OPTASE® HYLO® FORTE is a preservative-free lubricant eye drop for moderate to severe dry eye symptoms. It pairs active glycerin with OPTASE's highest concentration of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to hydrate and cushion the surface of the eye with minimal blur, in a multi-dose bottle that delivers 300 drops and can be used for 6 months after opening.
Quick facts
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Size: 10 mL (0.33 fl oz), about 300 drops
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Form: Preservative-free eye drops
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Active ingredient: Glycerin 0.3% (eye lubricant)
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Key ingredient: High molecular weight hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate)
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Contact lenses: Contact lens compatible
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After opening: Use within 6 months
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Made by: OPTASE (Scope Health Inc.)
Why eye doctors recommend it
Eye doctors often recommend preservative-free drops for people who use drops several times a day, because preservatives can irritate the surface of the eye with frequent use. HYLO FORTE's HYLO® Delivery System keeps the solution sterile without preservatives, and its cushioning formula stays on the eye longer than lightweight drops. That makes it a common choice for more persistent dryness, for contact lens wearers, and for dryness before or after eye surgery.
Is HYLO Forte right for me?
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A good fit if your dryness is moderate to severe, or lightweight drops wear off too quickly.
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A good fit if you wear contact lenses and your eyes feel dry or gritty by the end of the day.
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A good fit if you're preparing for or recovering from eye surgery and your doctor has recommended a preservative-free lubricant.
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Choose OPTASE HYLO Relief if your symptoms are mild and you want the lightest, no-blur feel.
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Choose OPTASE Dry Eye Intense if you want the thickest drop in the OPTASE line.
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Dry when you wake up? Ask your eye doctor about OPTASE Hylo Night ointment for overnight comfort.
Benefits
- Preservative-free, so it's gentle enough for frequent daily use
- Hydrates and cushions the eye's surface, protecting against friction from blinking and lens wear
- Spreads quickly and evenly with minimal blur
- One click, one drop: the bottle releases a single calibrated drop each time
- 300 drops per bottle, usable for up to 6 months after opening
- Contact lens compatible
How to use
- Wash your hands. Before first use, make sure the seal on the carton is intact.
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First use only – prime the bottle: remove the cap, turn the bottle tip-down, and press the base firmly several times until the first drop comes out.
- Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down your lower eyelid.
- Holding the bottle tip-down without touching your eye, press the base once to release one drop.
- Close your eye slowly so the drop spreads across the surface. Repeat for the other eye.
- Keep the tip from touching your eye or skin. Make sure the tip is dry, then replace the cap.
Put one or two drops in the affected eyes as needed.
What to expect
Most people feel more comfortable soon after the drop spreads. A brief, mild blur can happen right after applying and usually clears with a few blinks. If you have eye pain, changes in vision, or continued redness or irritation, or if symptoms get worse or last more than 72 hours, stop using the drops and see your eye doctor.
Key ingredients
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Glycerin 0.3% (active): an eye lubricant that targets surface dryness and discomfort.
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High molecular weight hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate): holds moisture and forms a cushioning layer over the eye. HYLO FORTE contains the highest concentration in the OPTASE line.
Note: the HYLO FORTE sold in the US uses glycerin as its active ingredient to meet FDA requirements. It is not the same formula as the Hylo-Forte sold in Europe.
How long a bottle lasts
Each bottle holds about 300 drops, which works out to roughly 8½¢ per drop. For example, used as one drop in each eye three times a day, a bottle lasts about 7 weeks. Throw the bottle away 6 months after opening, even if there's solution left.
Pairs well with
Dryness often starts at the eyelids. Many eye doctors recommend a simple daily routine:
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OPTASE Moist Heat Mask – a warm compress to loosen the oil glands along the lids
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Peeq Pro Foaming Eyelid & Facial Cleanser – cleans oil and debris from the lash line
- OPTASE HYLO Forte – lubricates and protects the eye's surface through the day
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between HYLO Forte, HYLO Relief and Dry Eye Intense?
All three are preservative-free OPTASE drops. HYLO Relief is the lightest, for mild symptoms and no blur. HYLO Forte sits in the middle, with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid for moderate to severe dryness. Dry Eye Intense is the thickest drop in the line. If you're unsure, ask your eye doctor which fits your symptoms.
Can I use HYLO Forte with contact lenses?
Yes. OPTASE lists HYLO Forte as contact lens compatible.
Is it okay to use eye drops every day?
Preservative-free drops like HYLO Forte are designed for frequent, daily use. If you find you need drops constantly, or your symptoms aren't improving, see your eye doctor to find the cause. Learn more in Is It Bad to Use Eye Drops Every Day?
Can I use HYLO Forte after LASIK or cataract surgery?
OPTASE designed HYLO Forte for dryness before and after eye surgery. Always follow your surgeon's instructions on when to start and how often to use lubricating drops. See Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes After LASIK.
How long does a bottle last once opened?
Up to 6 months after opening, or until the roughly 300 drops are used, whichever comes first.
Why doesn't a drop come out the first time?
The bottle needs to be primed before its first use. Remove the cap, turn it tip-down, and press the base firmly several times until the first drop appears. After that, each press releases one drop.
Is the US HYLO Forte the same as Hylo-Forte sold in Europe?
No. The US version was reformulated to meet FDA requirements and uses glycerin 0.3% as its active ingredient, with hyaluronic acid as a supporting ingredient. The European product has a different ingredient list.
Learn more
Ingredients, warnings & storage
Active ingredient: Glycerin 0.3% (eye lubricant)
Inactive ingredients: Borax, Boric Acid, Citric Acid anhydrous, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate Dihydrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Water
Warnings For external use only. If solution changes color or becomes cloudy do not use. To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to any surface. Replace cap after using.
Stop use and ask doctor if You feel eye pain. Changes in vision occur. Redness or irritationof the eye lasts. Condition worsens or lasts more than 72 hours
Storage: Use only if tamper evidence seal on the lid is intact. Do not store above 25 C/77 F
