OPTASE Dry Eye Spray - 17ml - 300 Doses

What Is OPTASE Dry Eye Spray and Does It Work?

Dry, gritty, or tired eyes are something millions of people in the UK deal with every day. Whether it's screen time, air conditioning, contact lens wear, or simply getting older, the tear film can struggle to do its job. The dry eye spray from OPTASE offers a convenient, needle-free alternative to traditional eye drops — applied directly to closed eyelids rather than dropped into the eye itself. That alone makes it a game-changer for anyone who finds conventional drops fiddly or uncomfortable. You can browse the full range of products for eye discomfort in our eye care collection.

Each 17ml bottle delivers approximately 300 doses, meaning one bottle can last several months with regular use. At £10.99, it represents solid value for a daily-use product. It's preservative-free, which matters — preservatives in some eye products can actually worsen irritation over time, particularly with frequent use.

How Does OPTASE Dry Eye Spray Work on the Tear Film?

The spray uses a liposomal phospholipid technology. In plain terms, it delivers tiny lipid (fat) particles that integrate into the outermost layer of your tear film — the lipid layer — which is responsible for slowing down tear evaporation. When this layer is thin or unstable, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eye surface exposed and uncomfortable. Here's how the mechanism works in practice:

• You spray onto closed eyelids from approximately 10cm away.
• The liposomal particles are absorbed through the eyelid margin into the tear film.
• They reinforce the lipid layer, reducing tear evaporation.
• Blinking distributes the formula evenly across the ocular surface.

This approach targets the root cause of evaporative dry eye — the most common subtype — rather than simply adding water to the eye surface as many basic drops do.

Who Should Consider Using OPTASE Dry Eye Spray?

This product suits a wide range of people. It's particularly useful if you find traditional eye drops difficult to self-administer, or if you wear contact lenses and want something compatible with your lenses. It's also a practical option for those who experience dry eye symptoms related to digital screen use — a condition sometimes called digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.

• Adults with mild to moderate dry eye symptoms
• Contact lens wearers experiencing end-of-day dryness
• People who work long hours at screens
• Those who find conventional eye drops difficult to apply
• Individuals in air-conditioned or heated environments

How Does OPTASE Dry Eye Spray Compare to Standard Eye Drops?

Is OPTASE Dry Eye Spray Safe to Store and Use Long-Term?

Yes, when used as directed. Store the bottle below 25°C, away from direct sunlight, and keep it out of reach of children. Do not refrigerate. Once opened, the product should be used within the period indicated on the packaging — typically 12 months. Because it is preservative-free, it's generally well tolerated even with frequent daily use, making it suitable for ongoing dry eye management as part of a broader eye care routine.

If you experience persistent eye discomfort, redness, or changes in vision, stop using the product and consult your GP or optometrist. Dry eye can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition that warrants further investigation. If you're also managing other health concerns alongside eye care, it's worth exploring our allergy and hay fever range, as allergic eye symptoms can mimic or worsen dry eye.

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 OPTASE Dry Eye Spray and What Is It Used For?

OPTASE Dry Eye Spray is a liposomal eyelid spray designed to relieve the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. It is used to soothe eyes that feel dry, gritty, burning, or tired — symptoms that can arise from prolonged screen use, contact lens wear, environmental factors such as air conditioning or wind, or age-related changes in tear production. The NHS recognises dry eye as a common condition that can significantly affect quality of life, particularly when left unmanaged.

The spray works as an ocular lubricant by reinforcing the lipid layer of the tear film, which helps reduce tear evaporation. It is not a treatment for eye infections, glaucoma, or other diagnosed eye conditions — if you have any of these, speak to your GP or optometrist before using any over-the-counter eye product.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using OPTASE Dry Eye Spray?

Before using this product, read the following carefully. Most people tolerate it well, but there are some situations where caution is needed.

Do not use OPTASE Dry Eye Spray if:

• You are allergic to soy or any ingredient in the formulation (check the full ingredient list on the packaging)
• You have an active eye infection — seek medical advice first
• You have recently had eye surgery — consult your surgeon before use
• You are under 18 years of age, unless advised by a healthcare professional

Use with caution and seek advice if:

• You have a known eye condition such as glaucoma or blepharitis
• Your dry eye symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening
• You experience sudden changes in vision alongside dryness

Drug interactions:

• No significant drug interactions are currently known for this product
• If you use prescription eye drops or ointments, apply OPTASE Dry Eye Spray at a different time and allow at least 5 minutes between products

How Should You Use OPTASE Dry Eye Spray?

Using this spray correctly is straightforward, but technique matters. Unlike conventional drops, you do not need to tilt your head back or hold your eye open. Simply follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before use.
2. Close both eyes gently.
3. Hold the spray bottle approximately 10cm from your closed eyelids.
4. Apply 1–2 sprays to each closed eyelid.
5. Blink several times to allow the formula to spread across the eye surface.
6. Repeat as needed, up to 4–6 times daily or as directed by your healthcare professional.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of OPTASE Dry Eye Spray?

Side effects with this product are uncommon. Because it is preservative-free and applied to closed eyelids rather than directly into the eye, it is generally very well tolerated. That said, as with any ocular product, some people may notice mild reactions.

Common side effects:

• Mild, transient stinging or tingling immediately after application
• Temporary blurred vision for a few seconds after blinking
• Slight oily sensation on the eyelids

Less common side effects:

• Redness of the eyelid skin
• Mild itching around the eye area
• Sensitivity to the formulation (particularly in those with soy allergy)

If you experience persistent redness, swelling, pain, or any change in vision, stop using the product immediately and seek medical advice. You can find further guidance on eye health from the NHS. If you're managing other conditions alongside dry eye — for example, if you're also looking at vitamins and supplements to support overall health — it's always worth mentioning all products you use to your pharmacist.

How Should You Store OPTASE Dry Eye Spray?

Correct storage keeps the product effective and safe for the full duration of use. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Do not refrigerate or freeze
• Keep the cap on when not in use
• Keep out of reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle
• Once opened, use within the period indicated on the packaging (typically 12 months)

Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer need — this helps protect the environment. If you have questions about this product or any other item in our eye care range, our pharmacist team is available to help.