Dr.pharmacist
Systane Ultra

Systane Ultra

polyethylene glycol/propylene glycol

OTC DrugSystane Ultra
Reviewed by Younghun Cho

Pharmacist's Verdict

Systane Ultra is a highly effective and reliable over-the-counter eye drop for relieving mild to moderate dry eye symptoms. Its dual-lubricant formula provides fast, soothing comfort, making it a go-to choice for dryness caused by screen time or environmental factors.

Ingredient Analysis

Polyethylene Glycol 400 (0.4%)

Propylene Glycol (0.3%)

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Provides immediate, long-lasting relief for burning, irritation, and gritty sensations.
  • The formula is gentle and generally well-tolerated for frequent use.
  • Available in both standard multi-use bottles and preservative-free vials for sensitive eyes.
  • Widely available at most pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription.

Cons

  • Can cause temporary blurry vision for a minute or two immediately after application.
  • The multi-dose bottle contains a preservative (Polyquad) that may irritate very sensitive eyes with frequent use (more than 4-6 times a day).
  • It is more expensive than many generic store-brand artificial tears.
  • Only provides symptom relief and does not treat the underlying causes of chronic dry eye disease.

Safety Information

Warnings

Warnings For external use only

Is Systane Ultra safe for you?

See pregnancy, interactions, and common concerns answered in our pharmacist safety FAQ.

Read safety review →

References

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    FDA Drug Label — Systane Ultra

    FDA DailyMed: Systane Ultra · FDA

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    Caballero ML, Krantz MS, Quirce S, et al., The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice, 2021 · PubMed

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    Hyperosmolar metabolic acidosis in burn patients exposed to glycol based topical antimicrobials-A systematic review.

    Leibson T, Davies P, Nickel C, et al., Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries, 2018 · PubMed

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    Capote-Puente R, Sánchez-González JM, Bautista-Llamas MJ, Eye & contact lens, 2022 · PubMed