Are there side effects to REFRESH eye drops?

October 9, 2025 •

6 min read

Millions of people worldwide use artificial tears to find relief from dry eye symptoms. While generally safe, it's important to understand are there side effects to REFRESH eye drops? and what you need to know before using them.

Quick Summary

A guide detailing the common, temporary side effects, rare severe reactions, and factors like preservatives that may influence your experience with REFRESH eye drops.

Key Points

Common Side Effects: Users may experience mild, temporary side effects like blurred vision, stinging, light sensitivity, and eye redness, which typically resolve on their own.
Preservative-Free Options: For sensitive eyes or frequent use, preservative-free versions like REFRESH PLUS® minimize the risk of irritation caused by preservatives.
Rare Allergic Reactions: Although rare, severe allergic reactions can occur, with symptoms including hives, swelling of the face or throat, and difficulty breathing, requiring immediate medical attention.
Different Formulas Have Different Effects: Various REFRESH products, such as REFRESH OPTIVE® or REFRESH TEARS®, have different ingredients that target specific dry eye symptoms, which can lead to slightly different side effect experiences.
Long-Term Use: Overusing preserved eye drops over a prolonged period can potentially worsen dry eye symptoms or damage the ocular surface, making preservative-free drops a better long-term choice.
Safe Usage Practices: To avoid contamination and minimize irritation, always wash hands before use, do not touch the dropper tip, and consult a doctor if irritation persists beyond 72 hours.
Distinguish from Redness Relievers: Be aware that REFRESH Redness Reliever contains a different active ingredient (tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride), which can have more severe side effects with overuse and is not suitable for dry eye relief.

Common Side Effects of REFRESH Eye Drops

Most users of REFRESH eye drops experience no significant adverse effects, but some temporary, mild side effects can occur, particularly upon initial use. These are typically not a cause for concern unless they persist or worsen. The most frequently reported issues include:

Temporary Blurred Vision: It is common for vision to be slightly blurred for a few moments after applying the drops. This is a normal and temporary result of the solution spreading over the eye's surface. It's recommended to wait until your vision is clear before driving or operating machinery.
Mild Stinging or Burning: A brief, mild stinging or burning sensation may be felt after putting in the drops. This usually subsides quickly. If it continues or becomes severe, discontinue use.
Increased Sensitivity to Light: Also known as photophobia, this can be a side effect for some users. Wearing sunglasses can help manage this discomfort, especially during the day.
Eye Redness or Irritation: Some users may experience temporary redness or a feeling of irritation that was not present before using the drops. If this becomes persistent or worsens, a doctor should be consulted.
Eyelash Stickiness or Matting: A residue from the drops can sometimes cause eyelashes to feel sticky or matted. This is typically harmless and can be managed by gently cleaning the eyelids.
Watery Eyes: The eye's response to the new fluid can sometimes lead to temporary watering.

Severe but Rare Allergic Reactions

Although very uncommon, a serious allergic reaction to REFRESH eye drops can occur. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using the product and seek immediate medical attention:

Hives or Rash: The appearance of a skin rash or hives on your body.
Swelling: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Severe Dizziness: Feeling severely dizzy or lightheaded.
Trouble Breathing: Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Factors Influencing Side Effects

Preservatives vs. Preservative-Free Formulas

One of the main differentiators in REFRESH products that can influence side effects is the presence or absence of preservatives. REFRESH offers both preserved and preservative-free formulas. Preservative-free versions, such as REFRESH PLUS®, are often recommended for individuals with sensitive eyes or for those who use artificial tears frequently.

Preserved Formulas: Contain a preservative, like PURITE® in REFRESH TEARS®, to prevent bacterial growth. While PURITE® is designed to break down into natural tear components when applied to the eye, some people may still experience mild irritation or allergic reactions from preservatives with frequent, long-term use. Long-term use of eye drops containing preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK), found in some other brands, is associated with a higher risk of ocular surface damage and worsening dry eye symptoms.
Preservative-Free Formulas: Delivered in sterile, single-use vials, these drops eliminate the risk of sensitivity or allergic reactions to preservatives. They are a safer option for those requiring long-term or frequent use and after eye surgery.

Ingredients in Different REFRESH Varieties

The REFRESH product line contains different formulas designed to treat specific types of dry eye, and the specific ingredients can affect how your eyes respond. For example, some products contain different combinations of lubricants like carboxymethylcellulose, glycerin, and polysorbate. It's important to read the ingredient list to determine if you have a known sensitivity to any component.

Carboxymethylcellulose: A common lubricating ingredient in many REFRESH products, side effects are rare, but some individuals may have a sensitivity.
Refresh Optive Advanced: Contains a combination of carboxymethylcellulose, glycerin, and polysorbate, which targets all three layers of the tear film. Some users have reported temporary stinging or burning with this advanced formula.
Refresh Redness Relief: A product not intended for dry eye, this contains tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, a decongestant that narrows blood vessels to reduce redness. This can cause more severe side effects like rebound redness with overuse and is not recommended for treating dry eye.

