Can artificial tears be used long-term?

    Commonly used artificial tears include sodium hyaluronate eye drops and polyvinyl alcohol eye drops. Generally speaking, if dry eyes occur over a long period, artificial tears can be used long-term under medical guidance. However, if dry eyes occur only occasionally, long-term use is not recommended. The explanation is as follows:

    The main component of artificial tears is sodium hyaluronate, a substance naturally present in the human body. It has strong hydrophilic and moisture-retaining properties, which help maintain the integrity of the tear film. Additionally, it is preservative-free and causes minimal damage to the eyes with long-term use. Artificial tears can mimic the composition of natural tears and provide long-lasting lubrication, thereby relieving discomfort such as dryness and itching of the eyes. If persistent dry eyes are diagnosed as dry eye syndrome, long-term use under medical advice is acceptable.

    Although artificial tears are relatively safe, patients should not decide independently to use them long-term without symptoms, as excessive reliance on artificial tears may mask serious eye conditions such as keratitis and conjunctivitis, which require targeted treatments. Moreover, prolonged unsupervised use may lead to dependency on artificial tears and affect the secretion of natural tears.

    In daily life, it is important to maintain good eye hygiene habits, avoid prolonged use of electronic devices, and take appropriate breaks to promote eye health.