Hylo-Comod is a lubricating eye drop for dry eyes based on hyaluronic acid, in a bottle that does not require a preservative. The same questions about it come up again and again: how to use it, how many times a day, whether it can be used with contact lenses, and what to do when it is not enough. Here are the answers, short and practical.
What is in the drops
The active ingredient is hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate), a substance found naturally in the body’s tissues that holds a large amount of water. On the surface of the eye it forms a thin, flexible layer that slows tear evaporation and helps the eyelid glide more smoothly. Unlike many other drops, the bottle is designed to keep the solution sterile without a preservative – so the drops are also suitable for frequent and long-term use, where preservatives can irritate the eye surface.
Instructions for use
- Wash your hands.
- The first time you use it, press the base of the bottle several times, with the tip pointing down, until the first drop comes out. After that, drops come out straight away.
- Tilt your head back slightly, gently pull down the lower eyelid, and press once – one drop into the pocket that forms.
- Do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, eyelashes or fingers.
- Close your eye gently for half a minute, without blinking hard.
- Close the cap straight away.
How many times a day
In most cases, one drop in each eye three times a day, plus extra as needed. It is fine to use them more often on difficult days – in front of a screen, in air conditioning, on a flight – because they contain no preservative. If you need drops every hour to feel comfortable, that is a sign the dryness is not being treated well enough, and it is worth getting checked.
Common questions
With contact lenses: According to the manufacturer, the drops can be used while soft contact lenses are in the eye.
With other drops: Wait about 15 minutes between different types of drops, so that one drop does not wash out the other. If you also use an ointment, it goes last.
How long after opening: Because of the bottle system, it can be used for longer than ordinary drops. The exact period is stated in the package leaflet – it is a good idea to write the opening date on the bottle.
Children, pregnancy and breastfeeding: Hyaluronic acid is not absorbed into the body to any significant degree, and the drops are also used in these groups. For children, and in any situation that is unclear, ask your doctor.
Side effects: Usually none. Sometimes there is slight blurring for a minute after putting the drops in. Redness, pain or itching that gets worse after use is not expected – stop using the drops and get checked.
When lubricating drops are not enough
Lubricating drops ease the symptoms, but they do not always treat the cause. In many people, dryness comes from blocked meibomian glands or eyelid inflammation, and then the main treatment is for the eyelids: warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, and sometimes in-clinic treatments. When dryness is severe, there are also prescription drops that calm inflammation on the eye surface. For the different types of lubricating drops and how they differ, see lubricating eye drops, and for the condition as a whole, see dry eye.
It is worth getting checked if you have been using drops for several weeks without improvement, if you need them every hour, if you have pain, sensitivity to light or reduced vision, or if only one eye is red.
Examination with Prof. Michael Mimouni
Prof. Michael Mimouni, Director of the Cornea Unit at Rambam, sees patients with dry eye and eye surface problems at his clinics in Herzliya Pituach and Haifa. During the examination we assess the tear film, the eyelid glands and the cornea, and build a treatment plan that matches the cause – not just drops. Contact us to book an examination.
The information on this page is general and is not a substitute for an examination and personal medical advice, nor does it replace the package leaflet. Diagnosis and treatment decisions are made only after a full eye examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times a day should I use Hylo-Comod? In most cases, one drop in each eye three times a day, plus extra as needed. Because the drops contain no preservative, you can use them more often on difficult days. If you need drops every hour to feel comfortable, it is worth getting checked.
How do I use a Hylo-Comod bottle for the first time? Before the first drop, press the base of the bottle several times, with the tip pointing down, until a drop comes out. From then on, each press releases one drop. Do not touch your eye with the tip of the bottle, and close the cap right after use.
Can I use Hylo-Comod with contact lenses? According to the manufacturer, the drops can be used while soft contact lenses are in the eye. If you also use other drops, wait about 15 minutes between different types of drops.
How long can I use the bottle after opening? Because the bottle system does not require a preservative, it can be used for longer than ordinary drops. The exact period is stated in the package leaflet, and it is a good idea to write the opening date on the bottle.
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day should I use Hylo-Comod?
In most cases, one drop in each eye three times a day, plus extra as needed. Because the drops contain no preservative, you can use them more often on difficult days. If you need drops every hour to feel comfortable, it is worth getting checked.
How do I use a Hylo-Comod bottle for the first time?
Before the first drop, press the base of the bottle several times, with the tip pointing down, until a drop comes out. From then on, each press releases one drop. Do not touch your eye with the tip of the bottle, and close the cap right after use.
Can I use Hylo-Comod with contact lenses?
According to the manufacturer, the drops can be used while soft contact lenses are in the eye. If you also use other drops, wait about 15 minutes between different types of drops.
How long can I use the bottle after opening?
Because the bottle system does not require a preservative, it can be used for longer than ordinary drops. The exact period is stated in the package leaflet, and it is a good idea to write the opening date on the bottle.