How to Minimize Side Effects

Follow Directions Carefully: Use the drops exactly as instructed on the packaging or by your healthcare provider. Overuse can sometimes worsen dry eye symptoms or lead to other complications.
Avoid Contamination: Never touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent infection, which could cause significant irritation and damage.
Choose Preservative-Free: If you have sensitive eyes, need to use drops multiple times daily, or have just undergone eye surgery, consider a preservative-free version.
Wait Before Reinserting Contacts: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting, unless using a formula specifically designed for contact lens wearers.
Consult a Professional: If irritation persists for more than 72 hours, or you experience eye pain, vision changes, or worsening redness, stop using the drops and consult an eye care professional.

Conclusion

Are there side effects to REFRESH eye drops? Yes, but they are typically mild and temporary for most users. Minor side effects such as blurred vision or mild irritation are common and usually resolve quickly. The risk of side effects is influenced by factors like the presence of preservatives and the specific ingredients in different formulas. Preservative-free options offer a safer alternative for those with sensitive eyes or requiring long-term use. Severe side effects, like allergic reactions, are rare but require immediate medical attention. By selecting the right formula for your needs, using the product correctly, and being aware of potential reactions, you can effectively manage dry eye symptoms while minimizing risks. For comprehensive advice, consulting with an ophthalmologist is always recommended.

Comparing Popular REFRESH Eye Drops


Feature	REFRESH TEARS®	REFRESH PLUS® (Preservative-Free)	REFRESH OPTIVE®	REFRESH OPTIVE® ADVANCED	REFRESH® DIGITAL
Preservative	Contains PURITE®	Preservative-free	Contains PURITE®	Preservative-free available	Preservative-free available
Key Ingredients	Carboxymethylcellulose sodium	Carboxymethylcellulose sodium	Carboxymethylcellulose & Glycerin	Carboxymethylcellulose, Glycerin & Polysorbate	Carboxymethylcellulose, Glycerin & Polysorbate
Use Case	Mild, occasional dry eye	Sensitive eyes, frequent use, post-op	Hydrates & protects eye from dryness	Triple-action formula targets all 3 tear film layers	Addresses symptoms from digital device use
Common Side Effects	Mild stinging, blurred vision	Temporary blurred vision	Mild stinging, blurred vision	Temporary stinging, blurred vision	Mild stinging, blurred vision
Container Type	Multi-dose bottle	Sterile, single-use vials	Multi-dose bottle	Multi-dose bottle or single-use vials	Multi-dose bottle or single-use vials
Best For	Everyday, mild dryness relief	Highly sensitive eyes, post-surgery	Enhanced hydration for chronic dry eye	Comprehensive relief for persistent dry eye	Relieving eye strain and fatigue

How to Put in Eye Drops Safely

For optimal safety and to avoid side effects like contamination and irritation, it's crucial to follow the correct procedure for applying eye drops. Based on information from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, here are the recommended steps:

Wash your hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling eye drops.
Get ready: If you wear contacts, take them out unless specifically instructed otherwise by your doctor.
Position yourself: Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down to form a small pocket.
Insert the drop: Hold the dropper tip directly over the eye without touching it to any surface. Squeeze the bottle gently to let one drop fall into the pocket.
Close your eye: Close your eye gently for a few moments, and apply gentle pressure to the inner corner of your eye for about one minute to keep the medication in the eye.
Clean up: Wipe any excess solution from your closed eyelids with a tissue.

Understanding Long-Term Use and Risks

While artificial tears like REFRESH are generally safe for long-term use, especially the preservative-free varieties, there are risks associated with overusing preserved eye drops. Over time, preservatives can damage the eye's surface and potentially worsen dry eye symptoms. In rare cases, overuse of preserved drops can even lead to dependency, masking more serious underlying eye problems. This is why doctors often recommend preservative-free options for frequent or chronic use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is common to experience temporary blurry vision immediately after applying REFRESH eye drops. This is a normal and temporary side effect that occurs as the solution settles on the eye's surface. Your vision should clear shortly after application.

Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible. Symptoms can include hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing. If any of these occur, stop using the drops and seek immediate medical help.

If you have sensitive eyes, wear contact lenses, or need to use artificial tears frequently, a preservative-free version like REFRESH PLUS® is often a better choice. Preservatives in standard drops can cause irritation with long-term or frequent use.

Most common side effects, such as mild stinging or blurred vision, are temporary and should resolve within a few minutes. If irritation, redness, or pain continues for more than 72 hours, stop using the product and consult a doctor.

Unless you are using a formula specifically designed for contact lens wearers, you should remove your lenses before applying the drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after putting the drops in before reinserting your contact lenses.

A risk of infection exists if the bottle tip becomes contaminated. To prevent this, never touch the dropper tip to your eye, eyelashes, or any other surface, and replace the cap after each use.

Both REFRESH TEARS® and REFRESH OPTIVE® share similar common side effects like temporary blurred vision and mild irritation. However, REFRESH OPTIVE® includes glycerin in its formula, which can create a slightly different sensation or feeling of lubrication, and some users may respond differently to the specific ingredient combination.