Sterile Eye Wash

What is sterile eye wash? 

Sterile eye wash (Opticlear™ Sterile Eye Wash for Dogs and Cats, Clear Eyes®, Conquer Hy-Optic®, Nutri-Vet® Dog Eye Rinse, Vetericyn® Plus Eye Wash, Sentry Sterile Eye Wash) is a sterile solution that can be used to cleanse or rinse the eyes and skin around the eyes. It may be used to remove debris, contaminants or irritants from the eyes.

Sterile eye wash is also used to help manage underlying eye or ophthalmic conditions such as dry eye, or to remove ocular discharge from the eye before applying other topical eye medications. Pets with blocked tear ducts benefit from flushing with sterile eye wash. 

Many sterile eye wash solutions are available without a prescription (over the counter) but should only be used under the supervision of your veterinarian. Sterile eye wash may be used in all species of animals. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review non-drug health supplements (e.g., herbals, nutraceuticals, shampoos, and other supplements) for safety or effectiveness before they are sold to the public. Manufacturers of non-drug health supplements must ensure their supplements are safe and labeled accurately. The FDA requires that these non-pharmaceuticals contain a disclaimer that says, “This supplement is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.” 

Health Canada licenses “veterinary health supplements” after reviewing safety, efficacy, and manufacturing information provided by the manufacturer. These supplements are not tested by Health Canada.

Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health supplements in pets. Just because a supplement is natural does not mean it is safe. All medicines and medicinal plants are potentially toxic if used inappropriately or given at high doses. Supplements can also have side effects, like pharmaceuticals. Few supplements and herbs have been subjected to rigorous scientific trials to determine their efficacy. 

Although the information in this handout may be helpful, it may also be incomplete and may not represent the full range of effects the supplement could have on your pet.

How do I give my pet sterile eye wash?

• Sterile eye wash is applied topically, either directly to the eye or to the surrounding tissues.
• Follow your veterinarian’s directions when using a sterile eye wash on your pet. 
• Check label directions and shake the bottle if necessary
• Wash your hands before and after instilling any eye products or applying any eye medication.
• To avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the container to any surface. Replace the cap after use.
• If you have difficulty using sterile eye wash with your pet, ask your veterinarian or veterinary staff for tips to reduce the stress of treatment for you and your pet.

This product should work immediately, and improvement in clinical signs should follow. 

What if I miss giving my pet sterile eye wash?

If you miss a treatment, give it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled treatment, skip the missed treatment and resume the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once. 

Are there any potential side effects from sterile eye wash?

• Sterile eye wash is generally well tolerated and side effects are not documented by the manufacturers of this product. 
• Sensitivities can develop over time, with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment. 

This short-acting product should stop working within 2–3 hours.

Are there any risk factors for this supplement?

This supplement has no known risk factors.

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

There are no documented drug interactions with this medication. 

• Possible interactions may occur when using sterile eye wash in conjunction with other topical eye medications. 
• Make sure your veterinarian is aware of any medications (including vitamins, supplements or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.

Is any monitoring that needs to be done with this supplement?

• Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding when your pet needs to be rechecked and what tests may need to be performed before and during treatment with this product. 
• If your pet is being treated at home, monitor it closely for any changes, including improvements or side effects such as those noted above. Contact your veterinarian about any changes.

How do I store sterile eye wash?

• Store the product in its original packaging at room temperature, between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
• Discard the vial after application.
• Keep out of reach of children. 

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the supplement, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet’s weight and symptoms Report any adverse effects to the FDA or Health Canada.