AAQEYE Eye Drops 0.5% – 10ml

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What Are AAQEYE Eye Drops Used For?
For those living with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms, standard lubricating drops can sometimes feel insufficient, wearing off quickly and requiring very frequent reapplication to maintain comfort throughout the day. AAQEYE Eye Drops 0.5% are a high-concentration, preservative-free lubricating eye drop formulated specifically to provide sustained, long-lasting relief for those whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by lower-strength preparations. Symptoms that these drops are designed to help relieve include persistent grittiness, burning, stinging, dryness, excessive compensatory watering, sensitivity to light, and the uncomfortable sensation of a foreign body in the eye.
The active ingredient is sodium hyaluronate at a concentration of 0.5% w/v. This is one of the highest concentrations of sodium hyaluronate available in an over-the-counter lubricating eye drop in the UK, and it is this elevated concentration that sets AAQEYE apart from standard dry eye preparations. Sodium hyaluronate is a naturally occurring substance found in the eye, with a remarkable ability to retain water, holding up to 1,000 times its own weight in moisture. At 0.5%, it forms an exceptionally stable, thick, and long-lasting lubricating film across the corneal surface, providing prolonged comfort between applications and reducing the friction and irritation that characterise moderate to severe dry eye. The formulation is also preserved-free, making it appropriate for very frequent use and for individuals sensitive to preservative-containing drops.
AAQEYE Eye Drops come in a practical 10ml multidose bottle, suitable for ongoing daily use at home, at work, or whilst travelling. The high-strength formulation means many users find they need to apply the drops less frequently than with lower-concentration alternatives, making it both convenient and cost-effective. The drops are compatible with contact lens wear, provided lenses are removed before instillation and replaced after a minimum of 15 minutes.
These drops are designed for adults and, under appropriate guidance, older children with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms. They are not a treatment for underlying eye conditions and should not replace prescribed ocular medicines. If your symptoms are very severe, not responding to lubricating drops, or are accompanied by pain, significant redness, vision changes, or discharge, please seek prompt guidance from a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist, your GP, or an optometrist. You can also explore our full range of eye care products to compare options.
How to Use AAQEYE Eye Drops
- Wash your hands. Wash thoroughly with soap and water and dry with a clean towel before handling the bottle or touching your eye area.
- Remove contact lenses if worn. Remove lenses before instilling the drops. Reinsert after a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Prepare the bottle. Remove the cap and check the nozzle tip is clean and intact.
- Tilt your head back. Gently tilt your head backwards, look upwards, and pull your lower eyelid down with a clean finger to create a small pocket.
- Instil the drops. Hold the bottle above your eye with the nozzle pointing downwards and gently squeeze to release 1 to 2 drops into the lower lid pocket. Take care not to allow the nozzle to touch the eye, eyelid, or eyelashes.
- Close your eye gently. Close your eye and blink gently to distribute the drops. Pressing the inner corner of the eye for approximately one minute can help reduce drainage through the tear duct and increase contact time on the ocular surface.
- Treat the other eye if needed. Repeat the process for the second eye if required.
- Replace the cap immediately. Replace the cap firmly after every use to maintain sterility.
Tips for best results
- Due to the higher viscosity of 0.5% sodium hyaluronate, you may notice a slightly more pronounced temporary blurring after instillation compared with lower-strength drops. This is normal and resolves quickly with blinking.
- Keep the nozzle clean and avoid contact with any surface at all times.
- Do not share the bottle with another person.
- Write the date of opening on the bottle label and discard 90 days after opening.
AAQEYE Eye Drops Side Effects
AAQEYE Eye Drops are generally well tolerated. The preservative-free formulation reduces the risk of cumulative preservative-related irritation. As a higher-viscosity formulation, users may notice slightly more pronounced temporary blurring than with thinner drops, though this is transient and resolves quickly.
