Oftagel
Carbomer Eye Gel – Tear Substitute for Dry Eyes
Quick Facts About Oftagel
Key Takeaways About Oftagel
- Long-lasting dry eye relief: Oftagel's gel formulation provides longer ocular surface retention than standard eye drops, reducing the frequency of application needed throughout the day
- Mimics natural tears: Carbomer forms a transparent, mucin-like film that supplements the tear film and protects the corneal and conjunctival surface
- Contact lens caution: Remove soft contact lenses before application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting, as the preservative benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed by lenses
- Temporary blurred vision: The gel may cause brief blurred vision after application – avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears
- Use within 4 weeks of opening: Once opened, the bottle should be discarded after 4 weeks to minimise the risk of microbial contamination
What Is Oftagel and What Is It Used For?
Oftagel is a tear substitute eye gel containing carbomer (polyacrylic acid) that is used to relieve symptoms caused by dry eyes, such as burning, stinging, grittiness, or a foreign body sensation. It works like the natural tear film, moisturising and lubricating the eye to eliminate discomfort.
Dry eye disease (also known as dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is one of the most common ophthalmic conditions worldwide, affecting an estimated 5–50% of the population depending on age, geography, and diagnostic criteria used. According to the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) DEWS II report, dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterised by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film. Symptoms include ocular discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability with potential damage to the ocular surface.
Oftagel addresses dry eye symptoms by providing an artificial layer of lubrication and moisture to the cornea and conjunctiva. The active ingredient, carbomer 974P, is a high-molecular-weight polyacrylic acid polymer. When applied to the eye, it forms a clear, viscous gel that adheres to the ocular surface and mimics the mucin layer of the natural tear film. This provides several important functions: it reduces friction during blinking, protects the corneal epithelium from desiccation, and increases the residence time of the tear film on the eye.
Compared to conventional aqueous eye drops, Oftagel's gel formulation has a significantly longer contact time with the ocular surface. While standard artificial tear drops typically remain on the eye for only a few minutes, carbomer gel can provide lubrication for 2–6 hours per application, depending on the individual's blink rate and environmental conditions. This means fewer applications are needed throughout the day, which improves patient convenience and adherence.
Oftagel is indicated for the symptomatic relief of dry eyes caused by a wide range of conditions, including:
- Age-related tear deficiency – reduced tear production is a natural part of ageing, particularly common in postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes
- Environmental factors – prolonged screen use (computer vision syndrome), air conditioning, central heating, windy or dry climates, and air travel
- Contact lens wear – lenses can disrupt the tear film and accelerate evaporation
- Medication-related dryness – antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers, diuretics, and hormonal contraceptives can reduce tear production
- Post-surgical dryness – after LASIK, cataract surgery, or other ophthalmic procedures
- Systemic diseases – Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other autoimmune conditions
Carbomer, the active ingredient in Oftagel, may also be approved for the treatment of other conditions not mentioned in this article. Oftagel is manufactured by Santen Oy (headquartered in Tampere, Finland), a globally recognised leader in ophthalmic pharmaceutical products. It is available over the counter without a prescription in most countries.
What Should You Know Before Using Oftagel?
Oftagel is generally safe and well tolerated. Do not use it if you are allergic to carbomer or any other ingredient in the formulation. Remove contact lenses before application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, as the preservative benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed by soft lenses.
Contraindications
You should not use Oftagel if:
- You are allergic to carbomer (polyacrylic acid) or any other ingredient listed in the contents section of this article. Allergic reactions to carbomer are extremely rare but can occur.
- You are allergic to benzalkonium chloride or have a known intolerance to this preservative. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include increased eye redness, itching, or swelling that worsens after application.
If you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as severe eye irritation, swelling, or worsening redness after using Oftagel, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Warnings and Precautions
Before using Oftagel, be aware of the following precautions:
- Temporary blurred vision: Oftagel may cause temporary blurring of vision immediately after application. This typically clears within a few minutes as you blink and the gel spreads evenly. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision has fully cleared.
- Benzalkonium chloride: This preservative (approximately 0.06 mg/g, or about 0.002 mg per drop) can be irritating to the eyes, particularly in patients with dry eye disease or corneal problems. If you experience persistent stinging, irritation, or pain after application, consult your doctor.
- Avoid contamination: Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye, eyelid, fingers, or any other surface, as this can introduce bacteria and contaminate the gel. Always replace the cap securely after use.
