Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.
Hypertonic saline drops are eye drops that contain a higher salt concentration than normal tears. They are used to temporarily relieve corneal edema, which is swelling of the clear front surface of the eye. Sodium chloride 2% and 5% are common ophthalmic hypertonic saline strengths. These drops do not cure the cause of swelling but can help draw excess fluid out of the cornea.
read more about hypertonic saline drops ...Hypertonic saline works through osmosis. Because the drop is saltier than the fluid in the swollen cornea, it helps pull extra water from the corneal tissue into the tear film. Less fluid in the cornea can reduce haze and improve comfort in selected patients. The effect is temporary, so the underlying condition still needs eye care monitoring.
These drops are used for temporary relief of corneal edema from conditions such as Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, bullous keratopathy, or swelling after certain eye problems. Patients can notice blurry vision, halos, glare, or morning haze when corneal swelling is present. Hypertonic saline can be part of the plan when an eye doctor confirms corneal edema. It should not be used to treat every blurry or irritated eye without a diagnosis.
Hypertonic saline comes as drops and ointment. Drops can be easier to use during the day because they cause less blur than ointment. Ointment stays on the eye longer and is often used at bedtime when corneal swelling is worse in the morning. The eye doctor can recommend which format fits the condition and schedule.
Hypertonic saline drops can sting, burn, or irritate the eye after use. Contact lenses should be removed before using these drops unless the doctor gives different instructions. Stop using the product and call an eye doctor if pain, redness, irritation, or vision changes get worse or last. Severe corneal swelling or painful blisters on the cornea needs medical care.
No, hypertonic saline drops are not the same as artificial tears. They are saltier drops used to draw fluid from a swollen cornea, while artificial tears mainly lubricate the eye surface.
They can temporarily improve blur caused by corneal edema in some patients. They will not help blur caused by cataracts, prescription changes, retinal disease, or other non-corneal causes.
Yes, stinging or burning can happen because the drops are concentrated. Strong or worsening irritation should be discussed with an eye doctor.
Remove contact lenses before using hypertonic saline drops unless the doctor gives different directions. Ask when it is safe to put lenses back in after each dose.
Corneal Edema Treatment. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/corneal-edema-treatment. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Corneal Edema Relief. Bausch + Lomb. https://www.bausch.com/products/otc-eye-care-supplements/corneal-edema-relief/. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545248/. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Label: MURO 128- sodium chloride solution. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=454f337e-d897-46de-ab05-1c543a33061c. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Sodium chloride (ophthalmic route). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sodium-chloride-ophthalmic-route/description/drg-20068860. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.