CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin: Uses & Dosage

CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin eye drops are used to provide relief for moderate to severe dry eye.

Drug class	Artificial Tear (Combination)
Type	Combination
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.5% + 0.1% + 0.9%
Common Indian brands	Optive Fusion
Prescription status	Over-the-counter / Prescription

What CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin is used for

CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin eye drops are primarily used to treat:

Moderate to severe dry eye: This condition occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and sometimes blurred vision. These eye drops help to lubricate the eye surface, reducing these symptoms and making your eyes feel more comfortable.

Dry eye is a common condition, especially in India, due to factors like air conditioning, pollution, screen time, and certain medical conditions. This medicine aims to provide effective and lasting relief from the dryness and irritation associated with it.

How it works

CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin eye drops work by combining two different types of lubricants to provide longer-lasting relief for your dry eyes. Let’s break down how each component contributes:

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC): This is a common lubricant that helps to thicken the eye drop solution, allowing it to stay on the eye surface for a longer time. It forms a protective layer, mimicking your natural tears and providing immediate comfort.
Sodium Hyaluronate: This is a natural substance found in the body, known for its excellent water-retaining properties. When applied to the eye, it helps to hydrate the ocular surface and maintain a stable tear film, contributing to sustained lubrication and comfort.
Glycerin: Glycerin acts as another lubricant and humectant, meaning it helps to attract and retain moisture on the eye surface. This further enhances the lubricating effect and helps to keep your eyes feeling moist and comfortable for longer periods.

By combining these three ingredients, the eye drops offer a comprehensive approach to managing dry eye. The different properties of CMC, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Glycerin work together to provide both immediate soothing and prolonged lubrication, helping to reduce the symptoms of dryness, irritation, and discomfort more effectively than single-ingredient artificial tears.

How it’s used

Using eye drops correctly is very important to ensure they work effectively and to prevent contamination. Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions or the directions on the package. Here’s a general guide on how to use CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin eye drops:

Dosing: Typically, you should instil 1 drop 2-4 times a day into the affected eye(s). Your doctor may adjust this based on the severity of your dry eye and your response to the treatment. Do not use more drops than recommended without consulting your doctor.
Before you begin: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling eye drops. This helps prevent germs from entering your eyes.
Applying the drops:
1. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
2. Hold the dropper bottle upside down, directly over your eye. Try not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface, as this can contaminate the solution.
3. Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket you created.
4. Close your eye gently for a minute or two. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eyes shut, as this can push the medicine out.
5. If you need to use drops in both eyes, repeat the process for the other eye.
6. If you are using other eye medicines, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different drops to allow each medicine to be absorbed properly.
After applying: Wash your hands again to remove any medicine that may have gotten on them.
Storage: Store the eye drops as directed on the package, usually at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Disposal: Do not use the eye drops after the expiry date printed on the bottle or carton. Discard the bottle after the recommended period (usually 4 weeks after opening) even if there is still some solution left, to prevent contamination.

If you have any difficulty applying the drops or are unsure about the correct technique, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or a nurse for a demonstration.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Optive Fusion

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

While CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin eye drops are generally safe and well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions:

Longer Retention Time: This combination of lubricants has a longer retention time on the eye surface compared to plain Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) drops. This means the drops stay in your eyes for a longer duration, providing extended relief. While this is beneficial for dry eye, it’s something to be aware of, especially if you are using other eye medications.
Eye Examination is Crucial: These eye drops are available without a prescription, but this is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination by an eye doctor. If you are experiencing persistent eye discomfort, redness, pain, discharge, or blurred vision, it is essential to see an eye doctor. Self-treating with eye drops for more than a day or two without a proper diagnosis can delay appropriate treatment for underlying conditions.
When to See a Doctor: If your symptoms of redness, pain, discharge, or blurred vision persist for more than a day or two after starting these drops, or if they worsen, stop using the drops and consult your eye doctor immediately. These could be signs of a more serious eye condition that requires specific medical attention.
Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, it is generally recommended to remove them before instilling eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. Always follow your eye doctor’s advice regarding contact lens use with eye drops.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing after using these drops, seek immediate medical attention.
Contamination: To prevent contamination, do not touch the tip of the dropper bottle to your eye or any other surface. Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use.

