Trehalose + Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Trehalose + Sodium Hyaluronate is an eye drop used to treat moderate dry eye by providing osmoprotection and lubrication.

Drug class	Combination Lubricant
Type	Combination
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	3% + 0.15%
Common Indian brands	Thealoz Duo and regional brands
Prescription status	Over-the-counter / Prescription

What Trehalose + Sodium Hyaluronate is used for

Trehalose + Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops are primarily used to relieve the symptoms of moderate dry eye. Dry eye is a common condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and vision problems.

Moderate dry eye

How it works

This medicine works through a dual mechanism to provide relief for dry eyes. Trehalose acts as an ‘osmoprotectant’. This means it helps protect the cells on the surface of your eye from stress and dehydration, which are common issues in dry eye. It helps the cells maintain their natural balance and function. Sodium Hyaluronate, on the other hand, is a natural substance found in the body that has excellent water-binding properties. When applied to the eye, it forms a stable and long-lasting lubricating film over the eye’s surface. This film helps to keep the eye moist, reduce friction, and provide comfort, mimicking the natural tear film. Together, these two ingredients work synergistically to protect the eye’s surface and keep it well-lubricated, offering comprehensive relief for moderate dry eye symptoms.

How it’s used

For most patients, the recommended dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) three to four times a day. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions or the directions on the packaging carefully. Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying eye drops. Tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and then squeeze the bottle to release a single drop into this pocket. Try not to touch your eye or eyelid with the tip of the dropper to prevent contamination. Close your eye gently for a moment to allow the drop to spread across the eye’s surface. If you are using other eye medications, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different drops.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Thealoz Duo and regional brands

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 Trehalose + Sodium Hyaluronate is a popular and generally well-tolerated combination for dry eye, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions:

This medicine is available without a prescription, but it is crucial to understand that using these drops is not a substitute for a proper eye examination by an ophthalmologist.
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 consult an eye doctor immediately. Do not continue self-treating with the drops.
Always ensure the dropper tip does not touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface to prevent contamination of the solution.
Do not share your eye drops with anyone else.
If you wear contact lenses, consult your eye doctor about when and how to use these drops in conjunction with your lenses. Some eye drops may not be suitable for use while contact lenses are in.
Store the eye drops as directed on the packaging, typically at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.
Check the expiry date on the bottle and discard the solution after the recommended period (usually 28 days after opening, even if some solution remains) to prevent infection.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye is a very common condition that affects millions of people, especially in countries like India where environmental factors like dust, pollution, and air conditioning can contribute to its development. It happens 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 healthy, comfortable, and for clear vision. They wash away foreign particles, protect against infection, and provide nutrients to the front surface of your eye. When your eyes are dry, you might experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms. These can include a stinging or burning sensation, a feeling like there’s something gritty or sandy in your eye, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision that comes and goes, or even watery eyes (which is the eye’s response to irritation). Many factors can contribute to dry eye, such as prolonged screen time, aging, certain medications, medical conditions, environmental factors, and contact lens wear. Identifying and managing these factors, along with using appropriate eye drops, is key to finding relief.

Correctly Using Eye Drops for Optimal Benefit

Using eye drops correctly is vital to ensure they work effectively and to prevent any potential complications. Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing germs into your eye. Before opening the bottle, give it a gentle shake if instructed on the packaging. Tilt your head back slightly or lie down. With one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket. Hold the dropper bottle directly above your eye, being careful not to let the tip touch your eye, eyelid, or eyelashes, as this can contaminate the solution. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pocket you created. Close your eye gently and keep it closed for about one to two minutes. This allows the medicine to spread across the eye’s surface and be absorbed properly. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eyes shut tightly, as this can push the medicine out. If you need to apply more than one drop, or if you are using different types of eye drops, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between applications to allow each drop to be absorbed and prevent one drop from washing out the other. Always replace the cap tightly after use.

General Eye Care, Hygiene, and When to Seek Help

Maintaining good eye hygiene and storage practices is crucial for your eye health. Always store your eye drops as instructed on the packaging, typically at room temperature and away from direct sunlight or extreme heat. Never use eye drops past their expiry date. Most eye drop bottles, once opened, should be discarded after 28 days, even if there is still solution left. This is because the preservative system in the drops becomes less effective over time, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination and eye infection. Always check the specific instructions on your bottle. To further protect your eyes, avoid rubbing them, especially with unwashed hands. If you wear contact lenses, always follow your eye care professional’s advice on cleaning, storage, and wear schedule. Be mindful of your environment; using a humidifier in dry climates or taking breaks from screen time can help alleviate dry eye symptoms. While Trehalose + Sodium Hyaluronate drops can provide significant relief for moderate dry eye, it’s important to know when to seek professional medical advice. If your symptoms worsen, if you experience new symptoms like severe pain, persistent redness, discharge, sudden changes in vision, or if your dry eye doesn’t improve after a few days of using the drops, it’s essential to consult an eye doctor at Pristine Eye Hospitals. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires specific diagnosis and treatment beyond over-the-counter drops. Regular eye check-ups are also important for maintaining overall eye health and detecting any issues early.

Frequently asked questions

What is Trehalose + Sodium Hyaluronate used for?

Trehalose + Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops are used to treat moderate dry eye, a condition where your eyes don't produce enough tears or tears evaporate too quickly, causing discomfort.

How does Trehalose + Sodium Hyaluronate work?

This medicine works in two ways: Trehalose protects the cells on the surface of your eye from dehydration (osmoprotection), and Sodium Hyaluronate binds water to lubricate the eye, keeping it moist and comfortable.

What are the common Indian brands for this medicine?

The common brands for this combination include Thealoz Duo and other regional brands available in India.

How should I use Trehalose + Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops?

Typically, you should apply one drop into the affected eye(s) three to four times a day. Always wash your hands before use and avoid touching your eye with the dropper tip. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do I need a prescription for Trehalose + Sodium Hyaluronate?

These eye drops are available over-the-counter (without a prescription) as well as by prescription. However, it is always advisable to consult an eye doctor for proper diagnosis and guidance.

What are the key precautions I should take when using these eye drops?

Even though it's available without a prescription, it's 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 see an eye doctor immediately. Do not continue self-treating.

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.