Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol is an artificial tear eye drop used to relieve the symptoms of dry eye disease, evaporative dry eye, and discomfort caused by contact lenses.
| Drug class | Artificial Tear (Glycol) |
|---|---|
| Type | Combination |
| Forms | Eye Drop |
| Common strength | 0.4% + 0.3% |
| Common Indian brands | Systane, Systane Ultra |
| Prescription status | Over-the-counter |
What Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol is used for
Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol eye drops are primarily used to provide relief from various forms of dry eye conditions. These conditions can cause discomfort, irritation, and a feeling of grittiness in the eyes.
- Dry Eye Disease: This is a common condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness and irritation.
- Evaporative Dry Eye: A specific type of dry eye where the tears evaporate too quickly from the surface of the eye, often due to issues with the oil layer of the tear film.
- Contact Lens Discomfort: Many contact lens wearers experience dryness and irritation. These drops can help lubricate the eyes and make wearing contact lenses more comfortable.
By lubricating and moistening the eye surface, these drops help alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms associated with these conditions.
How it works
Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol works by forming a protective, gel-like matrix on the surface of your eye when it comes into contact with your natural tears. This special matrix helps to lubricate the eye, reduce friction, and keep the eye moist for a longer period. Essentially, it acts like an artificial tear film, replenishing moisture and providing a soothing layer that protects the eye from further irritation and dryness.
How it’s used
Using Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol eye drops is straightforward. The typical dosing involves instilling 1 drop into the affected eye(s) as needed, usually 2 to 4 times a day. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to get the best relief.
Here’s a general guide on how to correctly instil eye drops:
- Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the eye drop bottle.
- Check the Bottle: Make sure the dropper tip is clean and not damaged. Do not let the tip touch any surface, including your eye or fingers, to prevent contamination.
- Tilt Your Head Back: Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pocket.
- Instil the Drop: Hold the bottle upside down with your other hand, positioning the dropper tip directly above your eye. Look upwards and gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket you created.
- Close Your Eye: Close your eye gently for a minute or two. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eye shut, as this can push the medicine out.
- Wipe Excess: If any liquid runs down your cheek, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue.
- Replace Cap: Immediately replace the cap on the bottle after use to keep the medicine sterile.
If you are using other eye medicines, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different types of eye drops to allow each medicine to be absorbed properly.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Systane
- Systane Ultra
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
Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol eye drops are very widely used and generally well tolerated by most patients. They are known for providing long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
While these drops are available without a prescription, it is important to understand that using them is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination by an eye doctor. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to see an eye doctor rather than continuing to use the drops on your own:
- Persistent Redness: If your eye redness does not improve or worsens.
- Pain: If you experience eye pain that continues or becomes more severe.
- Discharge: If you notice any unusual discharge from your eyes.
- Blurred Vision: If your vision becomes blurred and does not clear up.
These symptoms, if they persist for more than a day or two, could indicate a more serious underlying eye condition that requires professional medical attention. Always consult your eye doctor if you have any concerns or if your symptoms do not improve.
Understanding Dry Eye Conditions
Dry eye is a very common eye condition that affects millions of people in India and worldwide. It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you do produce are not of the right quality and evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for keeping your eyes moist, healthy, and comfortable. They wash away foreign particles, protect against infections, and help to keep your vision clear.
When you have dry eyes, you might experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms. These can include a stinging or burning sensation, a feeling of grittiness or like something is in your eye, redness, light sensitivity, and sometimes even watery eyes (as your eyes try to compensate for the dryness). Factors like prolonged screen time, air conditioning, wind, smoke, certain medications, aging, and underlying medical conditions can contribute to dry eye. Using artificial tears like Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol helps to replenish the moisture on your eye surface, providing much-needed relief and comfort.
Correct Use and Hygiene for Eye Drops
Proper technique and hygiene are crucial when using any eye drops to ensure effectiveness and prevent infection. Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you touch your eyes or the eye drop bottle. This is the most important step to prevent introducing germs into your eyes. When applying the drops, avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface. This prevents contamination of the solution. After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for a minute or two to allow the medicine to spread and be absorbed properly. Do not rub your eyes immediately after applying drops. Always replace the cap on the bottle immediately after use to keep the solution sterile. If you notice the dropper tip is damaged or the solution appears cloudy or discoloured, do not use it and consult your pharmacist.
Storage and When to Seek Professional Help
Store your eye drops at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, and always keep them out of reach of children. Check the expiry date on the bottle and discard any expired medication. Once opened, eye drops typically have a limited shelf life (often 28 days, but check the specific product instructions), even if there’s still liquid left. Using drops past their recommended discard date can be unsafe due to potential contamination.
While Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol eye drops offer excellent relief for dry eyes and are widely available, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. If your dry eye symptoms persist, worsen, or if you experience new symptoms such as severe eye pain, significant redness, unusual discharge, or a sudden change in vision, it is vital to consult an eye doctor at Pristine Eye Hospitals. These symptoms could indicate a more serious eye condition that requires specific diagnosis and treatment. Regular eye check-ups are also important for maintaining overall eye health.
Frequently asked questions
What is Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol used for?
Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol eye drops are used to treat dry eye disease, evaporative dry eye, and discomfort caused by contact lenses. They help to lubricate and moisten the eyes, relieving symptoms like irritation and grittiness.
How does Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol work?
This medicine works by forming a protective, gel-like layer on the surface of your eye when it mixes with your natural tears. This layer helps to keep your eyes moist, reduces friction, and provides long-lasting relief from dryness.
What are the common Indian brands for this medicine?
In India, common brands for Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol eye drops include Systane and Systane Ultra.
How should I use Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol eye drops?
You should instil 1 drop into the affected eye(s) as needed, typically 2 to 4 times a day. Always wash your hands before use and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface.
Do I need a prescription to buy Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol eye drops?
No, Polyethylene Glycol 400 + Propylene Glycol eye drops are available over-the-counter, meaning you can purchase them without a prescription.
What precautions should I take while using these eye drops?
While these drops are generally well-tolerated, they are not a substitute for an eye examination. If you experience persistent redness, pain, discharge, or blurred vision for more than a day or two, stop using the drops and consult an eye doctor immediately.
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.