Overview of Celluvisc 1%
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Carmellose (Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium) |
| Form | Ophthalmic Solution (Eye Drops) |
| Pharmacological class | Tear substitute / Ophthalmic Lubricant |
| General purpose | Relieves sensations of eye dryness and irritation |
| Origin | Semi-synthetic polymer (Cellulose derivative) |
What Type of Medicine is Celluvisc 1%?
Celluvisc 1% is an Ophthalmic Lubricant that functions as a Tear substitute. This product belongs to a pharmacological class designed to physically augment the protective tear layer on the eye's surface. The preparation is a clear, viscous solution intended for topical application directly to the eye, a classification consistent across major formularies. Carmellose itself is categorized as an ophthalmic wetting agent.
This formulation's primary utility lies in its capacity to provide a sustained supplemental layer of moisture and protection, intervening when the natural tear film is compromised or inadequate. As an established solution, its classification means it is meant to physically stabilize the essential protective environment of the cornea and conjunctiva, providing a benefit for temporary relief of discomfort.
Composition and Origin: The Role of Carmellose
The sole active ingredient in Celluvisc 1% is Carmellose (as Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium) at a specific 1% concentration. Carmellose is a high-molecular-weight semi-synthetic polymer that is chemically modified from cellulose, the structural component of plant cell walls. The ophthalmic solution uses a sterile aqueous vehicle (purified water) to suspend the polymer.
Many preparations of this product are explicitly designed to be preservative-free, an important characteristic that minimizes the potential for ocular irritation sometimes caused by chemical preservatives in sensitive ophthalmic patients. The 1% concentration is a differentiating factor, as it is engineered to achieve a higher viscosity compared to lower-concentration formulas, supporting longer surface adhesion.
What is the General Purpose of This Ophthalmic Lubricant?
The general purpose of this ophthalmic lubricant is to immediately enhance moisture retention and create a persistent, protective lubricating layer over the exposed ocular surface. This is achieved by the Carmellose polymer acting as a viscosity agent to compensate for an aqueous phase deficit in the eye's natural tear film, thereby reducing friction.
This physical mechanism of sustained lubrication allows the product to help provide general physical relief and comfort, targeting the common sensations of dryness, burning, and general discomfort that are caused by an unstable or insufficient tear film. Carboxymethylcellulose assists in stabilizing the tear film due to its mucoadhesive properties.
Regulatory References