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Temporary blurring of vision immediately after instillation, which is slightly more noticeable than with lower-concentration drops due to the higher viscosity — resolves within a minute or two of blinking
- A brief mild stinging or warmth on instillation
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Mild, temporary redness or watering of the eye immediately after use
- A sensation of something in the eye on instillation
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Allergic reaction presenting as persistent itching, redness, eyelid swelling, or worsening discomfort
Stop using and seek medical help if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening eye pain, redness, or swelling
- Visual changes that do not resolve after blinking
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction including facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread skin reaction — call 999 immediately
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store AAQEYE Eye Drops
- Temperature: Store below 25°C. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Do not refrigerate.
- After opening: Discard 90 days after first opening. Write the opening date on the label.
- Cap: Replace firmly after every use. Store upright.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer packaging.
- Disposal: Ask your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist about safe disposal of medical products you no longer need.
Who Are AAQEYE Eye Drops Suitable For?
AAQEYE Eye Drops 0.5% are suitable for adults and older children who experience moderate to severe dry, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes and require a high-strength, long-lasting lubricating drop to manage their symptoms effectively.
Suitable for:
- Adults with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms who have found lower-concentration lubricating drops provide insufficient or short-lived relief
- Those who need to reduce the frequency of eye drop application during a busy day
- People whose dry eye symptoms are associated with conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, meibomian gland dysfunction, or post-surgical dry eye, under appropriate medical supervision
- Contact lens wearers with significant dryness and discomfort — lenses must be removed before instillation and reinserted after at least 15 minutes
- Those who require a preservative-free formulation due to sensitivity or very frequent use
- Older children, subject to appropriate adult supervision and pharmacist or GP guidance
Not suitable for:
- Anyone with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to sodium hyaluronate or any other ingredient in the formulation
- Those with an active eye infection or significant eye injury without prior medical guidance
- Use as a replacement for any prescribed ocular medication without medical advice
Seek advice before use if you:
- Are currently using prescribed eye drops or ointments
- Have a diagnosed eye condition requiring medical management
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have symptoms accompanied by eye pain, discharge, significant redness, or visual changes
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are happy to advise on whether AAQEYE is the most appropriate strength for your symptoms.
Active Ingredients in AAQEYE Eye Drops
| Ingredient | Strength | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium hyaluronate | 0.5% w/v | The active lubricating ingredient at one of the highest concentrations available in an over-the-counter dry eye drop. Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found within the eye. It has an exceptional capacity to attract and retain water, forming a thick, stable, and long-lasting lubricating film across the surface of the eye with every blink. At 0.5%, the film formed is substantially more sustained than that provided by lower-concentration preparations, making this formulation particularly well suited to moderate to severe dry eye where prolonged lubrication is required between applications. |
AAQEYE Eye Drops Dosage — How Much to Use
Adults
- Dose: Instil 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye or eyes as required.
- Frequency: Up to 4 to 6 times daily or as needed. Due to the higher concentration, many users find that fewer daily applications are required compared with standard-strength drops.
- Duration: Suitable for ongoing daily use as part of a dry eye management routine. If symptoms remain uncontrolled or worsen, consult a pharmacist, GP, or optometrist.
Children
May be used in older children under appropriate adult supervision, subject to pharmacist or GP guidance on suitability and correct technique.
Elderly patients
No dosage adjustment is required. The standard adult dosage applies.
Contact lens wearers
- Remove contact lenses before instilling the drops.
- Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting lenses.
Using alongside other eye preparations
Allow a minimum of 5 minutes between different eye preparations. Eye ointments should always be applied last.
Precautions When Using AAQEYE Eye Drops
Before you use this product
- Check the expiry date on the bottle and outer packaging before use.
- Check the bottle seal is intact on first use.
- Remove contact lenses before instilling and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.
- Inform your pharmacist or optometrist of all other eye preparations you are currently using.
During use
- Never allow the nozzle tip to touch the eye, eyelids, eyelashes, or any surface.
- Do not share the bottle with another person.
- Maintain at least a 5-minute interval between different eye preparations.
- Discontinue use and seek advice from a pharmacist or GP if redness, pain, swelling, or discharge develops or worsens.
After opening
- Write the date of opening on the bottle label and discard 90 days after opening.
- Replace the cap firmly after every use and store upright.
When to seek medical advice
- Symptoms are not adequately controlled despite regular high-strength lubricating drop use.
- You develop new eye pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, or visual changes.