- Do not use if damaged: Do not use the product if it appears cloudy, discoloured, or if the bottle shows signs of deterioration or tampering.
Contact Lenses
Oftagel contains benzalkonium chloride, a preservative that is known to be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Absorption of benzalkonium chloride can cause the lenses to become discoloured and may lead to eye irritation. For this reason, you should:
- Remove your contact lenses before applying Oftagel
- Wait at least 15 minutes after application before reinserting your lenses
- If you require frequent eye lubrication while wearing contact lenses, ask your eye care professional about preservative-free alternatives
Hard (rigid gas-permeable) contact lenses are less likely to absorb benzalkonium chloride, but it is still advisable to remove them before application as a precaution.
Use in Children and Adolescents
Clinical experience indicates that Oftagel is safe and effective in children and adolescents at the same dosage as adults. However, there are no formal clinical trial data specifically for the paediatric population. If your child requires treatment for dry eyes, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. Younger children may need adult assistance with application to ensure proper dosing and to avoid contamination of the bottle tip.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There are no known risks associated with using Oftagel during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Carbomer is a large polymer molecule applied topically to the eye with negligible systemic absorption, making it highly unlikely to reach the developing baby or pass into breast milk in meaningful quantities. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) considers topical carbomer preparations safe for use during pregnancy and lactation. Nevertheless, as a general precaution, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Oftagel can cause temporary blurred vision immediately after application. This is a normal effect of the gel formulation and typically resolves within a few minutes as you blink. You should not drive, cycle, or operate machinery until your vision has fully cleared. Plan your application times accordingly – for example, apply the gel before periods when you do not need sharp vision, or allow sufficient time for your vision to clear before undertaking activities that require visual acuity.
Use with Other Eye Medications
If you are using other eye drops or ophthalmic medications, Oftagel should always be applied last, and at least 15 minutes after the other eye medications. This is because the gel formulation can form a barrier on the eye surface that may delay or reduce the absorption of other ophthalmic drugs. By applying Oftagel last, you ensure that your other medications are absorbed properly before the protective gel layer is applied.
How Does Oftagel Interact with Other Drugs?
Oftagel has minimal systemic absorption and no known clinically significant drug interactions when used as directed. The main consideration is timing: if you use other eye medications, apply Oftagel last and at least 15 minutes after any other eye drops to avoid interfering with their absorption.
Because carbomer is a high-molecular-weight polymer that is applied topically to the eye, it is not absorbed into the bloodstream in any meaningful amount. This means that Oftagel does not interact with oral medications, injected drugs, or any systemically administered therapies. There are no reported systemic drug interactions with Oftagel.
The only relevant interaction is a local, physical interaction with other ophthalmic preparations. The gel formulation of Oftagel creates a viscous layer on the ocular surface that can act as a barrier to the absorption of other eye drops or ointments applied simultaneously or shortly after. This is not a pharmacological interaction but rather a mechanical one.
| Other Eye Medication | Example | Timing | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic eye drops | Chloramphenicol, fusidic acid | Apply antibiotic first | Wait at least 15 minutes, then apply Oftagel |
| Anti-glaucoma drops | Timolol, latanoprost | Apply glaucoma drops first | Wait at least 15 minutes, then apply Oftagel |
| Anti-allergy eye drops | Olopatadine, cromoglicate | Apply allergy drops first | Wait at least 15 minutes, then apply Oftagel |
| Steroid eye drops | Dexamethasone, prednisolone | Apply steroid first | Wait at least 15 minutes, then apply Oftagel |
| Other artificial tears | Hypromellose, sodium hyaluronate | Not usually necessary to combine | Consult your eye care professional about the best product for your needs |
When using multiple eye preparations, always apply the thinnest (most watery) product first and the thickest (most viscous) product last. Oftagel, being a gel, is thicker than most eye drops and should therefore always be the last product applied. If you also use an eye ointment, apply the ointment after Oftagel, as ointments are the thickest formulation.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Oftagel?
The recommended dose is one drop of Oftagel in the affected eye, 1 to 4 times per day as needed. Always use the gel exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Oftagel is intended for topical application to the eye only. It should not be swallowed or applied to any other part of the body. The dosage frequency depends on the severity of your dry eye symptoms and your individual response to treatment.
Adults
Standard Dosing for Dry Eyes
Dose: 1 drop in the affected eye(s)
Frequency: 1 to 4 times per day, as needed
Apply more frequently during activities that worsen dry eye symptoms, such as prolonged screen use, exposure to air conditioning, or windy conditions. Some patients may find that applying Oftagel before bedtime provides comfortable overnight protection against drying.
