Bion Tears

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Bion Tears

Method of action: Ophthalmologicals

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Bion Tears


Property Description
Active Ingredients Dextran 70, Hypromellose
Form Ophthalmic Solution (Eye drops), often preservative-free
Pharmacological Class Ophthalmic Lubricant, Artificial Tear Preparation
General Purpose Soothing dryness and irritation of the eye surface
Manufacturer Alcon Laboratories, Inc.

What Type of Ophthalmic Medicine is Bion Tears?

Bion Tears is a specific brand of over-the-counter (OTC) Ophthalmic Lubricant used for the temporary relief of dry eye symptoms. It is classified as an Artificial Tear Preparation. This preparation is manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, Inc. and is primarily distributed as a sterile Ophthalmic Solution designated for topical ocular administration. A key distinguishing feature of this product is its packaging in single-use vials (droperettes), which ensures a preservative-free formula, making it a preferred choice for individuals with sensitive eyes or those who require frequent daily tear supplementation.


Composition: What are Dextran and Hypromellose?

The product is defined by its dual-polymer active system, containing the demulcents Dextran 70 (0.1%) and Hypromellose (0.3%), which is a common cellulose ether. This combination serves as an effective means of stabilizing the tear film. The Hypromellose-Dextran system forms a Combination Product within an aqueous vehicle. This vehicle is often physiologically balanced with inorganic salts like sodium bicarbonate and zinc chloride, an elemental composition that is specifically formulated to better mimic the natural composition of human tears.


General Purpose and Action of this Dual-Polymer Formula

The general purpose of this advanced formulation is to offer robust ocular surface lubrication and tear film stabilization for the temporary relief of discomfort. This dual-polymer system increases the solution's viscosity, which helps the product remain on the eye for a sustained period. This mechanism reduces the mechanical friction that causes symptoms like grittiness and burning, providing symptomatic relief and protection to the corneal surface.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed Label for BION TEARS

What side effects are possible with Bion Tears?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for this ophthalmic lubricant is officially defined by regulatory documents, focusing primarily on localized reactions at the application site. The documented adverse reactions are categorized exclusively within the Ocular Disorders system.

Adverse Reaction Scope

Component Regulatory Finding
Key adverse reaction categories Local Ocular Intolerance and Hypersensitivity Reactions.
Frequency classification Not specified. Official documentation does not use standard categorical frequency terms (e.g., Common, Rare) to classify adverse reactions.
System-organ classes involved Ocular Disorders.
Serious adverse reactions None formally classified; persistent/worsening symptoms are signals for discontinuation.
Population-specific considerations None explicitly detailed for specific subgroups.
Exposure-related patterns 72-Hour Duration Constraint. Product must be discontinued if symptoms persist or worsen after 72 hours of self-treatment.
Safety-related restrictions For topical ophthalmic use only. Discontinuation required for worsening eye pain, vision changes, or persistent redness/irritation.

Documented Ocular Adverse Effects

The most frequently reported adverse reactions are symptoms of local intolerance that may occur upon application. These include eye irritation, burning, stinging, eye discomfort, itching, blurred vision, foreign body sensation, eye pain, redness of the eye (hyperemia), eye discharge, and crusting or sticking of eyelids.

Regulatory Safety Structure

The official safety structure, as established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bases the risk assessment entirely on topical adverse reaction potential. This framework requires that any persistent or intensifying symptoms, such as severe discomfort or changes in vision, serve as a definite signal to stop using the product, adhering to the 72-hour safety constraint defined in the labeling. The safety documentation does not include information on systemic adverse effects or specific population-based safety statements.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Overdose Scope (Official Regulatory Information)

Overdose resulting from topical ocular administration of this ophthalmic lubricant is not expected to be dangerous and is not associated with systemic toxic effects due to the components' minimal absorption. The primary regulatory focus is on accidental oral ingestion of the solution.

The official labeling implicitly links potential severe manifestations to ingestion, requiring intervention for serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing.

Emergency Response and Classification

Classification/Action Regulatory Context
Primary Risk Factor Accidental oral ingestion
Mandated Action Get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away
Management Basis Symptomatic and supportive treatment

Resulting Overdose Structure

Official overdose statements:

  • If the solution is swallowed, the mandatory regulatory instruction is to get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
  • For ocular overdose, the action involves simply washing out the excess product.
  • The instruction to KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN is stated in official labeling, implicitly addressing the highest-risk population for accidental swallowing.

Connection to the overall overdose profile

Regulatory documents define the overdose profile primarily around the risk of accidental ingestion, given the low toxicity profile associated with ocular exposure. The explicit instruction to get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away establishes the mandatory help-seeking condition for systemic exposure. Management is centered on supportive care, as the official prescribing information does not list a specific antidote.

