Importance of artificial tears

  

• Decrease dryness
• Acts as a lubricant to decrease friction on the ocular surface caused by the eyelid
• Increases tear viscosity allowing tears to stick to the ocular surface longer hence less evaporation and longer tear retention. 
• Reduces redness and swelling and protect the eye from hyperosmolarity. High osmolarity of the tear film causes water to move out of epithelial cells and further drying the surface. 
• Moisturizes the ocular surface by forming an oily layer that traps existing moisture present in the tissues.