Celluvisc

Lubricating eye drops that add moisture to your eyes to relieve discomfort are also called artificial tears. Celluvisc eye drops contain the active ingredient carmellose sodium (carboxymethyl cellulose), an eye lubricant that increases the tear lipid layer thickness. It prevents the surface of the eye from drying out and reduces dry eye symptoms. Celluvisc eye drops are preservative free to reduce the risk of eye irritation.Celluvisc is a preservative-free tear substitute. The eye drops come in unit dose vials for single use only. Celluvisc supplements naturally produced tears and provide soothing relief from the symptoms of dry eyes, such as itching, blurred vision and grittiness.

Lubricating eye drops that add moisture to your eyes to relieve discomfort are also called artificial tears. Celluvisc eye drops contain the active ingredient carmellose sodium (carboxymethyl cellulose), an eye lubricant that increases the tear lipid layer thickness. It prevents the surface of the eye from drying out and reduces dry eye symptoms. Celluvisc eye drops are preservative free to reduce the risk of eye irritation.

Artificial tears are used to treat the symptoms of dry eyes. The eye has a natural protective moisture layer that protects against dryness and damage. Some people do not produce enough tears to keep the eye wet or produce poor-quality tears. This causes the surface of the eye to dry out, which can lead to the following symptoms:

• Itching in the eyes;
• A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in the eyes;
• Sensation of pressure or tightness behind the eyes;
• Sensitivity to light (e.g. being temporarily blinded by vehicle headlights);
• Blurred vision;
• Watery eyes;
• Damage to the cornea, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea).

Dry eyes can be caused by various factors, including:

• Drying atmospheric conditions (e.g. air conditioning or central heating);
• Not blinking sufficiently (e.g. due to computer use);
• Sjogren’s syndrome, menopause or other conditions that cause mucous membranes to dry up;
• Use of certain medicines which can cause dry eyes as a side effect;
• Ageing;
• Use of contact lenses;
• Eye problems such as chronic inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis).

Lubricating eye drops supplement naturally produced tears, providing soothing relief from the symptoms of dry eyes. Celluvisc eye drops do not cure dry eyes, but mimic the effects of natural tears to relieve discomfort.

Eye drops in multi-dose bottles with a long shelf life contain preservatives, and can cause eye irritation in people who are hypersensitive to preservatives. Celluvisc single-dose units (SDUs) are preservative-free and can be used by people with sensitive eyes.

Always use Celluvisc eye drops as directed by a doctor and wash your hands before using the eye drops. Celluvisc eye drops come in strips of sterile single-dose units. They do not contain preservatives, and therefore each unit is for single use only.

1. Gently tear one vial from the strip and remove the cap;
2. Do not let the tip of the vial touch anything, including your eyes, to help prevent contamination;
3. Stand in front of a mirror and tilt your head backwards;
4. Gently pull the lower lid of your eye out with one hand to form a pocket;
5. With the other hand, release one or more drops in the pocket by squeezing the unit. Do not let the tip touch your eye;
6. Repeat the procedure for your other eye;
7. Blink a few times;
8. Throw away the dose unit immediately after use, even if there is some medicine left in it.

The Celluvisc eye drops cling to the surface of the eye and provide three to four hours of relief. If dry eyes have caused damage to the cornea, it may take several days for eye irritation to diminish. The artificial tears are suitable for long-term use. See the package leaflet for more information on the use of Celluvisc eye drops.

Each single-dose unit contains 0.4 ml of Celluvisc eye drop solution. The solution contains 10 mg carmellose sodium per ml. Always use Celluvisc eye drops exactly as instructed by your doctor. The general guidelines for use for adults are one to two drops in each eye as needed. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children, so you should consult a doctor before giving a child the eye drops. You should also consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse. Read the package leaflet before use.

Like all medicines, Celluvisc eye drops may cause side effects, although they are generally well tolerated. Some people experience mild stinging or temporary blurred vision after putting the drops in. Both of these symptoms usually go away after a few minutes. Consult a doctor if they are persistent or if you experience side effects that are not listed on the package leaflet. For more information on side effects, see the package leaflet.

Do not use Celluvisc eye drops if:

• You are allergic to carmellose sodium or any other ingredient in this medicine (see the package - leaflet for a full list of ingredients);
• You are wearing contact lenses. Contact lenses should be removed when using this medicine;
• If you are uncertain about whether Celluvisc eye drops are suitable for you, consult a doctor before use.

If you are using other eye medication such as eye drops or eye ointments, the following advice applies:

• Administer the other eye medication first;
• Wait at least 15 minutes after applying the last eye medication before administering the Celluvisc eye drops;
• Always use Celluvisc eye drops last;
• If in doubt, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Celluvisc eye drops without a preservative are available at regular and online pharmacies.

Celluvisc is only available on prescription. You can get a prescription after a consultation (or online consultation) with a doctor.

Celluvisc package leaflet. (2020, April). Medicines Database. Consulted on 3 July 2020 onhttps://db.cbg-meb.nl/Bijsluiters/h18218.pdf

Royal Dutch Pharmaceutical Society. (2019, 19 December). Celluvisc. Apotheek.nl. Consulted on 3 July 2020 on https://www.apotheek.nl/medicijnen/kunsttranen-zonder-conserveermiddel?product=celluvisc#!

Oogartsen.nl. (n.d.). Dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Sjogren’s syndrome). Consulted on 3 July 2020 on https://www.oogartsen.nl/oogartsen/overige_oogziekten/droge_ogen/

Dutch National Health Care Institute. (n.d.). Carboxymethyl cellulose. FK Online. Consulted on 3 July 2020 on https://www.farmacotherapeutischkompas.nl/bladeren/preparaatteksten/c/carboxymethylcellulose#