Carboxymethylcellulose 0.5% w/v: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Dry eyes – burning, grittiness, irritation and tiredness from too few tears; Eye strain from long hours on screens, air-conditioned offices or dusty, polluted air.
Listed MRPs range from ₹2.48 to ₹13.22 per ml across 9 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / ml | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops IP 0.5% w/vJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 ml | ₹24.75 | ₹2.48 | 19 October 2026 |
| Eco Tears | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 ml | ₹84.29 | ₹8.43 | 19 October 2026 |
| Optive | Allergan India Pvt Ltd | 10 ml | ₹131.27 | ₹13.13 | 19 October 2026 |
| Tear Drops | Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd | 10 ml | ₹131.28 | ₹13.13 | 19 October 2026 |
| Aqualube | Ajanta Pharma Limited | 10 ml | ₹131.35 | ₹13.13 | 19 October 2026 |
| Refresh Tears | AbbVie Therapeutics India Private Limited | 10 ml | ₹132.12 | ₹13.21 | 19 October 2026 |
| Lubrex | Micro Labs Ltd | 10 ml | ₹132.15 | ₹13.21 | 19 October 2026 |
| Optibex Tear | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 10 ml | ₹132.20 | ₹13.22 | 19 October 2026 |
| Add Tears | Cipla Ltd | 10 ml | ₹132.19 | ₹13.22 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Dry eyes – burning, grittiness, irritation and tiredness from too few tears.
- Eye strain from long hours on screens, air-conditioned offices or dusty, polluted air.
- Dryness after cataract or LASIK surgery, as advised by your eye doctor.
- Comfort for contact-lens wearers (check the bottle says it is lens-compatible).
How to take it
Wash your hands, tilt your head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid and put 1 to 2 drops into the eye, then blink a few times. Use it up to 4 times a day or as often as needed. Do not let the dropper tip touch the eye, lashes or fingers. Vision may blur for a minute after each drop – wait before driving. If you use other eye drops, leave a gap of at least 5 minutes and use the lubricant last. Discard a multi-dose bottle 1 month after opening; single-use vials are used once and thrown away. See an eye doctor if dryness persists beyond a few weeks, or if you have pain, discharge or vision change.
Side effects
Common
- Brief blurred vision after putting the drop.
- Mild stinging or burning.
- Sticky eyelids or crusting.
- Watery eyes.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Eye pain, redness that worsens, or vision changes – stop and see an eye doctor.
- Allergic reaction – swollen, itchy eyelids.
- Infection if a contaminated bottle is used – pus-like discharge.
Safety information
Alcohol
No interaction.
Pregnancy
Safe to use in pregnancy and breastfeeding; it is not absorbed into the body.
Kidney problems
Lubricating eye drops stay in the eye and are not absorbed into the body in any meaningful amount, so kidney disease does not change how you use them.
Liver problems
There is no liver concern with carboxymethylcellulose eye drops – almost nothing reaches the bloodstream. Use them as normal if you have liver disease.
Children
Can be used in children for dry eyes; ask a doctor if a child needs it regularly.
Missed dose
Just use it when you remember. There is no harm in a missed drop.
Interactions
- Other eye drops (antibiotics, glaucoma drops) – wait at least 5 minutes between different drops and use the lubricant last.
- Contact lenses – preservative-containing drops should not be used with lenses in; preservative-free single-dose vials are safe.
- No interactions with tablets or other medicines.
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day can I use Refresh Tears?
Usually 1 to 2 drops up to 4 times a day, or as often as you need for comfort. If you need it more than 4 to 6 times daily for weeks, see an eye doctor to check the cause.
Can I use Refresh Tears with contact lenses?
Preservative-free single-use vials are fine with lenses in. Multi-dose bottles with preservative should be used with lenses out, or wait 15 minutes before putting lenses back.
Refresh Tears vs Optive – what is the difference?
Both contain carboxymethylcellulose 0.5%. Optive adds glycerine and osmoprotectants intended for longer-lasting comfort. For mild dryness either works; your eye doctor may recommend one for more severe dry eye.
Is Refresh Tears safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Lubricating eye drops act only on the eye surface and are not absorbed into the body.
Can I use CMC eye drops every day for years?
Yes, artificial tears can be used long-term. If you use them many times a day, choose a preservative-free version to avoid irritation from preservatives.
Why is my vision blurred after Refresh Tears?
The drop forms a thin film over the eye which blurs vision for a minute or so. Blink a few times and wait before driving or reading.
How long can I use a Refresh Tears bottle after opening?
Throw away a multi-dose bottle 1 month after opening, even if some is left. Single-use vials are discarded right after use.
Do I need a prescription for Refresh Tears?
No, lubricating eye drops are sold over the counter. See an eye doctor if you have pain, discharge, redness or dryness that does not improve in a few weeks.
Sources
- eMC – Celluvisc 0.5% w/v eye drops patient leaflet (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms