Hycosan Eye Drops Complete Guide - Multiple product variations

Hycosan is a range of preservative-free eye drops and ointments that use sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) to lubricate your eyes. The different variants are designed for specific types of dry eye problems, from mild screen fatigue to severe post-surgery recovery. Most cost between £5 and £15 in the UK and last 6 months after opening.

If you've been dealing with dry, itchy, or irritated eyes, you've probably heard about Hycosan eye drops. But with so many different versions available (Original, Fresh, Extra, Intense, Dual, Plus, and Night), how do you know which one is right for you?

This guide is based on manufacturer data, UK pharmacy pricing, and current dry eye clinical guidance.

Quick Hycosan Comparison Table: Which One Do You Need?

Why Hycosan Matters: Understanding Dry Eye Relief

Hycosan works by using sodium hyaluronate to hold moisture on your eye surface, creating a protective cushion that lasts much longer than regular eye drops while remaining completely preservative-free.

Your eyes need a consistent tear film to stay comfortable. When this breaks down, whether from too much screen time, ageing, allergies, or medical conditions, you get that horrible, gritty, burning sensation that makes you want to rub your eyes constantly.

Hycosan tackles this by using sodium hyaluronate, which is basically a moisture magnet. It's the same substance naturally found in your eyes and joints. When you put it on your eye's surface, it holds onto water molecules and creates a protective cushion that lasts much longer than regular eye drops.

Why this matters: Most cheap eye drops from the pharmacy contain preservatives. These chemicals keep the bottle sterile but can actually make dry eyes worse over time, especially if you're using drops multiple times daily. Hycosan's COMOD bottle system keeps everything sterile without preservatives, making it genuinely suitable for long-term use.

The Complete Hycosan Range Explained

Hycosan Fresh for Screen Users and Mild Irritation

Hycosan Fresh is the lightest formula containing 0.1% sodium hyaluronate plus eyebright and chamomile, ideal for people with screen fatigue and mild eye irritation who need affordable, gentle relief throughout the day.

What it is: 0.1% sodium hyaluronate plus eyebright (euphrasia) and chamomile
UK Price: £8.28 to £24.84
Best for: People who stare at screens all day, mild dryness, red or irritated eyes

This is the lightest formula in the range. If you work on a computer, game for hours, or just find your eyes getting tired and red by the afternoon, Fresh is your starting point. The eyebright extract has been used for centuries to soothe irritated eyes, and it genuinely helps take the edge off that screen-induced redness.

Why Hycosan Fresh Works for Digital Eye Strain

The combination of low-concentration hyaluronic acid and natural plant extracts makes this perfect for frequent use without feeling heavy. The eyebright and chamomile provide anti-inflammatory properties that specifically target the redness and irritation caused by extended screen exposure.

What to do: Use 1 to 2 drops whenever your eyes feel tired. Keep it on your desk at work.
What NOT to do: Don't expect this to fix severe dry eye conditions. It's maintenance, not treatment.

Real-world tip: If you're new to eye drops and not sure if you have a real problem or just tired eyes from too much Netflix, start here. It's cheap enough that you won't feel cheated if it turns out you need something stronger, according to healthcare professionals who recommend this for mild irritation

Benefits of Hycosan Fresh Eye Drops

1. Refreshing, not thick or goopy
2. Won't blur your vision
3. Perfect for contact lens wearers
4. Affordable entry point
5. Contains natural herbal extracts for soothing relief
6. Can be used as often as needed throughout the day

Limitations of Hycosan Fresh

1. Too mild for severe dry eye conditions
2. May need frequent reapplication compared to stronger variants
3. Some people find that the herbal ingredients don't add noticeable benefits
4. Not suitable if you need long-lasting protection

Hycosan Original Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops

Hycosan Original contains 0.1% sodium hyaluronate and serves as the standard choice for mild to moderate dry eyes, offering reliable daily relief for contact lens wearers and general dry eye maintenance at £9 to £10 for 7.5ml.

What it is: 0.1% sodium hyaluronate
UK Price: £9 to £10 for 7.5ml
Best for: Mild to moderate dry eyes, contact lens discomfort, general dry eye maintenance

This is the "standard" Hycosan that most opticians recommend first. It's strong enough to actually help with dry eye symptoms, but not so thick that it's uncomfortable.

Why Opticians Recommend Hycosan Original

The 0.1% concentration hits the sweet spot between effectiveness and comfort. It's viscous enough to provide proper lubrication without the thickness that can blur vision or feel uncomfortable. This makes it the go-to recommendation for people who need real relief but don't have severe symptoms.

