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Unpreserved saline

Sodium chloride 0.9%, single dose vial. Choose 5mL or 15mL. Sold in packs of 4 vials.

Size:

in stock -- Expected to ship Monday, May 21

Price: $1.40

SummaryCustomer QuestionsCustomer ReviewsDetails

Description

0.9% sodium chloride. This is unpreserved saline in a unit-dose packaging, either 5mL or 15mL, with a little twist-off top. Intended for single use; remainder to be discarded.

CAUTION: This product is not sold specifically for ophthalmic use, so, unlike Unisol 4 (the 4oz preservative free saline found in drugstores, and the only one of its type on the market) it is not buffered. Please be aware of this when using and if you experience any stinging or discomfort discontinue use. Do not use this regularly without consulting your doctor. I provide it here as a service because there isn't any saline sold smaller than 4oz specifically for ophthalmic use and there is a need for smaller packaging for some of us.

As with all products you purchase here, please make sure you discuss it with your doctor.

What Rebecca says

There are several ways in which unpreserved saline can be useful for dry eye patients from time to time - bearing inmind what I said above about not using non-buffered saline too frequently:

1. Rinsing the eyes: Commercial eye washes almost always contain the harmful preservative benzalkonium chloride. Saline is a better option for a general-purpose eye rinse when you've gotten an irritant in the eyes.

2. Soothing sore or allergy-eyes: Keep these in the fridge to use as a soothing rinse once in awhile when the eyes are burning, sore or itching. Also consider a cold compress.

3. Contact lens use: Scleral lens users may find these single-use vials useful especially during travel. This product is not exactly equivalent to the 4oz bottles you are used to, (probably not perfectly pH balanced for the eye) but as a periodic substitute can be OK for some people - make sure you check with your doctor. I am a scleral lens user and use these vials regularly because it's a more convenient size to take with me and cuts down on waste. Also great for travel. I find the 15mL size just perfect for dealing with lenses in the morning - ample for rinsing after cleaning, then filling.

4. Lacrisert? Some Lacrisert users with very dry eyes seem to need an artificial tear or saline to encourage the insert to dissolve properly. This may be worth trying for that use. Please bear in mind that since Lacrisert is a prescription product, you should clear this with your eye doctor before attempting to use it.