ARVO 2026: Renaming artificial tears

At ARVO 2026, Andrew Pucker, OD, PhD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, chief development officer at Mentra Health, spoke on recent work he co-authored with Kaleb Abbott, OD, MS, FAAO, FOWNS published in The Ocular Surface. The publication examines and challenges the current terminology used for artificial tears and re-wetting drops in the context of dry eye and contact lens wear.

Historically, the term “artificial tears” described a category of eye drops intended to alleviate dry eye symptoms. Earlier formulations frequently contained harsh preservatives. These preservatives could accumulate on the ocular surface, particularly when absorbed by contact lenses, leading to irritation, discomfort, and potential ocular surface issues when used frequently. To address this safety concern, manufacturers developed a distinct product category called “re-wetting drops”, explicitly indicated for use with contact lenses to relieve lens-related discomfort. This separation was driven more by preservative safety considerations than by a fundamental difference in the core lubricating function of the products.

Pucker explained that the formulation landscape has evolved substantially. Modern artificial tears typically use large molecular weight preservatives, which are less likely to penetrate ocular tissues or bind problematically to contact lenses, or they are completely preservative-free. Based on his research, these newer artificial tears can be safely used with contact lenses, with no evidence to suggest they are contraindicated in lens wearers.

Given this shift in safety profile and functional overlap, Pucker and Abbott propose that artificial tears and re-wetting drops be unified under a single category: “lubricating drops.” This renaming would reflect their shared primary purpose—ocular lubrication—rather than outdated distinctions based on older preservative concerns. Pucker argues that a single “lubricating drops” category could streamline manufacturing, labeling, and regulatory processes, while also reducing confusion for patients. In crowded retail environments, where consumers face dozens of similar products, a simplified, unified category could make it easier for patients to identify the appropriate product for dry eye symptoms or contact lens–related discomfort, thereby improving both usability and adherence.