Glycerin ophthalmic (Blink, Clear Eyes, and others) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use glycerin ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use glycerin ophthalmic.

• Blink
• Clear Eyes Advanced
• Clear Eyes Nighttime
• Glycerin ophthalmic
• Oasis Tears
• Optase
• Optimel
• Regener-Eyes
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific glycerin ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about glycerin ophthalmic before using it?

There are multiple glycerin ophthalmic products available. Follow the instructions that come with your product or use it as your health care provider recommends. Do not use it more often or for longer than recommended.

Glycerin ophthalmic is an eye drop and is only meant for use in the eye. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly use eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Keep glycerin ophthalmic out of the reach of children. Since some forms of this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

If you wear contact lenses, read the package label to see if you need to take them out before using glycerin ophthalmic. Some glycerin ophthalmic products may have ingredients that should not be used while you are wearing contact lenses. If you need to remove your contact lenses before using glycerin ophthalmic, you can generally put them back in about 10 minutes after using the eye drops. If you have any concerns or questions, talk with your health care provider. 

Look at the liquid inside the bottle before using glycerin ophthalmic. You should not use it if it seems cloudy or has changed color. 

Eye infections may occur if your eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent infections, do not share eye drops with other people and be careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface. Wash your hands before each use.

Stop using glycerin ophthalmic and contact your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Changes in your vision
• Eye pain
• Eye redness or irritation that does not get better within 72 hours (3 days)
• Eye redness or irritation that gets worse instead of better

What should I tell my health care provider before using glycerin ophthalmic?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if glycerin ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Glaucoma. Check with your health care provider if you have narrow-angle glaucoma (also called angle-closure glaucoma) before using glycerin ophthalmic.

Allergies. If you have any allergies, read your glycerin ophthalmic package label carefully. Some products may have ingredients that you are allergic to. If you are not sure which product is safe for you to use, check with your pharmacist. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how glycerin ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use glycerin ophthalmic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if glycerin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use glycerin ophthalmic while breastfeeding.