Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops are used to treat various dry eye conditions and help heal the surface of your eye.

Drug class	Artificial Tear
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.1% / 0.15% / 0.18% / 0.3%
Common Indian brands	Multiple Indian brands (preserved and preservative-free)
Prescription status	Over-the-counter / Prescription

What Sodium Hyaluronate is used for

Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops are a type of artificial tear that helps to lubricate and protect the surface of your eyes. They are commonly used for:

Moderate to severe dry eye
Dryness experienced after LASIK surgery
To assist in the healing of the corneal surface cells (corneal epithelial healing)
Managing dry eyes associated with Sjogren’s syndrome

These drops are a good option when other types of artificial tears, like those containing cellulose (CMC/HPMC), might not be providing enough relief.

How it works

Sodium Hyaluronate is a special molecule that has a remarkable ability to hold onto many times its own weight in water. When you put these drops in your eye, this property helps to form a stable, lubricating film over the surface of your eye. This film keeps your eyes moist and comfortable for longer periods. Additionally, Sodium Hyaluronate also plays a role in promoting the healing of the delicate surface cells of your cornea, which is the clear front part of your eye.

How it’s used

Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops are typically used by instilling one drop into the affected eye(s) 3 to 6 times a day, or as advised by your eye doctor. It’s important to follow the specific instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist for the best results.

To put in eye drops correctly:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the eye drop bottle.
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
Hold the dropper bottle upside down with the tip pointing towards your eye. Try not to touch your eye or eyelid with the tip of the bottle to prevent contamination.
Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket you created.
Close your eye gently for a minute or two, without squeezing or blinking excessively, to allow the drop to spread across the eye surface.
If you need to use more than one drop in the same eye, or if you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different drops to allow each medication to be absorbed properly.
Replace the cap tightly on the bottle immediately after use.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Multiple Indian brands (preserved and preservative-free)

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 Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops are generally safe and well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of some points:

These drops offer better water retention compared to some other artificial tears (like cellulose drops), making them a good choice if simpler drops haven’t been sufficient. They also help in the healing of the eye’s surface.
Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops are available both over-the-counter and with a prescription. However, even though you can buy them without a prescription, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination by 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, it is crucial to stop using the drops and consult an eye doctor immediately. Do not continue self-treating with eye drops in such situations, as these symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying eye condition.
Always check the expiry date on the bottle and do not use drops past this date.
If you wear contact lenses, consult your eye doctor about whether you should remove your lenses before using the drops and how long to wait before reinserting them. Some formulations may be safe with contact lenses, while others may not.

Understanding Dry Eye and Its Management

Dry eye is a very common condition in India, affecting many people due to various reasons like environmental factors, prolonged screen time, certain medical conditions, or even natural aging. It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears they do produce evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for keeping your eyes moist, comfortable, and protected from dust and infections. When your eyes are dry, you might experience symptoms like a gritty or sandy sensation, burning, stinging, redness, blurred vision, or even watery eyes (as your eyes try to compensate for the dryness). Managing dry eye is crucial not just for comfort, but also to protect the delicate surface of your eye from damage.

Artificial tears, like Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops, are often the first line of treatment for dry eye. They work by supplementing your natural tears, providing lubrication and moisture to the eye’s surface. Sodium Hyaluronate is particularly effective because of its ability to hold a lot of water, which means it can provide longer-lasting relief and also help in the healing process of the eye’s surface cells. For moderate to severe dry eye, or when simpler drops are not enough, Sodium Hyaluronate is often recommended as a step-up treatment.

Correct Use, Hygiene, and Storage of Eye Drops

Proper technique when using eye drops is vital to ensure the medicine works effectively and to prevent contamination and potential eye infections. Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. When applying the drops, avoid touching the tip of the dropper bottle to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface. This prevents germs from entering the bottle and contaminating the solution. After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for a minute or two to allow the medication to spread and be absorbed. Do not squeeze your eyes shut or blink excessively, as this can push the drop out of your eye.

For hygiene, never share your eye drops with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms. Each bottle is meant for single-person use. Store your eye drops as directed on the packaging, usually at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Always keep the cap tightly closed when not in use. Once opened, eye drop bottles have a limited shelf life, typically one month, even if there is still medicine left. This is because once opened, the solution can become contaminated. Always check the expiry date on the bottle and discard any opened bottle after the recommended period, or if the solution changes colour or becomes cloudy.

When to Seek Professional Help

While Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops can provide significant relief for dry eye symptoms, it’s important to remember that they are a treatment for symptoms, not a cure for the underlying cause of dry eye. If your dry eye symptoms persist, worsen, or if you develop new symptoms such as severe eye pain, persistent redness, discharge from the eye, or a sudden change in your vision, it is crucial to consult an eye doctor at Pristine Eye Hospitals immediately. These symptoms could indicate a more serious eye condition that requires professional diagnosis and treatment. Even if you are using over-the-counter drops, regular eye check-ups are important to monitor your eye health and ensure that your dry eye is being managed effectively. Your eye doctor can help identify the cause of your dry eye and recommend the most appropriate and comprehensive treatment plan for you.

Frequently asked questions

What are Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops used for?

Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops are used to treat various dry eye conditions, including moderate to severe dry eye, dryness after LASIK surgery, and dry eyes associated with Sjogren's syndrome. They also help in the healing of the eye's surface cells.

How do Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops work?

Sodium Hyaluronate works by holding a large amount of water, which helps to keep the surface of your eye moist and lubricated for longer. It also aids in the healing process of the corneal surface cells.

What are some common Indian brands of Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops?

Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops are available under multiple Indian brands, including both preserved and preservative-free formulations. Your eye doctor or pharmacist can recommend a suitable brand for you.

How should I use Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops?

Typically, you should instill one drop into the affected eye(s) 3 to 6 times a day, or as directed by your eye doctor. Always wash your hands before use and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye.

Do I need a prescription for Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops?

Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops are available both over-the-counter and with a prescription. However, it is always advisable to consult an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and guidance on their use.

What precautions should I take when using these 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 consult an eye doctor immediately. These drops are not a substitute for an 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.