Dextran 70 + Hypromellose Eye Drops: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops are used to relieve the symptoms of dry eyes and protect the surface of your eyes.

Drug class	Lubricant
Type	Combination
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.1% + 0.3%
Common Indian brands	Tears Naturale II and similar
Prescription status	Over-the-counter

What Dextran 70 + Hypromellose is used for

Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops are specifically designed to help with conditions that cause discomfort and irritation to your eyes. They are commonly used for:

Dry eye: This is a very common condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness, irritation, and a gritty feeling.
Ocular surface protection: These drops help to keep the delicate surface of your eye moist and protected, which is crucial for overall eye health and comfort.

These eye drops work by supplementing your natural tears, providing lubrication and a protective layer over your eye’s surface. This helps to reduce the symptoms of dryness, burning, and irritation, making your eyes feel more comfortable throughout the day. They are a helpful solution for maintaining the health and comfort of your eyes, especially if you experience persistent dryness or discomfort.

Dry eye can be caused by various factors, including environmental conditions like wind or air conditioning, prolonged screen time, certain medications, aging, and some medical conditions. By using Dextran 70 + Hypromellose, you are providing your eyes with the necessary moisture to combat these drying effects and maintain a healthy ocular surface. This can significantly improve your daily comfort and prevent further irritation or damage to your eyes.

It’s important to understand that while these drops provide relief, they are part of a broader approach to managing dry eye. If your symptoms are severe or persistent, it’s always best to consult with an eye care professional at Pristine Eye Hospitals to get a comprehensive diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. However, for everyday dryness and discomfort, Dextran 70 + Hypromellose offers a readily available and effective solution.

How it works

Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops work as a classic two-polymer artificial tear solution. This means they contain two main ingredients that work together to mimic the natural tears your eyes produce.

Hypromellose (also known as HPMC) is a lubricating agent that helps to thicken the eye drop solution slightly. This allows the drops to stay on the surface of your eye for a longer period, providing extended lubrication and moisture. It forms a protective, soothing film over the eye, which helps to reduce friction and irritation.

Dextran 70 is another polymer that works in conjunction with hypromellose. It helps to maintain the osmotic balance on the surface of your eye, which is important for the health of your eye cells. Together, these two ingredients create a tear film that is similar in composition and function to your natural tears, effectively hydrating and protecting the ocular surface.

By forming this stable and lubricating layer, Dextran 70 + Hypromellose helps to:

Replenish moisture: It adds essential hydration to dry eyes.
Reduce friction: It creates a smooth surface, preventing irritation when you blink.
Protect the eye: It acts as a barrier against environmental irritants like dust and wind.
Soothe discomfort: It alleviates burning, stinging, and grittiness associated with dry eyes.

Essentially, these drops provide a comforting and protective layer that helps your eyes feel more comfortable and function better, especially when your natural tear production is insufficient or compromised. This mechanism ensures that your eyes receive consistent moisture and protection throughout the day, improving your overall eye comfort and health.

How it’s used

Using Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops is straightforward, and consistent application is key to getting the most benefit. The typical dosing recommendation is to apply 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 4 to 6 times a day. Your eye doctor at Pristine Eye Hospitals might give you specific instructions, so always follow their advice.

Here’s a general guide on how to correctly instil eye drops:

Wash Your Hands: Always start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing germs into your eyes.
Prepare the Bottle: Gently shake the bottle if instructed, and remove the cap. Make sure the dropper tip does not touch any surface to keep it sterile.
Position Yourself: Tilt your head back slightly, or lie down.
Create a Pouch: Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pouch.
Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle upside down with the other hand, directly over your eye. Look upwards and squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pouch you created.
Close Your Eye: After instilling the drop, gently close your eye for a minute or two. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eyes shut, as this can push the medicine out.
Apply Pressure (Optional): You can gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for a minute. This helps prevent the medicine from draining into your tear duct and keeps it in your eye.
Wipe Excess: Gently blot any excess liquid around your eye with a clean tissue.
Replace the Cap: Put the cap back on the bottle immediately after use to keep the dropper tip clean.

If you are using other eye medicines, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different drops to allow each medication to be absorbed properly. Always apply eye drops before eye ointments.

Remember, consistency is important. Try to use your drops at regular intervals throughout the day as advised by your doctor to maintain continuous lubrication and comfort for your eyes. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, but do not double the dose to catch up.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Tears Naturale II and similar

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

Dextran 70 + Hypromellose is a long-established lubricant formula and is generally very safe for use. It is available over-the-counter, meaning you don’t need a prescription to purchase it. However, it’s crucial to understand that while these drops provide relief, they are not a substitute for a professional eye examination.

Here are some important precautions and things to keep in mind:

When to See an Eye Doctor: If you experience persistent redness, pain, discharge from your eye, or blurred vision that lasts for more than a day or two, you should stop using the drops and see an eye doctor immediately. Continuing to use the drops without professional advice in such cases might mask a more serious underlying condition.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, if you notice 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 the drops, seek immediate medical attention.
Contamination: To prevent contamination, do not touch the tip of the dropper bottle to any surface, including your eye. Always replace the cap tightly after use.
Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, consult your eye doctor about whether you should remove them before using these drops and how long to wait before reinserting them. Some eye drops can interact with contact lens materials.
Storage: Store the eye drops as instructed on the packaging, usually at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Keep it out of reach of children.
Expiration: Do not use the eye drops after the expiry date printed on the bottle or carton. Also, discard the bottle after the recommended period (usually 28 days) once opened, even if there is still solution left, to prevent contamination.
Driving and Operating Machinery: Occasionally, eye drops might cause temporary blurred vision right after application. If this happens, wait until your vision clears before driving or operating machinery.