Children and Adolescents
Paediatric Dosing
Dose: Same as adults – 1 drop in the affected eye(s)
Frequency: 1 to 4 times per day, as needed
Clinical experience supports safe and effective use in children and adolescents at the same dosage as adults, although no formal clinical trials have been conducted in this age group. Young children should be assisted by an adult during application.
How to Apply Oftagel
Follow these steps for proper application:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the bottle.
- Choose a comfortable position – sit down, lie on your back, or stand in front of a mirror, whichever feels most natural to you.
- Open the bottle carefully. Do not touch the dropper tip with your fingers or any other surface to prevent contamination.
- Tilt your head back and hold the bottle above your eye with the dropper tip pointing downward.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pocket between the eyelid and the eye.
- Look upward and squeeze one drop of gel into the pocket formed by the lower eyelid. Avoid touching the eye or eyelid with the dropper tip.
- Blink several times gently to spread the gel evenly across the surface of the eye.
- Close the bottle securely immediately after use.
Store the Oftagel bottle upside down (nozzle pointing downward) between uses. This allows the gel to settle near the dropper tip, making it easier to dispense the next drop and reducing air bubbles.
Missed Dose
If you forget to apply Oftagel at your usual time, simply apply it when you remember. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. Since Oftagel is used on an as-needed basis, strict adherence to a fixed schedule is not essential – apply it whenever your eyes feel dry or uncomfortable.
Overdose
If too much Oftagel is accidentally applied to the eye, it is unlikely to cause any harm beyond temporary increased blurring of vision. Simply blink several times or gently blot any excess gel from the outer corner of the eye with a clean tissue.
If Oftagel is accidentally swallowed (for example, by a child), contact your doctor, hospital, or poison control centre for advice. While systemic toxicity from a small amount of carbomer gel is extremely unlikely due to its inert polymer nature, medical guidance should be sought as a precaution.
What Are the Side Effects of Oftagel?
Oftagel is well tolerated by most users. The most commonly reported side effects are temporary blurred vision, mild stinging or burning, and eye irritation immediately after application. These effects are usually brief and resolve within a few minutes. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
Like all medicines, Oftagel can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The vast majority of side effects are mild, transient, and related to the physical properties of the gel formulation or the preservative benzalkonium chloride. If any side effect becomes severe or does not resolve, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Common
May affect up to 1 in 10 people
- Temporary blurred vision immediately after application (typically clears within 1–5 minutes)
- Mild stinging or burning sensation upon instillation
- Transient eye irritation or discomfort
Uncommon
May affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Eye redness (conjunctival hyperaemia)
- Increased tearing (reflex lacrimation)
- Eyelid swelling or irritation
- Sensation of stickiness or foreign body in the eye
Rare
May affect up to 1 in 1,000 people
- Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to carbomer or benzalkonium chloride, with symptoms such as severe eye redness, itching, swelling, or pain
- Corneal epithelial changes with prolonged use (typically associated with benzalkonium chloride in patients with severe dry eye or corneal damage)
Benzalkonium chloride and eye irritation: Oftagel contains benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. While this compound is widely used in ophthalmic preparations and is generally well tolerated at the low concentration present in Oftagel (0.06 mg/g), it can cause eye irritation in some individuals, particularly those with pre-existing dry eye disease or corneal surface disorders. Long-term, frequent use of products containing benzalkonium chloride has been associated with changes to the corneal epithelium in susceptible patients. If you experience persistent irritation, stinging, or worsening symptoms, discuss preservative-free alternatives with your eye care professional.
If you experience any side effects not listed here, or if any side effect becomes severe, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Reporting suspected side effects helps ensure ongoing monitoring of the medicine's benefit–risk balance. You can report side effects directly to your national medicines regulatory authority (e.g. the MHRA in the UK, EMA in the EU, or FDA in the US).
How Should You Store Oftagel?
Store Oftagel at room temperature below 25°C. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle in its original carton to protect from light. Once opened, use within 4 weeks. Store the bottle upside down for easier dispensing. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Proper storage is essential to maintain the safety and effectiveness of Oftagel. Exposure to excessive heat, freezing temperatures, or light can degrade the carbomer gel and the preservative, potentially reducing the product's efficacy or increasing the risk of microbial contamination.
Storage Conditions
- Temperature: Store at or below 25°C (77°F). Do not freeze.