Always discuss any concerns or pre-existing eye conditions with your eye doctor or pharmacist before starting any new eye medication.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye is a very common condition that affects millions of people, especially in India. It happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you do produce evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for keeping your eyes healthy, lubricated, and free from dust and irritants. When your tear film isn’t working properly, you might experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms. These can include a gritty or sandy feeling in your eyes, burning, stinging, redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision that comes and goes, and sometimes even watery eyes (as your eyes try to compensate for the dryness by producing too many ‘reflex’ tears).

Several factors can contribute to dry eye. Environmental factors like air conditioning, heating, wind, smoke, and pollution are common culprits. Spending long hours in front of computer screens, tablets, or smartphones can also reduce your blink rate, leading to drier eyes. Certain medical conditions, medications (like antihistamines, decongestants, and some blood pressure medicines), age (dry eye becomes more common as we get older), and even wearing contact lenses can all play a role. While dry eye can be irritating, it’s usually manageable with the right treatment, such as artificial tears like CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin eye drops.

Correct Eye Drop Application and Hygiene

Using eye drops correctly is crucial for their effectiveness and to prevent any potential infections. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you’re doing it right:

Wash Your Hands: This is the most important first step. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the eye drop bottle. This prevents germs from contaminating the drops or your eyes.
Check the Bottle: Make sure the bottle is not expired and that the solution looks clear and free of particles.
Prepare for Application: Gently shake the bottle if instructed. Tilt your head back slightly or lie down. With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
Instil the Drop: Hold the eye drop bottle upside down with the other hand, directly over your eye. Try your best not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, eyelid, or eyelashes. This is vital to prevent contamination. Squeeze the bottle gently to release a single drop into the pocket of your lower eyelid.
Close Your Eye: After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for about 1 to 2 minutes. Avoid blinking vigorously or squeezing your eyes shut, as this can push the medicine out of your eye too quickly.
Clean Up: If any excess liquid runs down your face, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again after applying the drops.
Multiple Drops: If you need to use more than one drop in the same eye, or if you are using different types of eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between each application. This allows each drop to be absorbed properly without washing out the previous one.

Storage and Disposal: Always store your eye drops as directed on the packaging, usually at room temperature and away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use. Eye drops are sterile when opened, but they can become contaminated over time. It’s crucial to discard the bottle after the recommended period, typically 4 weeks after opening, even if there’s still some solution left. Never share your eye drops with anyone else.

When to Seek Professional Help

While artificial tears like CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin can provide significant relief for dry eyes, it’s important to know when your symptoms might indicate a more serious underlying issue that requires professional medical attention. Even though these drops are available without a prescription, they are not a substitute for a proper eye examination by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

You should consult an eye doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

Persistent Symptoms: If your eye redness, pain, discharge, or blurred vision continues for more than a day or two after starting the drops, or if your symptoms worsen.
Severe Pain: Any sudden or severe eye pain.
Vision Changes: Significant or sudden changes in your vision, such as new or worsening blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision.
Discharge: Any thick, coloured, or pus-like discharge from your eye.
Injury or Trauma: If you have experienced an eye injury or trauma.
Foreign Body Sensation: A feeling that something is stuck in your eye that doesn’t go away.
Light Sensitivity: New or increased sensitivity to light.

These symptoms could be signs of an infection, inflammation, or another serious eye condition that requires specific diagnosis and treatment beyond artificial tears. Your eye doctor can perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate course of action to protect your vision and eye health.

Frequently asked questions

What are CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin eye drops used for?

These eye drops are used to treat moderate to severe dry eye, providing lubrication and relief from symptoms like irritation and discomfort.

How do CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin eye drops work?

They work by combining two lubricants, Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and Sodium Hyaluronate, along with Glycerin. This combination helps to thicken the tear film, retain moisture on the eye surface, and provide longer-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.

What are the common Indian brands for this medicine?

A common brand for CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin eye drops in India is Optive Fusion.

How should I use CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin eye drops?

You should typically instil 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 2-4 times a day, or as directed by your eye doctor. Always wash your hands before and after use, and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface.

Do I need a prescription for CMC + Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin eye drops?

These eye drops are available without a prescription. However, this is not a substitute for an eye examination. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should see an eye doctor.

What precautions should I take while using these eye drops?

These drops have a longer retention time than plain CMC drops. If redness, pain, discharge, or blurred vision persists for more than a day or two, or if symptoms worsen, stop using the drops and consult an eye doctor immediately. Do not use these drops as a substitute for a proper eye examination.

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.