Carbomer 980
Polyacrylic acid
Also known as: Lubrithal · Ocry-gel · OptixCare · Viscotears · Polyacrylic acid · Carboxy polymethylene
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) / Dry eye / Ocular lubrication | 1 drop (or small strip) per affected eye | topical | prn (typically q6h to q12h) | Ongoing | 🌍 EU |
| Corneal protection during general anesthesia | 1 drop (or small strip) per eye | topical | Once after induction, repeat every 1-2 hours if procedure is prolonged | Duration of anesthesia | 🌍 EU |
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) / Dry eye / Ocular lubrication: Frequency depends on the severity of the dry eye.
- Corneal protection during general anesthesia: Prevents exposure keratitis.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) / Dry eye / Ocular lubrication | 1 drop (or small strip) per affected eye | topical | prn (typically q6h to q12h) | Ongoing | 🌍 EU |
| Corneal protection during general anesthesia | 1 drop (or small strip) per eye | topical | Once after induction, repeat every 1-2 hours if procedure is prolonged | Duration of anesthesia | 🌍 EU |
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) / Dry eye / Ocular lubrication: Frequency depends on the severity of the dry eye.
- Corneal protection during general anesthesia: Prevents exposure keratitis.
Small Mammals
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocular lubrication / Anesthesia protection | 1 drop per eye | topical | prn | As needed | 🌍 EU |
- Ocular lubrication / Anesthesia protection: Useful for exophthalmic species (e.g., rabbits, guinea pigs) during anesthesia.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Carbomer 980 is a synthetic, high-molecular-weight cross-linked linear polymer of acrylic acid used as an ophthalmic lubricant. It acts as a mucinomimetic, replacing the aqueous and mucin layers of the trilaminar tear film.
Clinical Pearl: Carbomer gels are highly effective for managing Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS/dry eye) and providing essential corneal protection during general anesthesia or sedation when the palpebral reflex is diminished or lost.
Mechanism of action
Carbomer 980 is a linear polymer (polyacrylic acid) that acts as a mucinomimetic. It adheres to the corneal surface and retains moisture → replaces the aqueous and mucin layers of the trilaminar tear film → stabilizes the tear film, reduces tear evaporation, and prolongs tear break-up time (TBUT).
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to carbomer or any component of the formulation (e.g., preservatives like cetrimide or benzalkonium chloride)
Adverse effects
- Transient blurred vision immediately after application
- Mild, temporary ocular irritation or stinging
- Crusting or matting of the eyelashes/eyelids
Precautions
Application Order: When using multiple eye medications, always apply aqueous drops first, wait 5-10 minutes, and apply carbomer gel last.
- Avoid touching the tip of the tube to the eye, eyelids, or fingers to prevent contamination.
- Some human formulations contain preservatives that may cause irritation with very frequent, long-term use; preservative-free single-use vials are preferred for severe KCS requiring highly frequent application.
Drug interactions
Carbomer gel can act as a physical barrier, reducing the absorption of other ophthalmic drops if applied simultaneously or prior to the drops.
Monitoring
- Schirmer Tear Test (STT) to monitor tear production in KCS patients
- Resolution of clinical signs (conjunctival hyperemia, mucoid discharge, blepharospasm)
- Fluorescein staining to monitor for corneal ulceration
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Not absorbed systemically. Remains on the ocular surface.
Distribution
Distributes evenly across the cornea and conjunctiva, mixing with the natural tear film.
Metabolism
Not metabolized.
Elimination
Cleared from the eye via the nasolacrimal duct and normal tear turnover.
Overdose
Overdosage is not a clinical concern due to the lack of systemic absorption. Excess gel will simply spill over the eyelid margins and can be gently wiped away with a damp tissue.
Available products
Formulations
- Ophthalmic gel: 0.2% (10 g tube, single-use vial)
- Ophthalmic gel: 0.25% (10 g tube)
Veterinary
- Lubrithal 0.2% eye gel
- Ocry-gel
- OptixCare Eye Lube
Human-labeled
- Viscotears 0.2% liquid gel
Regulatory status
Available Over-The-Counter (OTC) as artificial tears.
Available as Pharmacy (P) or General Sale depending on the specific product.
Available as Pharmacy (P) or General Sale depending on the specific product.
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature (below 25°C). Do not freeze. Discard the tube 28 days after opening (or as directed by the manufacturer) to prevent microbial contamination. Single-use vials should be discarded immediately after use.
Client information
- Administration: Wash your hands before applying. Gently pull down the lower eyelid and apply a small drop or strip of gel into the pocket.
- Hygiene: Do not let the tip of the tube touch your pet's eye, eyelids, or your fingers.
- Multiple Medications: If your pet is prescribed other eye drops, apply the liquid drops first, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes, and apply this gel last.
- Side Effects: Your pet's vision may be slightly blurry for a few minutes immediately after application. You may also notice some crusting around the eyelashes, which can be gently wiped away with a warm, damp cloth.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.