- Light protection: Keep the bottle in its original outer carton when not in use, as the product is light-sensitive.
- Bottle orientation: Store the bottle upside down (nozzle pointing downward) for easier and more consistent dispensing.
- After opening: Use the opened bottle within 4 weeks. Write the date of opening on the carton to help you track this.
- Expiry date: Do not use after the expiry date stated on the label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of the stated month.
- Children: Keep out of the reach and sight of children at all times.
Do not use Oftagel if it appears cloudy, discoloured, or if there are visible particles in the gel. Do not flush unused medicine down the toilet or pour it into drains. Return any unused or expired product to your pharmacy for safe disposal, which helps protect the environment from pharmaceutical waste.
What Does Oftagel Contain?
Oftagel contains carbomer 974P (2.5 mg/g) as its active ingredient, along with several inactive ingredients including sorbitol, polyvinyl alcohol, benzalkonium chloride (preservative), lysine monohydrate, sodium acetate trihydrate, and water for injections.
Active Ingredient
The active substance is carbomer 974P (also known as polyacrylic acid) at a concentration of 2.5 mg/g. Carbomer is a synthetic, high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid that forms a clear, colourless to slightly opalescent gel when dissolved in water. It is cross-linked to create a gel matrix that adheres to the ocular surface and provides sustained lubrication.
Inactive Ingredients (Excipients)
The other ingredients are:
- Sorbitol – an osmotic agent that helps maintain the gel's osmolarity, which is important for comfort and compatibility with the natural tear film
- Polyvinyl alcohol – a wetting agent that enhances the gel's ability to spread evenly across the ocular surface and improves lubrication
- Benzalkonium chloride (0.06 mg/g) – a quaternary ammonium compound used as a preservative to prevent microbial growth in the multi-dose bottle. Also has some surfactant properties.
- Lysine monohydrate – an amino acid used as a buffering agent to maintain the gel's pH within the physiologically tolerable range for the eye
- Sodium acetate trihydrate – a buffering agent that works alongside lysine to stabilise the pH of the formulation
- Water for injections – highly purified water used as the base solvent for the gel
Product Appearance and Packaging
Oftagel is a clear, transparent to slightly opalescent gel supplied in a translucent plastic squeeze bottle with a dropper tip. It is available in the following pack sizes:
- Single bottle: 10 g
- Multi-pack: 3 × 10 g
Not all pack sizes may be available in every market. The manufacturer is Santen Oy, headquartered at Niittyhaankatu 20, 33720 Tampere, Finland.
How Does Oftagel Work?
Oftagel works by forming a transparent, viscous gel film on the surface of the eye that mimics the mucin layer of the natural tear film. This protective barrier provides sustained lubrication, reduces friction during blinking, prevents moisture evaporation, and protects the corneal epithelium from desiccation and environmental irritants.
To understand how Oftagel works, it is helpful to understand the structure of the normal tear film. The healthy tear film consists of three layers:
- Lipid (oil) layer (outermost) – produced by the meibomian glands in the eyelids, this thin oily layer prevents evaporation of the underlying aqueous layer
- Aqueous (water) layer (middle) – produced by the lacrimal glands, this is the thickest layer and provides moisture, nutrients, oxygen, and antibacterial protection to the cornea
- Mucin (mucus) layer (innermost) – produced by goblet cells in the conjunctiva, this layer helps the aqueous tear film spread evenly over the hydrophobic corneal surface
In dry eye disease, one or more of these layers is deficient or unstable, leading to increased tear film breakup, exposure of the corneal surface, and the resulting symptoms of dryness, burning, and irritation.
Carbomer, the active ingredient in Oftagel, primarily supplements the mucin layer. As a polyacrylic acid polymer, it has mucoadhesive properties – it naturally adheres to the mucin-coated surface of the eye, creating a stable, transparent gel layer. This layer serves several key functions:
- Prolonged retention: Unlike watery eye drops that are quickly drained away through the nasolacrimal duct, the viscous gel adheres to the ocular surface for a significantly longer time (typically 2–6 hours), providing sustained symptom relief
- Friction reduction: The gel acts as a lubricant between the eyelid and the cornea during blinking, reducing mechanical irritation
- Evaporation barrier: By coating the surface, the gel helps slow the evaporation of the underlying aqueous tear layer
- Corneal protection: The gel shields the delicate corneal epithelium from environmental irritants such as dust, pollen, and dry air
After application, the gel gradually thins with each blink as it is spread across the ocular surface. Over time, it is eliminated through the nasolacrimal drainage system (the tear ducts) and natural turnover of the tear film. Systemic absorption of carbomer is negligible due to its high molecular weight and poor membrane permeability, meaning it has no effects on the rest of the body.
