Polyvinyl Alcohol Povidone is a medication used to relieve dry, irritated eyes. Dry eyes are caused by decreased tear production/increased tear evaporation and an imbalance in the makeup of your tears. Common causes for dry eyes are wind, sun, heating/air conditioning, computer use/reading, and certain medication. These drops are generally preferred for the people having sensitive eyes.
Eye lubricants keep the eye moist, help to protect the eye from injury and infection, and decrease the symptoms of dry eyes such as burning, itching, and feeling of something in the eye.
This product may contain 1 or more of the following ingredients: carboxymethylcellulose, dextran, glycerin, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), polysorbate, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, or propylene glycol, among others.
Polyvinyl alcohol is a water-soluble synthetic polymer obtained by polymerization of vinyl alcohol. It has varying roles in commercial and industrial applications such as papermaking, textiles, and printing. Polyvinyl alcohol is found in ophthalmic solutions as a lubricant to prevent irritation or to relieve dryness of the eyes.
How to use Polyvinyl Alcohol-Povidone Drops
Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use a solution that has changed color or is cloudy. Certain brands (containing glycerin with polysorbates, among other ingredients) may have a milky appearance. This is okay as long as the solution does not change color. Some eye drops need to be shaken before use. Check the label to see if you should shake your product before using.
Usually, drops may be used as often as needed. Ointments are usually used 1 to 2 times daily as needed. If using an ointment once a day, it may be best to use it at bedtime.
Wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or top of the ointment tube or let it touch your eye. Always replace the cap tightly after each use. Tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch.
For drops/gel: Place the dropper directly over the eye and squeeze out 1 or 2 drops as needed. Look down and gently close your eye for 1 or 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye.
For an ointment: Hold the tube directly over the eye and gently squeeze a small strip (one-fourth of an inch or roughly 6 millimeters) of ointment into the pouch. Release the eyelid, close the eye, and slowly roll your eye in all directions to spread the medication. Blot away any extra ointment from around the eye with a clean tissue.
If you are also using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using most kinds of eye lubricants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist when you may replace your contact lenses. There are a few types of eye lubricants (some that contain polysorbates) that can be used while wearing contact lenses. Check the package to see if you can wear your contact lenses while using your product. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 3 days.
What are the side effects of Polyvinyl Alcohol Povidone?
Common side effects of Polyvinyl Alcohol Povidone include:
- Eye pain and changes of vision
- Redness or irritation of the eye
- Mild stinging or irritation of the eye
- Crusting of eyelid
- Ocular hyperaemia
- Eye pruritus
- Foreign body sensation
- Eye discharge
- Increased lacrimation may also occur
Packaging: Polyvinyl Alcohol – Povidone Eye Drops is available in 5 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml.
Most OTC drugs are not reviewed and approved by FDA, however they may be marketed if they comply with applicable regulations and policies. FDA has not evaluated whether this product complies.
