Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin is an eye ointment used to lubricate and protect the eyes, especially in conditions causing severe dry eye or incomplete eyelid closure.
| Drug class | Lubricant Ointment |
|---|---|
| Type | Combination |
| Forms | Eye Ointment |
| Common strength | Varies |
| Common Indian brands | Lubrifresh, Lacri-Lube (multiple generics) |
| Prescription status | Over-the-counter |
What Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin is used for
Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin is a lubricating eye ointment primarily used to treat and manage various conditions that lead to severe dry eyes or prevent the eyelids from closing completely. It acts as a protective barrier for the surface of your eye.
- Severe Dry Eye: When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, irritation, and a gritty sensation.
- Exposure Keratopathy: This occurs when the eye’s surface (cornea) is exposed to the air for too long because the eyelids cannot close properly. Conditions that can cause this include:
- Bell’s Palsy: A condition causing temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face, which can affect eyelid closure.
- Thyroid Eye Disease: An autoimmune condition that can cause the eyes to bulge, making it difficult to close the eyelids fully.
- ICU Patients: Patients in intensive care units, especially those who are unconscious or sedated, may not blink or close their eyes adequately, leading to corneal exposure.
- Nocturnal Lagophthalmos: This is a condition where your eyelids do not close completely during sleep, leaving a portion of your eye exposed overnight.
How it works
Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin works by forming a thick, greasy layer over the surface of your eye. This protective layer acts like an artificial tear film, preventing moisture from evaporating and shielding the cornea (the clear front part of your eye) from exposure to air and irritants. Because it is an ointment, it stays on the eye for a longer duration compared to eye drops, making it particularly effective for overnight protection when the eye may not close fully or when prolonged lubrication is needed.
How it’s used
This eye ointment is typically applied at bedtime. The thick, greasy nature of the ointment means it will significantly blur your vision, so it is not suitable for use during the day when clear vision is required. Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying the ointment. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and then squeeze a small amount (a rice-grain size) of the ointment into this pocket. Close your eye gently for a moment to allow the ointment to spread. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Lubrifresh
- Lacri-Lube (multiple generics)
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 Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin is generally safe and effective, there are a few important precautions to keep in mind:
- Blurred Vision: This ointment will blur your vision significantly after application. For this reason, it is strictly recommended for night use only, just before you go to sleep. Do not use it if you need to perform activities requiring clear vision, such as driving or operating machinery.
- Corneal Ulcers: For patients with facial palsy or those who are unconscious, this ointment is essential for preventing serious complications like corneal ulcers, which can occur due to prolonged exposure of the eye. Regular application as advised by your doctor is crucial in these cases.
- Eye Examination: Although this medicine is available without a prescription, it is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination by an eye doctor. If you experience persistent redness, pain, discharge, or blurred vision for more than a day or two, please consult an ophthalmologist immediately. Do not continue self-medicating.
- Contamination: Always ensure your hands are clean before application. Do not let the tip of the ointment tube touch your eye or any other surface to prevent introducing germs into the ointment.
- Storage: Store the ointment as directed on the packaging, usually in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Understanding Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Conditions
Our eyes are constantly working, and to function properly, they need to stay moist and lubricated. This is achieved by a thin layer of tears that covers the surface of the eye, known as the tear film. The tear film is crucial for clear vision, washing away debris, and protecting the eye from infections. When this tear film is insufficient or unstable, it leads to a condition called dry eye. Symptoms of dry eye can include a gritty feeling, burning, stinging, redness, sensitivity to light, and sometimes even watery eyes (as a reflex to irritation).
Beyond typical dry eye, certain conditions can prevent your eyelids from closing fully, either during the day or while you sleep. This is known as lagophthalmos. When the eyelids don’t close, the delicate front surface of your eye (the cornea) is exposed to the air. This constant exposure can lead to severe dryness, irritation, and in serious cases, can even cause damage to the cornea, potentially leading to infections or ulcers. Conditions like Bell’s palsy, where facial muscles are temporarily weakened, or thyroid eye disease, which can cause the eyes to bulge, are examples where such exposure can occur. For patients who are unconscious or critically ill in an ICU, blinking may be reduced or absent, also leading to corneal exposure. In these situations, protective eye ointments like Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin become vital to safeguard the eye’s health.
Correctly Applying Eye Ointment
Applying eye ointment correctly is crucial for its effectiveness and to prevent contamination. Always begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the ointment unless specifically advised otherwise by your eye doctor. To apply, gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube above your eye, without letting the tip touch your eye or eyelashes. Squeeze a small amount of ointment, about the size of a grain of rice, into the pocket you’ve created. After applying, close your eye gently for a minute or two to allow the ointment to spread evenly across the eye’s surface. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Since this particular ointment causes significant blurring, it is best applied just before going to bed. Always replace the cap tightly after use.
General Eye Care, Hygiene, and When to Seek Help
Maintaining good eye hygiene is paramount for overall eye health. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes or applying any eye medication. Avoid sharing eye drops or ointments with others, as this can spread infections. Store your eye ointment according to the instructions on the packaging, typically in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Check the expiry date and discard any opened tubes after the recommended period (usually 28 days) to prevent contamination.
While lubricating eye ointments can provide significant relief for dry eyes and related conditions, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you experience persistent eye discomfort, redness, pain, discharge, or a worsening of your vision, it is crucial to consult an eye doctor. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires specific treatment. Even though Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin is available over-the-counter, it’s always best to have your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist to ensure proper diagnosis and management of your eye condition. Early intervention can prevent potential complications and preserve your vision.
Frequently asked questions
What is Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin used for?
Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin is an eye ointment used to treat severe dry eye, exposure keratopathy (which can occur with conditions like Bell's palsy, thyroid eye disease, or in ICU patients), and nocturnal lagophthalmos (when eyelids don't close fully during sleep).
How does Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin work?
It works by forming a thick, greasy protective layer over the surface of your eye. This layer helps to lubricate the eye, prevent moisture evaporation, and shield the cornea, especially overnight when the eye might not close completely.
What are the common brands of Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin in India?
Some common brands in India include Lubrifresh and Lacri-Lube, along with multiple generic versions.
How should I use Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin eye ointment?
It should be applied at bedtime. Wash your hands, pull down your lower eyelid, and squeeze a small amount (rice-grain size) into the pocket. Close your eye gently. It will blur your vision significantly, so it's only for night use.
Do I need a prescription for Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin?
No, Liquid Paraffin + White Soft Paraffin is available over-the-counter without a prescription.
What precautions should I take when using this eye ointment?
The most important precaution is that it blurs vision significantly, so it must only be used at night. It is essential for preventing corneal ulcers in patients with facial palsy or unconscious patients. While available without prescription, it's 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.
References
- Dry Eye – National Eye Institute
- What Is Dry Eye? – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
- StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
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.