Hycosan Night Ointment

What Is Hycosan Night Eye Ointment?

If you wake up with sore, gritty, or uncomfortable eyes, you are not alone. Dry eye syndrome affects millions of people in the UK, and symptoms often worsen overnight when the eyes are closed and tear production slows. Hycosan night eye ointment is a preservative-free ocular lubricant formulated specifically for overnight use, providing sustained moisture and protection while you sleep. You can find it alongside a wide range of other products in our eye care collection.

Unlike standard eye drops, which clear from the eye surface relatively quickly, this ointment has a thicker consistency that allows it to remain in contact with the ocular surface for longer. That extended contact time is exactly what makes it suited to overnight relief rather than daytime use.

How Does Hycosan Night Eye Ointment Work?

The ointment works by physically coating the surface of the eye with a protective, lubricating film. This reduces evaporation of the natural tear film and shields the cornea and conjunctiva from friction and environmental irritants during sleep. The key steps in its mechanism are:

• Applied to the lower conjunctival sac at bedtime, where it spreads across the ocular surface on blinking
• White soft paraffin and liquid paraffin form a semi-occlusive barrier that retains moisture
• Wool fat (lanolin) helps the ointment adhere to the eye surface and improves spreadability
• The preservative-free formulation minimises the risk of irritation or toxicity to the corneal epithelium with regular use

Because it contains no preservatives, it is generally considered suitable for people who use eye preparations frequently and may be sensitive to preservative agents such as benzalkonium chloride.

Who Should Use Hycosan Night Eye Ointment?

This ointment is intended for adults who experience dry, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes, particularly those whose symptoms are most troublesome on waking. It may be especially useful if daytime eye drops are not providing sufficient relief on their own. Suitable users include:

• Adults with diagnosed dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca
• People whose eyes feel gritty, burning, or sore first thing in the morning
• Those who have had laser eye surgery or other ocular procedures that affect tear production
• Individuals who sleep in environments with low humidity, air conditioning, or central heating

It is not recommended for use in children unless specifically directed by a doctor. Always read the label before use.

How Does Hycosan Night Eye Ointment Compare to Eye Drops?

Is Hycosan Night Eye Ointment Safe to Store and Use Long-Term?

Once opened, the tube should be used within six weeks and then discarded, even if product remains. This is standard practice for ophthalmic preparations to reduce the risk of microbial contamination. Store the ointment below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

If you are already using other eye preparations, allow at least five minutes between applications. The hycosan night eye ointment should always be applied last if you are using both drops and ointment on the same occasion, as the ointment base can reduce the absorption of other preparations. You may also find it helpful to browse our creams and ointments collection for related topical products.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Hycosan Night Eye Ointment and What Is It Used For?

Hycosan Night Eye Ointment is an over-the-counter ocular lubricant used to relieve the symptoms of dry eye syndrome, particularly during sleep. Dry eye is a common condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, a gritty sensation, redness, and sensitivity to light. The NHS notes that dry eye syndrome is more common in older adults and in people who spend long periods looking at screens.

The ointment is preservative-free and contains white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, and wool fat (lanolin). These ingredients work together to coat and protect the surface of the eye throughout the night, reducing friction and moisture loss. It is not a treatment for the underlying cause of dry eye, but it provides meaningful symptomatic relief.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Hycosan Night Eye Ointment?

Before using this ointment, check the following contraindications and warnings carefully:

• Do not use if you are allergic to white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, wool fat (lanolin), or any other ingredient in the formulation
• Do not use whilst wearing contact lenses — remove lenses before application and do not reinsert until the following morning
• Do not use in children unless directed by a doctor
• Do not use if the tube seal is broken before first use
• Consult your GP or pharmacist if you have an eye infection, eye injury, or have recently had eye surgery
• Stop use and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or do not improve after 2 days

Regarding drug interactions, no significant interactions with systemic medicines have been identified. However:

• If you use other eye drops or eye preparations, apply them first and wait at least 5 minutes before applying this ointment
• The ointment base may reduce the absorption of other ophthalmic preparations if applied simultaneously

How Should You Use Hycosan Night Eye Ointment?

This ointment is for ophthalmic use only — it must never be swallowed or applied to any other part of the body. Follow these steps carefully each time you use it:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the tube
2. Remove contact lenses if worn
3. Tilt your head back slightly and look upward
4. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket
5. Squeeze a small ribbon of ointment (approximately 1 cm) into the lower conjunctival sac — avoid touching the eye or eyelid with the tube tip
6. Close your eye gently and blink once or twice to spread the ointment across the eye surface
7. Wipe away any excess ointment from around the eye with a clean tissue
8. Replace the cap on the tube immediately after use

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Hycosan Night Eye Ointment?

Like all medicines, this ointment can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The most frequently reported effect is temporary blurred vision immediately after application — this is expected and is why the ointment is only suitable for bedtime use.

Common side effects:

• Temporary blurred or hazy vision after application
• Mild stinging or burning sensation in the eye
• Sticky feeling around the eyelids on waking

Less common side effects:

• Redness or irritation of the eye or eyelid
• Allergic reaction — particularly in those sensitive to lanolin (wool fat)
• Crusting around the eyelashes

If you experience a severe allergic reaction — including swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing — stop use immediately and seek emergency medical attention. You can find further guidance on managing eye conditions through our eye care collection.

How Should You Store Hycosan Night Eye Ointment?

Correct storage helps maintain the safety and effectiveness of the ointment. Follow these instructions:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the tube and carton
• Discard the tube 6 weeks after first opening, even if product remains
• Do not freeze
• Do not share the tube with another person — this reduces the risk of cross-contamination

If you are unsure whether a product is still safe to use, speak to your pharmacist. For other topical preparations, you may also wish to explore our allergy and hay fever range, which includes products for eye-related allergy symptoms.