Therapeutic Uses of Bion Tears

What Bion Tears Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

This preparation is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for conditions involving chronic dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It is used in situations involving certain distressing symptoms, such as burning, stinging, and localized irritative states. The preparation helps patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations, contributing to easing the overall symptom load during periods of heightened symptoms.

The lubricant is applied in addressing symptom clusters that create noticeable physiological strain, including foreign body sensation and grittiness. It is commonly used when symptoms intensify due to environmental stressors like wind, air conditioning, or prolonged visual tasks. This provides supportive relief that assists with maintaining a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable, and eases the overall symptom load.

“This preparation is considered relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden for individuals with sensitive ocular surfaces, where symptoms become more disruptive during flare-ups.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Persistent Dryness This ophthalmic lubricant may assist with maintaining a sense of stability in daily comfort by addressing symptoms related to physical discomfort that interfere with daily functioning.

Regulatory References

  1. Official Bion Tears Drug Label from the National Institutes of Health

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility profile for Bion Tears (Dextran 70 and Hypromellose Ophthalmic Solution) is based on its classification as an over-the-counter (OTC) lubricant, intended for local application with negligible systemic absorption.


Contraindications and Non-Eligibility

The only absolute contraindication stated in the official regulatory label is a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Dextran 70, Hypromellose, or any inactive ingredient in the solution. The product must not be used if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy, which indicates product instability or contamination.


Age-Group and Life Stage Eligibility

Population Category Eligibility Status (Official Labeling)
Adults and Older Adults Permitted for use without restriction.
Children (Pediatric) Conditional Use: Advised to consult a health professional before use.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Conditional Use: Advised to ask a health professional before use.

Eligibility is not restricted by systemic health status; official labeling includes no contraindications related to organ function, such as hepatic or renal impairment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Interaction scope

Property Value
Medicinal product categories with documented interactions: Topical ophthalmic medicinal products (solutions/drops and ointments).
Mechanistic basis of interactions (only if stated in label): Physical interference. Co-administration may interfere with the other topical product's retention or proper deposition on the ocular surface.
Timing-based interaction rules (if applicable): Minimum 5-minute separation is required between the application of Bion Tears and other topical ophthalmic solutions. Ointments must be administered last.
Population-specific interaction notes (if applicable): None documented in official regulatory labels. Systemic pharmacokinetic interactions are deemed not applicable.

Official Interaction Statements

  • Systemic Interaction: Regulatory documents state that systemic drug-drug interactions, including those mediated by CYP enzymes or drug transporters, are not applicable. This determination is due to the negligible systemic absorption of the active ingredients, Dextran 70 and Hypromellose.
  • Administration Timing: When co-administered with other topical ophthalmic solutions, a minimum time interval of 5 minutes must separate the application of the products.
  • Ointment Application: If an ophthalmic ointment is required, it must be administered as the final product in the topical regimen.

Connection to the overall interaction profile

The regulatory interaction structure for Bion Tears is defined primarily by a procedural administration-timing constraint to manage physical interference with other topical eye products. This profile is otherwise characterized by the official omission of systemic drug interaction data, as regulatory bodies have determined that the product's function as a surface lubricant results in negligible systemic exposure.

Mechanism of Action

How Bion Tears Works

Bion Tears functions through a biophysical mechanism focused on modulating the physical properties and chemical environment of the natural tear film. It does not engage in complex receptor binding or enzymatic inhibition pathways, but rather acts locally to modify the physical properties of the tear film and ocular surface interface.

Modulating Tear Film Viscoelasticity

This domain focuses on the physical-chemical action of the demulcent polymers, Hypromellose and Dextran 70. These macromolecules increase the viscosity and adherence of the tear film. This polymeric addition increases the resistance of the tear film to evaporation and prolongs the tear film's retention time on the ocular surface. This process modifies the rate of tear film degradation.

Mechanically Shielding the Ocular Surface

This mechanistic domain involves the creation of a hydrophilic surface layer over the cornea and conjunctiva. The polymers reduce the shear stress between the eyelid and ocular surface and reduce water loss from the epithelial cells. This action focuses on modulating the conditions that influence epithelial integrity.

Adjusting Tear Film Chemistry

This cluster addresses the action of the essential electrolytes and buffers in the formulation. The product influences the chemical environment by adjusting the osmolarity and pH of the tear film towards a physiological range. This action alters the osmotic gradient at the cellular level.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Guidelines for Bion Tears

Bion Tears is administered via the ophthalmic route, meaning it is applied directly to the eye(s). The instructions for use establish a precise, single-use procedure to ensure sterility and correct dosing.