According to the TFOS DEWS II Therapeutic Algorithms, carbomer-based tear substitutes are recommended as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate aqueous-deficient dry eye and mixed-mechanism dry eye. They are particularly useful for patients who find that standard aqueous eye drops provide inadequate or short-lived relief.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oftagel
Oftagel is a tear substitute eye gel used to relieve symptoms of dry eyes, such as burning, stinging, grittiness, or a feeling of foreign body in the eye. It works by mimicking the natural tear film and providing long-lasting lubrication and moisture to the ocular surface. It is available over the counter without a prescription and is suitable for adults, children, and adolescents.
You should remove your contact lenses before applying Oftagel and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. This is because Oftagel contains benzalkonium chloride, a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and may cause eye irritation or discolour the lenses. If you wear contact lenses regularly and suffer from dry eyes, ask your eye care professional about preservative-free artificial tear alternatives that are compatible with contact lens wear.
The recommended dose is one drop in the affected eye 1 to 4 times per day, as needed. The frequency depends on the severity of your dry eye symptoms. You may need to use it more often in dry or air-conditioned environments, during prolonged screen use, or in windy weather. Some people find that applying it before bedtime provides comfortable overnight lubrication. Your doctor or pharmacist may suggest a different frequency based on your individual needs.
There are no known risks associated with using Oftagel during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Carbomer is applied topically to the eye and has negligible systemic absorption, making it extremely unlikely to affect the developing baby or pass into breast milk. The European Medicines Agency considers topical carbomer preparations safe for use during pregnancy and lactation. However, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any medicine during pregnancy.
Oftagel is a gel formulation that is thicker than standard eye drops. When first applied, it forms a viscous layer on the eye that can temporarily scatter light and cause blurred vision. This effect is short-lived and typically clears within 1 to 5 minutes as you blink and the gel spreads evenly across the eye surface. Because of this temporary blurring, you should wait until your vision clears before driving, cycling, or operating machinery.
Once opened, Oftagel should be used within 4 weeks. After this period, the preservative (benzalkonium chloride) may no longer be sufficiently effective to prevent microbial contamination of the gel, even if the product still looks clear. Write the opening date on the bottle or carton to help you remember. After 4 weeks, dispose of any remaining gel at your pharmacy and open a new bottle if needed.
References
This article is based on the following international medical guidelines and peer-reviewed sources. All medical claims have evidence level 1A, the highest quality of evidence based on systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials.
- Craig JP, Nichols KK, Akpek EK, et al. TFOS DEWS II Definition and Classification Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017;15(3):276–283. doi:10.1016/j.jtos.2017.05.008
- Jones L, Downie LE, Korb D, et al. TFOS DEWS II Management and Therapy Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017;15(3):575–628. doi:10.1016/j.jtos.2017.05.006
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Preferred Practice Pattern: Dry Eye Syndrome. AAO Clinical Practice Guidelines. Updated 2023.
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Carbomer – Summary of Product Characteristics. EMA product information database. Accessed January 2026.
- Stapleton F, Alves M, Bunya VY, et al. TFOS DEWS II Epidemiology Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017;15(3):334–365. doi:10.1016/j.jtos.2017.05.003
- World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines – 23rd list. Geneva: WHO; 2023.
- Baudouin C, Labbé A, Liang H, et al. Preservatives in eyedrops: the good, the bad and the ugly. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. 2010;29(4):312–334. doi:10.1016/j.preteyeres.2010.03.001
- British National Formulary (BNF). Carbomer eye drops. NICE BNF monograph. Accessed January 2026.
Editorial Team
This article has been written and reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, a group of licensed specialist physicians with expertise in ophthalmology, clinical pharmacology, and internal medicine.
Medical Writers
Board-certified physicians specialising in ophthalmology, ocular surface disease, and clinical pharmacology with documented academic and clinical experience.
Medical Reviewers
Independent review board ensuring clinical accuracy, adherence to international guidelines (AAO, TFOS DEWS II, EMA, WHO), and evidence level 1A standards.
All content follows the GRADE evidence framework and is reviewed against current international guidelines. We have no commercial funding or pharmaceutical sponsorship. For more information, see our editorial standards and medical team pages.