As a (former!) contact lens wearer for at least 20 years, I've experienced my share of irritating dry eye symptoms and have tried many types and brands of eye drops over the years. But only when I began seriously seeking LASIK surgery back in late January was I introduced to these Allergan Refresh Plush Lubricant Eye Drops in the single use vials. For at the time, my corneas were unfortunately too irritated for surgery (20 years of contact abuse had taken their toll!), so I needed to find some soothing relief first. One of several solutions to my problem suggested by my eye doctor were these preservative free drops as well as a few other Allergan products used together. And not only was using a preservative free product very important according to my eye health professional, but using a sterile solution every time would decrease the probability of my problem turning into a full blown infection. Read on to find out more about these handy lubricant drops that helped me down the long road to finally receiving the LASIK laser eye surgery I so desperately wanted so that I could finally see again!


~~~The Lubricant Eye Drops~~~

Easily the #1 Doctor Recommended Brand, these Allergan Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops in the single use vials can be used for several reasons, including dry eyes exacerbated by dry air, wind, sun, computer use, certain medications, the natural aging process, as well as LASIK procedures. According to product advertising, this product is indicated for the temporary relief of burning, irritation, and discomfort due to dryness of the eye or exposure to wind or sun. May also be used as a protectant against further irritation and long-lasting relief plus protection. For Mild To Moderate Dry Eye, Including LASIK Dryness Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops does more than just soothe and relieve dry and irritated eyes. It also provides long-lasting moisturizing protection in a formula that contains many of the same healthy qualities as natural tears. Formulated for mild-to-moderate dry eye, Refresh Plus is preservative-free for sensitive eyes, and can be used as often as needed to provide 24-hour comfort. Ditching my soft contacts and switching to wearing glasses only helped my dry eyes almost immediately (of course I had to go BUY some glasses first since I didn't own any!), but since my tear ducts don't produce as much as they used to (thanks, Accutane!), I still needed some help during the day keeping my eyes lubricated and more comfortable. So all it took was a few drops of this opthalmic product several times a day along with other similar eye meds to help obtain a noticeable difference. It was very slow going, but after six weeks of treatment, my corneas were in good enough shape for a successful surgery, so here I am today glasses free!! Thanks in part to these Allergan Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops as well as much patience on my part (a two week time frame in glasses turned into NINE during the process).


~~~Packaging, Price, & Availability~~~

Of course they aren't cheap, so expect to pay anywhere from $14. to $19 for a box of these Allergan Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops, depending on the size you choose. Online at drugstore.com, the 50 vial count of these 0.4 ml (0.01 fl oz) sterile single use containers currently sale for $14.29 while the larger value size 70 count box is $18.99. You can also find these eye drops at most drug and discount stores, including Wal-Mart, so they are usually readily available. While a traditional dropper bottle of this product is also available at a less expensive price, contamination is more likely so these single use vials are usually recommended instead. The cardboard box comes wrapped in clear plastic cellophane, which features all the product details, directions for use, etc. Inside are the small individual vials pre-filled with solution. Each one is simple to use as all you have to do is twist the lid off and squeeze the product into both eyes. The expiration date can be found on each flat section, which makes them easier to grasp during the twisting-off-of-the-lid process. Once the drops are instilled, simply throw the packaging away and use a fresh mini dropper next time. While these Allergan Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops decrease the risk of contamination, they aren't very travel friendly, so storing a few of them in a smaller container I keep in my purse to prevent loss is key.


~~~Product Experience~~~

If you are more familiar with the more traditional eye drops packaging (a multi use dropper), then it will probably take a few times to get used to dealing with these Allergan Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops. According to the directions for use: To open. Twist and pull tab to remove. Instill 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) and discard container. Use only if single-use container is intact. Retain this carton for future reference. The best way to prevent contamination is to pull the lower lid down and instill a few drops that way instead of raising the upper one. This way you are less likely to actually touch your eye, which is a big no-no when learning to instill eye drops properly. While I was on a heavy pre-op regimen of drops and ointments during the past six weeks (drops every one to two hours and Allergan Refresh PM Lubricant Eye Ointment ointment at bedtime), most cases of dry eyes can be controlled by simply using these lubricant drops as often as needed to keep the eyes feeling moist and comfortable. Whether you've spent too many hours in front of the computer or have chronically dry eyes for a number of other reasons, then ask your eye doctor if these specific lubricating drops would be the best choice for you. Keep in mind that there are also other eye care products available for moderate to severe dry eyes, so these aren't the only choice out there. Now that my LASIK procedure is a completed success, I continue to use these Allergan Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops very frequently throughout the day as prescribed by my surgeon so that my eyes will stay moist during the post-op healing process.


~~~Ingredients~~~

Active Ingredients: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium (CMC) (0.5%) (Eye Lubricant)

Inactive Ingredients: Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Purified Water, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, May Also Contain Hydrochloric Acid and/or Sodium Hydroxide to adjust pH


~~~Warnings~~~

For external use only. To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to any surface. Do not reuse. Once opened, discard. Do not touch unit-dose tip to eye. Stop use and ask a doctor if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye or if the condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours. Keep out of the reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a poison control center right away.


~~~Overall Recommendation~~~

Whether you just suffer from mild to moderate dry eyes for a long time or just recently received LASIK eye surgery and suddenly find your eyes more dry than usual, then please ask your eye care professional if these Allergan Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops would be a recommended treatment. For they are readily available over the counter without a prescription, and they are easy to use once you get the hang of the single use droppers. Since preservatives are often very irritating to sensitive eyes to begin with, have no fear as this product is preservative free and is sterile with every use, as well, which helps to prevent contamination by accidentally touching the applicator to the eye and then introducing germs into the entire container. This way each dropper is used only once and then thrown away. So for healthier management of dry eyes when natural tears just aren't enough, these Allergan Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops in the handy single use vials are hard to beat, even though generic less expensive alternatives are showing up on shelves. They don't burn, provide soothing relief on contact, yet will often need to be reapplied depending on the level of dryness your eyes suffer from. Good luck and stay healthy :-)


***For more information on these Allergan Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops as well as other high quality doctor recommended eye care products, please check out the following website online:

www.allergan.com


Allergan, Inc.
P.O. Box 19534
Irvine CA
92623
USA
Phone: (714) 246-4500


~~~Product Summary~~~

When your eyes feel dry, scratchy, or irritated, you want fast relief that's also going to last. REFRESH PLUSŪ lubricant eye drops for mild to moderate dry eye symptoms could be what you are looking for. A couple of drops can help restore the moisture eyes crave with a special formula that has some of the healthy qualities as natural tears. REFRESH PLUSŪ creates a shield of protection against further irritation with its unique, long-lasting lubricant, CMC. And since REFRESH PLUSŪ lubricant eye drops contain no preservatives, you don't have to worry about the potential irritation to the eyes often caused by the preservatives in bottled eye drops. Ideal for sensitive eyes, you can use REFRESH PLUSŪ whenever you need for soothing relief and protection from dryness and irritation.

****the above summary in italics has been taken directly from the Allergan website.


Recommended: Yes