Administration Scope Detail
Route of Administration Ophthalmic (to the eye)
Dosing Schedule Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s)
Frequency As needed
Unit-Dose Restriction Do not reuse the container. Once opened, discard.
Pouch Expiration All four containers within an opened foil pouch must be used within four days of opening the pouch.

Procedural Steps for Use

The following steps are established for the correct administration of the single-use vials:

  1. Check Container: Ensure the individual single-use container is intact before beginning use.
  2. Open Vial: To open the single-use vial, COMPLETELY TWIST OFF THE TAB. Do not pull the tab off.
  3. Instillation: Instill the directed amount (1 or 2 drops) into the affected eye(s) as needed.
  4. Avoid Contamination: To maintain product sterility and avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the container to any surface, including your eye, during the application process.
  5. Disposal: Throw away the container immediately after use. Do not reuse the opened single-use container.

These instructions define a protocol centered on single-use, as needed dosing, with strict procedural controls against contamination and re-use to govern the medicine's correct administration.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Bion Tears: Overview of Research

Bion Tears lubricant eye drops, which contain Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and Dextran, are classified as an artificial tear formulation used for the lubrication and relief of symptoms associated with dry eye disease. Its components are intended to mimic the electrolyte composition of natural tears.

Clinical Efficacy and Comparative Studies

Clinical research has explored the role of Bion Tears in managing dry eye symptoms, particularly in specific patient groups. Most artificial tear preparations are generally associated with symptomatic relief in dry eye disease, though comparative studies seek to clarify potential differences between formulations.

  • Post-LASIK Use: One comparative study investigated the effect of Bion Tears (HPMC/Dextran) versus a Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) formulation on ocular surface health in patients following laser eye surgery (LASIK). The study focused on outcomes such as patient-reported dry eye symptoms and ocular surface staining scores.
  • Key Findings: In the immediate postoperative period (up to one month), the CMC formulation was associated with a lower incidence of reported dry eye symptoms and better ocular surface health scores compared to the HPMC/Dextran formulation. However, no significant differences were observed between the two treatments by the three- and six-month follow-up points.

Regulatory Status and Formulation

The formulation contains the demulcents HPMC and Dextran 70. Demulcents are water-soluble polymers that act as a protective film over the mucous membrane to relieve dryness and irritation. Bion Tears is typically provided in single-use, preservative-free vials to minimize the risk of irritation, which is particularly relevant for individuals with chronic or severe dry eye who use drops frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Bion Tears (FAQ)

Q: What is Bion Tears, and what is it used for?

Bion Tears is an artificial tears solution used as an eye lubricant. It is primarily used to relieve dryness and irritation of the eyes that may be caused by insufficient natural tear production. It helps to keep the surface of the eye moist and comfortable.


Q: How do I use Bion Tears eye drops?

Before using Bion Tears, always wash your hands. To apply, tilt your head back and pull your lower eyelid down to form a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze out the prescribed number of drops, usually 1 or 2 drops into the eye. Do not let the dropper tip touch your eye or any other surface to avoid contamination. Close your eye gently for a few moments. Use it as often as needed or as directed by your healthcare provider.


Q: Can I use Bion Tears while wearing contact lenses?

It is generally recommended to remove contact lenses before using Bion Tears, as the preservatives in some formulations may interact with the lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye drops before putting your contact lenses back in. Always follow the specific advice from your eye care professional or the instructions on the product packaging regarding contact lens use.


Q: What are the common side effects of Bion Tears?

Most people do not experience side effects. However, some common side effects, which are usually mild and temporary, include:

  • Temporary blurred vision immediately after application.
  • Mild eye irritation or a burning sensation.
  • Redness of the eye.

If these effects persist or worsen, you should consult a healthcare provider.


Q: Can Bion Tears be used for other eye conditions besides dry eyes?

Bion Tears is specifically formulated as a lubricant to treat the symptoms of dry eyes (like burning, itching, and discomfort). It is not a treatment for eye infections, serious injuries, or other complex eye diseases that require prescription medication. Always consult an eye care professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any other eye condition.

How should Bion Tears be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Bion Tears

Official regulatory information requires storing the unopened product at room temperature (e.g., 15 C to 30 C). The product must be protected from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

Because Bion Tears is packaged in sterile, preservative-free single-use vials, strict stability rules apply. Each individual vial is for single use only and must be used immediately after opening. Any remaining solution and the container must be discarded immediately after use.

Unused vials should be kept in the protective foil pouch. Once the foil pouch is opened, all remaining vials must be used within a short stability window (often four days) or discarded safely thereafter. As a standard safety measure, the product must be stored out of reach of children.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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