artificial tears


ar·ti·fi·cial tears

mixtures of fluid compounds to substitute for naturally produced t's.

artificial tears

A solution containing 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose or 5% polyvinyl alcohol, used to treat dry eye–xerophthalmia, often associated with Sjögren syndrome, which may also be due to sarcoidosis, senile lacrimal gland atrophy, acute or chronic infectious dacryoadenitis–eg, gonococcal and trachoma or tumors–eg, lymphomas, pseudolymphoma, 1º or metastatic carcinoma

artificial tears

Bland solutions designed to maintain the wetness of the cornea in conditions of abnormal dryness from inadequate tear secretion. Methylcellulose is a common ingredient.