- You notice eye discharge, which may indicate infection.
- You have any concern about your eye health or your response to this product.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists offer free consultations and can refer you to a GP or optometrist for further assessment if needed.
Full Ingredients in AAQEYE Eye Drops
The active ingredient is sodium hyaluronate 0.5% w/v.
Excipients (inactive ingredients)
- Sodium chloride — maintains appropriate tonicity, ensuring the drops are comfortable and compatible with the eye's natural fluid environment
- Disodium hydrogen phosphate — a buffering agent that helps maintain the physiologically appropriate pH of the formulation
- Sodium dihydrogen phosphate — works alongside disodium hydrogen phosphate as part of the phosphate buffer system to maintain stable pH throughout the product's shelf life
- Water for injections — the sterile, purified water base of the formulation
This product is preservative-free.
If you have a known allergy or sensitivity to any ingredient, read the patient information leaflet enclosed in the pack, or speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before use.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included in the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
What Are AAQEYE Eye Drops Used For?
For those living with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms, standard lubricating drops can sometimes feel insufficient, wearing off quickly and requiring very frequent reapplication to maintain comfort throughout the day. AAQEYE Eye Drops 0.5% are a high-concentration, preservative-free lubricating eye drop formulated specifically to provide sustained, long-lasting relief for those whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by lower-strength preparations. Symptoms that these drops are designed to help relieve include persistent grittiness, burning, stinging, dryness, excessive compensatory watering, sensitivity to light, and the uncomfortable sensation of a foreign body in the eye.
The active ingredient is sodium hyaluronate at a concentration of 0.5% w/v. This is one of the highest concentrations of sodium hyaluronate available in an over-the-counter lubricating eye drop in the UK, and it is this elevated concentration that sets AAQEYE apart from standard dry eye preparations. Sodium hyaluronate is a naturally occurring substance found in the eye, with a remarkable ability to retain water, holding up to 1,000 times its own weight in moisture. At 0.5%, it forms an exceptionally stable, thick, and long-lasting lubricating film across the corneal surface, providing prolonged comfort between applications and reducing the friction and irritation that characterise moderate to severe dry eye. The formulation is also preserved-free, making it appropriate for very frequent use and for individuals sensitive to preservative-containing drops.
AAQEYE Eye Drops come in a practical 10ml multidose bottle, suitable for ongoing daily use at home, at work, or whilst travelling. The high-strength formulation means many users find they need to apply the drops less frequently than with lower-concentration alternatives, making it both convenient and cost-effective. The drops are compatible with contact lens wear, provided lenses are removed before instillation and replaced after a minimum of 15 minutes.
These drops are designed for adults and, under appropriate guidance, older children with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms. They are not a treatment for underlying eye conditions and should not replace prescribed ocular medicines. If your symptoms are very severe, not responding to lubricating drops, or are accompanied by pain, significant redness, vision changes, or discharge, please seek prompt guidance from a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist, your GP, or an optometrist. You can also explore our full range of eye care products to compare options.
How to Use AAQEYE Eye Drops
- Wash your hands. Wash thoroughly with soap and water and dry with a clean towel before handling the bottle or touching your eye area.
- Remove contact lenses if worn. Remove lenses before instilling the drops. Reinsert after a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Prepare the bottle. Remove the cap and check the nozzle tip is clean and intact.
- Tilt your head back. Gently tilt your head backwards, look upwards, and pull your lower eyelid down with a clean finger to create a small pocket.
- Instil the drops. Hold the bottle above your eye with the nozzle pointing downwards and gently squeeze to release 1 to 2 drops into the lower lid pocket. Take care not to allow the nozzle to touch the eye, eyelid, or eyelashes.
- Close your eye gently. Close your eye and blink gently to distribute the drops. Pressing the inner corner of the eye for approximately one minute can help reduce drainage through the tear duct and increase contact time on the ocular surface.
- Treat the other eye if needed. Repeat the process for the second eye if required.
- Replace the cap immediately. Replace the cap firmly after every use to maintain sterility.
Tips for best results
- Due to the higher viscosity of 0.5% sodium hyaluronate, you may notice a slightly more pronounced temporary blurring after instillation compared with lower-strength drops. This is normal and resolves quickly with blinking.
