Is Refresh Tears Lubricant Eye Drops Safe? A Complete Review

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 16.4 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Dry Eye Disease (DED) [1.8.2]. For many, the first line of defense is over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears, but a common question is: is Refresh Tears Lubricant Eye Drops safe for providing that relief?

Quick Summary

A detailed look at the safety profile of Refresh Tears eye drops. The article covers its active ingredients, the important differences between preserved and preservative-free formulas, potential side effects, and proper usage guidelines for safe and effective dry eye relief.

Key Points

Generally Safe: When used as directed, Refresh Tears are widely considered safe and effective for temporary relief of dry eye symptoms [1.2.2].
Active Ingredient: The main active ingredient is Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%, a lubricant that moisturizes and protects the eye's surface [1.3.1].
Preservative vs. Preservative-Free: Preservative-free versions are recommended for those with sensitive eyes or who use drops more than four times daily to avoid potential irritation [1.4.1, 1.4.3].
Proper Use is Crucial: To prevent contamination and infection, never touch the dropper tip to any surface, including your eye [1.3.1].
Check for Recalls: While generally safe, specific products like Refresh P.M. ointment were recalled in September 2024; always verify product safety [1.5.2].
Consult a Doctor: Stop use and consult a physician if you experience eye pain, vision changes, or if irritation persists for more than 72 hours [1.3.1].

Refresh Tears is a widely recognized brand of artificial tears that provides temporary relief from the symptoms of dry eye, such as burning, irritation, and discomfort [1.3.1]. Generally, these lubricant eye drops are considered safe and effective for over-the-counter use when used according to the package directions [1.2.2]. However, understanding their composition, potential side effects, and correct application is key to using them safely.

The Pharmacology of Refresh Tears: What's Inside?

The primary active ingredient in most Refresh Tears products is Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium (often at a 0.5% concentration) [1.3.1]. This ingredient is a demulcent, which means it forms a soothing film over the surface of the eye. This film lubricates the eye, supplements the natural tear layer, and protects it from further irritation caused by wind, sun, or prolonged screen time [1.3.1, 1.9.1].

Inactive ingredients typically include boric acid, various chloride salts (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium), and purified water. Crucially, some versions also contain a preservative called PURITE® [1.3.1].

Preservatives vs. Preservative-Free: A Critical Distinction

One of the most important safety considerations when choosing an eye drop is whether it contains preservatives.

Multi-Dose Bottles with Preservatives

Most standard, multi-dose bottles of Refresh Tears contain the preservative PURITE® to prevent the growth of bacteria after the bottle is opened [1.2.5]. PURITE® is considered a "soft" or "vanishing" preservative because it breaks down into natural tear components (water and sodium chloride) upon exposure to light and the eye's surface [1.2.5, 1.10.1]. While gentler than older preservatives like Benzalkonium chloride (BAK), some individuals can still experience irritation, especially with very frequent use [1.4.1, 1.4.3, 1.10.4].

Preservative-Free (PF) Single-Use Vials

For individuals with moderate-to-severe dry eye, those with sensitive eyes, or anyone who applies drops more than four times a day, preservative-free (PF) formulas are generally recommended [1.4.1, 1.4.2]. These come in small, single-use vials that are discarded after one application. This eliminates the risk of preservative-induced irritation and is considered a safer long-term option [1.4.3].

Potential Side Effects and Safety Warnings

While generally well-tolerated, Refresh Tears can cause some side effects [1.9.2].

Common and Mild Side Effects

Temporary blurred vision immediately after application [1.3.2]
Minor eye burning, stinging, or irritation [1.9.5]
Itching or redness [1.3.3]
Watery eyes [1.3.4]

These effects are typically temporary. If they persist or worsen, you should stop using the product [1.9.5].

When to Stop Use and Consult a Doctor

Discontinue use and seek professional medical advice if you experience any of the following [1.3.1, 1.9.2]:

Significant eye pain
Changes in vision
Continued redness or irritation
If your condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, or swelling of the face or throat [1.3.3]

Important Recall Information (As of September 2025)

In September 2024, Abbvie (Allergan) initiated a recall for certain lots of Refresh P.M. Lubricant Eye Ointment and Refresh Lacri-Lube due to a potential tube seal issue that could lead to contamination [1.5.2, 1.5.4]. This recall affected over 3 million tubes with expiration dates ranging from 2024 to 2027 [1.5.3]. It is crucial to note that this specific recall applies to the ointment forms, not the standard liquid drops discussed in this article. Consumers should always check the FDA's website for the latest recall information and lot numbers to ensure their products are not affected [1.5.2]. There was also a recall for two lots of Refresh Relieva PF drops in 2022 [1.5.5].

