Hycosan Extra - 7.5ml

What Are Hycosan Extra Eye Drops and How Do They Help?

Dry eyes are more common than you might think. The NHS estimates that dry eye syndrome affects millions of people in the UK, causing symptoms like grittiness, burning, and blurred vision that can make everyday tasks genuinely uncomfortable. If you've been searching for a reliable, preservative-free solution, Hycosan Extra eye drops could be exactly what you need. Available from our eye care collection, this 7.5ml bottle delivers targeted lubrication without the preservatives that can sometimes make dry eye symptoms worse with prolonged use.

Hycosan Extra contains 0.2% sodium hyaluronate — a higher concentration than many standard dry eye drops. Sodium hyaluronate is a naturally occurring molecule found in the body, particularly in the fluid that surrounds the eye. It has a remarkable ability to hold water, which is precisely why it works so well as an ocular lubricant. Each bottle uses a patented COMOD® multi-dose delivery system, which keeps the formula sterile without the need for preservatives. That's a genuine advantage for anyone who uses eye drops regularly.

How Does the COMOD® System Work in Hycosan Extra?

The mechanism behind Hycosan Extra is straightforward but clever. When you press the bottle, the COMOD® system delivers a precise, consistent drop every time — no preservatives needed because the design prevents air and contaminants from entering the bottle between uses. Here's how it works in practice:

• Sodium hyaluronate forms a thin, stable film over the surface of the eye
• This film mimics the natural tear film, reducing friction between the eyelid and cornea
• The viscoelastic properties of sodium hyaluronate mean it stays on the eye surface longer than simpler lubricants
• The preservative-free formula minimises the risk of irritation from repeated daily use

The result is sustained comfort rather than a brief moment of relief. For people with moderate to severe dry eye, that longer-lasting lubrication can make a real difference to daily life.

Who Is Hycosan Extra Suitable For?

Hycosan Extra is designed for adults experiencing dry, irritated, or tired eyes. It's particularly well suited to people whose symptoms are moderate to severe, or those who have found lower-concentration drops insufficient. You might benefit from Hycosan Extra if you:

• Spend long hours in front of screens and experience digital eye strain
• Live or work in air-conditioned or centrally heated environments
• Wear contact lenses (remove before use and wait 15 minutes before reinserting)
• Have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome by a GP or optometrist
• Are sensitive to preservatives found in other eye drops

It is not recommended for use in children unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional. Always read the label before use.

How Does Hycosan Extra Compare to Other Dry Eye Drops?

How Should You Store Hycosan Extra and Is It Clinically Suitable for Long-Term Use?

Store Hycosan Extra below 25°C, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, the bottle should be used within 6 months — the COMOD® system keeps the formula sterile throughout this period without preservatives. Do not refrigerate unless specifically instructed to do so on the packaging.

For long-term dry eye management, Hycosan Extra eye drops are considered safe for ongoing use. However, if your symptoms haven't improved after a few weeks of regular use, it's worth speaking to your GP or optometrist. Persistent dry eye can sometimes indicate an underlying condition that needs further investigation. If you're managing multiple eye or health concerns, browsing our wider range of allergy and hay fever treatments may also be helpful, as allergic eye conditions can mimic or worsen dry eye symptoms.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Hycosan Extra and What Is It Used For?

Hycosan Extra 7.5ml is a sterile, preservative-free eye drop solution used to relieve the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. It contains 0.2% sodium hyaluronate, a viscoelastic substance that lubricates and moisturises the surface of the eye. It is used to manage symptoms including dryness, grittiness, burning, stinging, and a feeling of something in the eye — all of which are characteristic of dry eye syndrome, a condition the NHS recognises as one of the most common eye complaints in the UK.

Dry eye can be triggered by many factors: prolonged screen use, air conditioning, contact lens wear, certain medications, hormonal changes, and ageing. Hycosan Extra eye drops are designed to supplement the natural tear film when it is insufficient or unstable, providing relief that lasts longer than many standard lubricating drops.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Hycosan Extra?

Before using Hycosan Extra, it's important to be aware of the following contraindications and precautions:

• Do not use if you are allergic to sodium hyaluronate or any other ingredient in the formulation
• Remove soft contact lenses before instilling drops; wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting
• Do not use if the bottle seal is broken before first use
• Not recommended for use in children unless advised by a healthcare professional
• If you have an eye infection, eye injury, or have recently had eye surgery, consult your GP or optometrist before use
• Discard the bottle 6 months after opening, even if product remains

Regarding drug interactions, no significant interactions with other ophthalmic preparations have been identified. However, if you are using other eye drops or eye ointments alongside Hycosan Extra, allow at least 5 minutes between applications. Apply eye ointments last. If you are using any prescription eye medications, speak to your pharmacist or GP before adding Hycosan Extra to your routine.

• No known systemic drug interactions
• Allow 5 minutes between different eye preparations
• Apply eye ointments after eye drops

How Should You Use Hycosan Extra?

Using Hycosan Extra correctly ensures you get the most benefit from each drop. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the bottle
2. If wearing soft contact lenses, remove them before use
3. Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket
4. Hold the bottle upside down and press gently to release one drop into the lower eyelid pocket
5. Close your eye gently and blink a few times to spread the drop evenly across the eye surface
6. Repeat in the other eye if required
7. Replace the cap securely after use
8. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting contact lenses

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Hycosan Extra?

Hycosan Extra is generally very well tolerated. Because it is preservative-free, it carries a lower risk of irritation compared to preserved eye drops used long-term. That said, as with any ocular preparation, some people may experience side effects.

Common side effects:

• Temporary blurred vision immediately after instillation (usually clears within a few minutes)
• Mild stinging or burning sensation upon application

Less common side effects:

• Eye redness or irritation
• Watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Sticky feeling around the eye

If you experience persistent eye pain, significant vision changes, or signs of an allergic reaction (such as swelling around the eye or severe redness), stop using the drops and seek medical advice promptly. You can find further guidance on eye health through the NHS. If you're also managing related conditions, our allergy and hay fever range includes treatments that may help with allergic eye symptoms alongside dry eye management.

How Should You Store Hycosan Extra?

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Do not refrigerate unless instructed on the packaging
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Discard 6 months after first opening the bottle
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle and carton
• Do not use if the bottle seal is broken before first use

The COMOD® multi-dose system maintains sterility throughout the 6-month use period without the need for preservatives, making it a practical and safe option for daily use. Always check the bottle before each use and discard if the solution appears cloudy or discoloured. For a broader range of eye health products, visit our dedicated eye care collection.