These drops are designed to provide comfort and protection, but they are not a cure for all eye conditions. Regular eye check-ups at Pristine Eye Hospitals are essential to ensure your eyes remain healthy and to address any potential issues early on.

Understanding Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Protection

Dry eye is a very common condition that affects millions of people, especially in India where environmental factors like dust, pollution, and air conditioning can exacerbate symptoms. It occurs 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, comfortable, and clear. They lubricate the eye, wash away foreign particles, and contain enzymes that protect against infection. When your eyes are dry, you might experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as a stinging or burning sensation, a gritty feeling as if something is in your eye, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or even watery eyes (which is your body’s attempt to compensate for the dryness).

The ocular surface refers to the delicate outer layer of your eye, including the cornea (the clear front window of your eye) and the conjunctiva (the membrane lining the inside of your eyelids and covering the white part of your eye). Maintaining a healthy ocular surface is crucial for clear vision and overall eye comfort. Dry eye can lead to damage to this surface if left untreated, making it more susceptible to irritation and infection. Medicines like Dextran 70 + Hypromellose play a vital role in providing the necessary lubrication and protection to keep this surface healthy and comfortable, helping to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.

Many factors can contribute to dry eye, including prolonged screen time (which reduces blinking), aging, hormonal changes (especially in women), certain medications (like antihistamines or decongestants), autoimmune diseases, and environmental conditions such as wind, smoke, or dry climates. Understanding these triggers can help you manage your condition more effectively alongside using your eye drops.

Proper Eye Drop Application and Hygiene

Correctly applying eye drops is crucial for their effectiveness and to prevent contamination. Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the eye drop bottle. This is the most important step to prevent introducing germs into your eyes. When opening the bottle, be careful not to touch the dropper tip to any surface, including your fingers, eyelids, or eyelashes. The tip is designed to remain sterile, and any contact can introduce bacteria into the solution, potentially leading to eye infections.

After instilling the drop, gently close your eye for a minute or two. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eyes tightly, as this can push the medicine out of your eye before it has a chance to be absorbed. Some people find it helpful to gently press their finger against the inner corner of their eye (near the nose) for a minute after applying the drops. This technique, called punctal occlusion, helps to block the tear duct temporarily, keeping the medicine in your eye for longer and maximizing its effect. Always replace the cap on the bottle immediately after use to maintain sterility and prevent the solution from drying out. If you are using multiple types of eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between each application to ensure each medicine has enough time to work properly without being washed away by the next drop.

When to Seek Professional Help and General Eye Care

While Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops are excellent for managing common dry eye symptoms and are available without a prescription, it’s important to remember that they are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. If your symptoms of redness, pain, discharge, or blurred vision persist for more than a day or two, or if they worsen, it’s crucial to stop using the drops and consult an eye doctor at Pristine Eye Hospitals. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying eye condition that requires specific medical attention beyond simple lubrication.

Regular eye check-ups are vital for maintaining good eye health, even if you don’t experience any noticeable problems. Many eye conditions, including some that can cause dry eye, develop silently and can be detected early by an eye care professional. Your doctor can provide a proper diagnosis, rule out other conditions, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, adopting good general eye care habits can significantly contribute to your eye health. This includes taking regular breaks from screens (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), ensuring adequate hydration by drinking enough water, protecting your eyes from harsh environmental elements like strong wind and sun with sunglasses, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in eye-healthy nutrients. At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we are committed to providing comprehensive eye care and guiding you towards optimal eye health.

Frequently asked questions

What are Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops used for?

Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops are used to relieve the symptoms of dry eye and to provide protection for the surface of your eyes. They help to lubricate and moisturize your eyes when they feel dry, gritty, or irritated.

How do Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops work?

These eye drops work as an artificial tear solution. They contain two main ingredients, Dextran 70 and Hypromellose, which together mimic your natural tears. They form a protective and lubricating film over the surface of your eye, helping to keep it moist and comfortable, and reducing friction and irritation.

What are some common Indian brands for Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops?

Some common brands for Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops in India include Tears Naturale II and similar formulations.

How should I use Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops?

The typical dosing is 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 4 to 6 times a day. Always wash your hands before use, avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface, and gently close your eye for a minute or two after instilling the drop. Follow your doctor's specific instructions.

Do I need a prescription for Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops?

No, Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops are available over-the-counter, meaning you do not need a prescription to purchase them.

What precautions should I take when using Dextran 70 + Hypromellose eye drops?

While generally safe, if you experience persistent redness, pain, discharge, or blurred vision for more than a day or two, stop using the drops and see an eye doctor. Do not touch the dropper tip to prevent contamination, and always replace the cap after use. Consult your doctor if you wear contact lenses.

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.