- Keep the nozzle clean and avoid contact with any surface at all times.
- Do not share the bottle with another person.
- Write the date of opening on the bottle label and discard 90 days after opening.
AAQEYE Eye Drops Side Effects
AAQEYE Eye Drops are generally well tolerated. The preservative-free formulation reduces the risk of cumulative preservative-related irritation. As a higher-viscosity formulation, users may notice slightly more pronounced temporary blurring than with thinner drops, though this is transient and resolves quickly.
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Temporary blurring of vision immediately after instillation, which is slightly more noticeable than with lower-concentration drops due to the higher viscosity — resolves within a minute or two of blinking
- A brief mild stinging or warmth on instillation
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Mild, temporary redness or watering of the eye immediately after use
- A sensation of something in the eye on instillation
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Allergic reaction presenting as persistent itching, redness, eyelid swelling, or worsening discomfort
Stop using and seek medical help if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening eye pain, redness, or swelling
- Visual changes that do not resolve after blinking
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction including facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread skin reaction — call 999 immediately
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store AAQEYE Eye Drops
- Temperature: Store below 25°C. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Do not refrigerate.
- After opening: Discard 90 days after first opening. Write the opening date on the label.
- Cap: Replace firmly after every use. Store upright.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer packaging.
- Disposal: Ask your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist about safe disposal of medical products you no longer need.
Who Are AAQEYE Eye Drops Suitable For?
AAQEYE Eye Drops 0.5% are suitable for adults and older children who experience moderate to severe dry, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes and require a high-strength, long-lasting lubricating drop to manage their symptoms effectively.
Suitable for:
- Adults with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms who have found lower-concentration lubricating drops provide insufficient or short-lived relief
- Those who need to reduce the frequency of eye drop application during a busy day
- People whose dry eye symptoms are associated with conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, meibomian gland dysfunction, or post-surgical dry eye, under appropriate medical supervision
- Contact lens wearers with significant dryness and discomfort — lenses must be removed before instillation and reinserted after at least 15 minutes
- Those who require a preservative-free formulation due to sensitivity or very frequent use
- Older children, subject to appropriate adult supervision and pharmacist or GP guidance
Not suitable for:
- Anyone with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to sodium hyaluronate or any other ingredient in the formulation
- Those with an active eye infection or significant eye injury without prior medical guidance
- Use as a replacement for any prescribed ocular medication without medical advice
Seek advice before use if you:
- Are currently using prescribed eye drops or ointments
- Have a diagnosed eye condition requiring medical management
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have symptoms accompanied by eye pain, discharge, significant redness, or visual changes
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are happy to advise on whether AAQEYE is the most appropriate strength for your symptoms.
Active Ingredients in AAQEYE Eye Drops
| Ingredient | Strength | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium hyaluronate | 0.5% w/v | The active lubricating ingredient at one of the highest concentrations available in an over-the-counter dry eye drop. Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found within the eye. It has an exceptional capacity to attract and retain water, forming a thick, stable, and long-lasting lubricating film across the surface of the eye with every blink. At 0.5%, the film formed is substantially more sustained than that provided by lower-concentration preparations, making this formulation particularly well suited to moderate to severe dry eye where prolonged lubrication is required between applications. |
AAQEYE Eye Drops Dosage — How Much to Use
Adults
- Dose: Instil 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye or eyes as required.
- Frequency: Up to 4 to 6 times daily or as needed. Due to the higher concentration, many users find that fewer daily applications are required compared with standard-strength drops.
- Duration: Suitable for ongoing daily use as part of a dry eye management routine. If symptoms remain uncontrolled or worsen, consult a pharmacist, GP, or optometrist.
Children
May be used in older children under appropriate adult supervision, subject to pharmacist or GP guidance on suitability and correct technique.
Elderly patients
No dosage adjustment is required. The standard adult dosage applies.
Contact lens wearers
- Remove contact lenses before instilling the drops.
- Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting lenses.
Using alongside other eye preparations
Allow a minimum of 5 minutes between different eye preparations. Eye ointments should always be applied last.
