Did You Put in Artificial Tears? ... Please Wait at Least 15 Minutes

Disposable Artificial Tears: First 1-2 Drops Must Be Discarded
Microplastics Penetrate Inside the Human Body

Advice has emerged that you should not wear contact lenses immediately after applying artificial tears, drawing attention. This is because the ingredients in artificial tears may adhere to the lenses. On the 16th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) stated, "It is best to avoid wearing lenses while using artificial tears," adding, "The ingredients of artificial tears can be absorbed onto the lenses."

Artificial tears generally contain benzalkonium compounds as preservatives. If you must wear lenses after using artificial tears, it is recommended to wait at least 15 minutes after application before putting on the lenses.

Artificial tears. [Image source=Yonhap News]

In particular, artificial tears with carbomer as the main ingredient have high viscosity and often require multiple eye drops to be administered together. In such cases, products containing carbomer should be used last with a 15-minute interval.

The MFDS also added that if you go to sleep before the artificial tears are fully absorbed, there is a risk of eyelid adhesion. Therefore, it is best to apply artificial tears about 30 minutes before bedtime. Due to the condition of the eyes or the effects of additives, mild pain or temporarily blurred vision may rarely occur after using artificial tears. In such cases, avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery until vision becomes clear.

The MFDS urged, "If you experience pain, changes in vision, persistent redness, or if symptoms last more than three days or worsen after using artificial tears, stop using them and consult a doctor."

Artificial tears are classified into single-use and multi-use depending on the presence of preservatives. For single-use artificial tears, it is recommended to discard the first drop upon initial opening, as microplastics may enter the eye drops.

Through the 'Single-use Eye Drops Safety Management Guidelines,' the MFDS explained, "Since the cut edge of the container may have irregularities, to remove container fragments, gently squeeze and discard 1-2 drops before use without applying them to the eye."

In fact, microscopic observation revealed micro-sized fragments in artificial tears. If microplastic fragments are applied directly to the eye, they may travel through the tear ducts into the nose or even reach deep parts of the lungs.