How to Use Refresh Tears Safely

Proper application is essential to prevent contamination and ensure effectiveness.

Wash Your Hands: Always start with clean hands [1.6.4].
Avoid Contamination: Do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye, eyelids, fingers, or any other surface [1.3.1, 1.6.4].
Instill the Drops: Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and squeeze 1 or 2 drops into the pocket [1.6.2].
Close Your Eyes: Gently close your eyes for 1-2 minutes to allow the drop to spread across the surface [1.6.3].
Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, it is generally recommended to remove them before applying most types of Refresh Tears. Wait at least 10-15 minutes before reinserting them [1.6.1, 1.9.4]. However, there is a specific product, REFRESH CONTACTS®, designed to be used while wearing lenses [1.6.5]. Always check the product packaging.
Storage and Expiration: Discard multi-dose bottles 90 days after opening, or as directed on the package [1.3.1]. Never use eye drops that have passed their expiration date or if the solution appears cloudy or has changed color [1.3.1].

Refresh Tears vs. Competitors


Feature	Refresh Tears	Systane Ultra	Blink Tears
Primary Active Ingredient	Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium [1.3.1]	Polyethylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol	Polyethylene Glycol [1.7.4], Sodium Hyaluronate
Mechanism	Lubricant that forms a protective film [1.9.1]	Forms a gel-like network of protection	Adapts to tear film to boost hydration
Preservative Options	PURITE® (in multi-dose) or Preservative-Free [1.2.5, 1.4.1]	Polyquad (in multi-dose) or Preservative-Free [1.7.1]	OcuPure® (disappearing) or Preservative-Free [1.7.3]
Best For	General, soothing relief from dryness [1.2.3]	Relief from gritty, tired eye sensations [1.7.2]	Extended, long-lasting relief [1.7.1]

Conclusion

So, is Refresh Tears Lubricant Eye Drops safe? For the vast majority of users, the answer is yes. They are a reliable, effective, and readily available option for managing the symptoms of dry eye disease [1.2.2]. The key to safety lies in choosing the correct formulation for your needs—prioritizing preservative-free options for frequent or long-term use—and adhering to proper hygiene and application instructions to prevent contamination. While recalls for specific ointment products have occurred, the brand's standard liquid drops maintain a strong safety profile. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsen with use, it is always best to consult an eye care professional.

American Academy of Ophthalmology - How to Put In Eye Drops

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Refresh Tears are formulated to be safe for use as often as needed to relieve dry eye symptoms. If you find yourself using the preserved version more than four times a day, it is often recommended to switch to a preservative-free alternative [1.2.5, 1.4.1].

The main difference is that Refresh Tears typically comes in a multi-dose bottle containing a preservative (PURITE®), while Refresh Plus is a preservative-free version available in single-use vials [1.2.5, 1.7.1]. Refresh Plus is often recommended for more sensitive eyes or frequent use [1.4.1].

Temporary blurry vision is a common and normal side effect immediately after applying the drops [1.3.2]. This should clear up within a few minutes. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision is clear [1.3.5].

As of September 2025, the most significant recent recall involved Refresh P.M. and Refresh Lacri-Lube ointments in September 2024 due to a packaging defect [1.5.2, 1.5.4]. While some liquid drop lots have been recalled in the past, there are no widespread active recalls for the standard liquid formula. Always check the FDA website for the most current information.

For most standard Refresh Tears products, you should remove your contact lenses before instilling the drops and wait 10-15 minutes before reinserting them [1.6.1, 1.9.4]. However, the company makes a specific product called REFRESH CONTACTS® that is formulated to be safe to use directly with lenses in [1.6.5].

You should discard a multi-dose bottle of Refresh Tears 90 days after opening, or as specified on the packaging, to prevent the risk of contamination even with preservatives [1.3.1].

The preservative used in many Refresh products is PURITE®, which is considered a 'vanishing' preservative because it breaks down into natural tear components upon contact with the eye [1.2.5]. It is generally considered safer and gentler on the eye than older preservatives like BAK, though preservative-free is still the best option for very frequent use [1.10.1, 1.10.3].