Precautions When Using AAQEYE Eye Drops
Before you use this product
- Check the expiry date on the bottle and outer packaging before use.
- Check the bottle seal is intact on first use.
- Remove contact lenses before instilling and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.
- Inform your pharmacist or optometrist of all other eye preparations you are currently using.
During use
- Never allow the nozzle tip to touch the eye, eyelids, eyelashes, or any surface.
- Do not share the bottle with another person.
- Maintain at least a 5-minute interval between different eye preparations.
- Discontinue use and seek advice from a pharmacist or GP if redness, pain, swelling, or discharge develops or worsens.
After opening
- Write the date of opening on the bottle label and discard 90 days after opening.
- Replace the cap firmly after every use and store upright.
When to seek medical advice
- Symptoms are not adequately controlled despite regular high-strength lubricating drop use.
- You develop new eye pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, or visual changes.
- You notice eye discharge, which may indicate infection.
- You have any concern about your eye health or your response to this product.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists offer free consultations and can refer you to a GP or optometrist for further assessment if needed.
Full Ingredients in AAQEYE Eye Drops
The active ingredient is sodium hyaluronate 0.5% w/v.
Excipients (inactive ingredients)
- Sodium chloride — maintains appropriate tonicity, ensuring the drops are comfortable and compatible with the eye's natural fluid environment
- Disodium hydrogen phosphate — a buffering agent that helps maintain the physiologically appropriate pH of the formulation
- Sodium dihydrogen phosphate — works alongside disodium hydrogen phosphate as part of the phosphate buffer system to maintain stable pH throughout the product's shelf life
- Water for injections — the sterile, purified water base of the formulation
This product is preservative-free.
If you have a known allergy or sensitivity to any ingredient, read the patient information leaflet enclosed in the pack, or speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before use.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included in the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
FAQs
AAQEYE Eye Drops contain sodium hyaluronate at 0.5% w/v, which is among the highest concentrations available over the counter in the UK. The higher concentration produces a thicker, more stable lubricating film on the ocular surface that lasts longer between applications. This makes AAQEYE particularly suitable for those with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms who find that lower-strength drops, such as 0.1% or 0.2% formulations, wear off too quickly and require very frequent reapplication to maintain comfort.
Yes, a brief period of blurring is normal after instilling any lubricating eye drop, and it may be slightly more noticeable with AAQEYE due to the higher viscosity of the 0.5% formulation. This is a temporary effect that resolves within a minute or two of blinking normally. Avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision has fully cleared after instillation.
Most people use AAQEYE up to 4 to 6 times daily, though the higher concentration means many find they need fewer applications than with lower-strength drops to maintain comfortable eyes throughout the day. Use the drops as often as needed to manage your symptoms effectively. Because the formulation is preservative-free, there is no restriction on frequency of use from a preservative-safety perspective.
In most cases, yes, but you should leave at least 5 minutes between instilling AAQEYE and any other eye drop preparation to prevent one washing out the other. If you are using a prescribed eye ointment, apply it last. Always confirm the correct sequence and timing with your pharmacist, GP, or ophthalmologist, particularly if you have a complex eye condition requiring multiple treatments.
Yes. Remove your contact lenses before instilling the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. The drops are compatible with contact lens wear and are used by many lens wearers who experience significant dryness and discomfort. If you wear rigid gas-permeable lenses, consult your optometrist for specific advice on use alongside lens wear.
Sodium hyaluronate is a naturally occurring substance found within the body, and AAQEYE Eye Drops are generally considered safe for topical ocular use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a precaution, we recommend consulting your GP, midwife, or a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before using any eye preparation during pregnancy.
Discard the bottle 90 days after first opening. Write the opening date on the label as a reminder. Beyond 90 days, the sterility of the contents cannot be guaranteed and continued use risks contamination and potential eye infection. Always check the expiry date before use and do not use after the stated date.
If your dry eye symptoms are very severe, significantly affecting your quality of life, not responding adequately to high-strength lubricating drops, or are accompanied by persistent pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, vision changes, or discharge, you should see your GP or optometrist for a full assessment. Severe dry eye can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition requiring specific medical treatment. Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists can help you determine whether a referral is appropriate.