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after a day or two, please do not hesitate to contact Pristine Eye Hospitals. These symptoms could indicate an underlying condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment by an eye care specialist. Your vision is precious, and we are here to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Frequently asked questions

What are Artificial Tears for Keratometry used for?

Artificial Tears for Keratometry are eye drops used to smooth the surface of your eye before specific diagnostic measurements like biometry and keratometry. This helps ensure that the measurements taken are accurate, which is very important for calculating the correct power of an intraocular lens (IOL) if you are having eye surgery.

How do Artificial Tears for Keratometry work?

These eye drops work by restoring a regular and smooth tear film on the surface of your eye. A smooth tear film allows for more reliable and precise eye measurements, which are critical for pre-surgical planning.

What are the common brands of Artificial Tears for Keratometry available in India?

Artificial Tears for Keratometry are typically standard lubricants, such as those containing Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC). These are widely available in India under various brand names.

How should I use Artificial Tears for Keratometry?

The typical dosing is one drop before the eye measurement. Your eye care professional will guide you on the exact timing and method of application during your visit.

Do I need a prescription for Artificial Tears for Keratometry?

No, Artificial Tears for Keratometry are available over-the-counter, meaning you do not need a prescription to purchase them.

What precautions should I take when using Artificial Tears for Keratometry?

While these drops are available without a prescription, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination. If you experience persistent redness, pain, discharge, or blurred vision for more than a day or two, it is important to see an eye doctor rather than continuing to use the drops on your own. They are primarily used to optimise pre-surgical measurements.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.