What to do: Apply up to 3 times daily, or as needed for comfort.

What NOT to do: Don't use it as your only treatment if you have diagnosed with severe dry eye disease. You'll likely need Extra or Intense.

Advantages of Hycosan Original Eye Drops

1. Good all-rounder for daily dry eye management
2. Works well with all contact lens types
3. Proven track record in UK optometry practices
4. Balanced viscosity, neither too thin nor too thick
5. Suitable for long-term use without side effects

Hycosan Extra for Severe and Persistent Dry Eyes

Hycosan Extra contains 0.2% sodium hyaluronate, making it four times more viscous than Original, specifically designed for severe dry eye, post-LASIK surgery recovery, and environmental dry eye triggers at £8.99 to £11.99 for 7.5ml.

What it is: 0.2% sodium hyaluronate (four times more viscous than Original)
UK Price: £8.99 to £11.99 for 7.5ml
Best for: Severe dry eye, post-LASIK surgery, environmental factors (air conditioning, heating, wind)

This is where Hycosan gets serious. Extra contains double the hyaluronic acid concentration, making it four times more viscous than standard drops. That extra thickness means it stays on your eye's surface much longer.

When You Need Hycosan Extra Strength

If regular drops feel like they evaporate within minutes, Extra provides the staying power you need. The higher viscosity creates a more durable protective layer that can last several hours. This is particularly valuable if you work in air-conditioned offices, spend time outdoors in the wind, or have undergone eye surgery.

What to do: Use up to 3 times daily. Blink 20 to 30 times after application to spread it evenly.
What NOT to do: Don't drive immediately after applying. Wait for your vision to clear (usually 30 seconds to a minute).

Key insight: Many UK eye surgeons recommend this after LASIK or cataract surgery. One user on Amazon noted they use it regularly to maintain eye hydration daily 

Price comparison note: Hycosan Extra costs around £10.95, while Hylo Forte (which has the exact same 0.2% sodium hyaluronate formula) costs about the same but comes in a 10ml bottle versus 7.5ml. They're literally the same product with different packaging, according to multiple pharmacy sources that confirm both formulations are identical

Why Hycosan Extra Works for Severe Dry Eye

1. Long-lasting relief measured in hours, not minutes
2. Still compatible with contact lenses despite its thickness
3. Ideal for severe clinical cases of dry eye disease
4. Good value considering how long each dose lasts
5. Recommended by surgeons for post-operative care
6. Reduces the frequency of application needed

Considerations When Using Hycosan Extra

1. Slightly thicker feel initially upon application
2. More expensive than the original formula
3. Can cause brief blurred vision right after use
4. May feel too heavy for mild dry eye symptoms

Hycosan Intense Maximum Strength with Ectoin

Hycosan Intense combines 0.2% sodium hyaluronate with 2% ectoin for dual-action relief, providing maximum strength lubrication plus lipid layer protection for severe inflammatory dry eye at £12.99 to £15.50 for 7.5ml.

What it is: 0.2% sodium hyaluronate plus 2% ectoin
UK Price: £12.99 to £15.50 for 7.5ml
Best for: Severe inflammatory dry eye, burning sensations, persistent symptoms despite using other drops

Intense adds ectoin to the mix, a natural substance that helps stabilise your tear film's lipid (oil) layer. This is crucial because many people with severe dry eye don't just lack water; they lack the oil layer that prevents tears from evaporating too quickly.

Understanding Ectoin's Role in Dry Eye Treatment

Ectoin is a protective molecule that stabilises cell membranes and proteins. In eye drops, it forms a protective barrier over the tear film, preventing rapid evaporation while also reducing inflammation. This dual mechanism makes Intense particularly effective for people whose dry eye comes with burning, stinging, or inflammatory symptoms.

What to do: Use 3 times daily, or as directed by your eye specialist. Allow 30 minutes after other medications before using Intense.
What NOT to do: Don't wear contact lenses with this. Don't use this if you only have mild dryness. You're overpaying for strength you don't need.

Important medical note: If pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 12, don't exceed 10 applications per day. This isn't because it's dangerous, but because high-frequency use should be monitored by a healthcare professional.

Benefits of Hycosan Intense Eye Drops

1. Dual-action formula combining hydration and lipid layer protection
2. Excellent for inflammatory dry eye conditions
3. Provides intensive, long-lasting lubrication
4. Clinically proven for severe dry eye cases
5. Reduces symptoms of burning and stinging
6. Works when other dry eye drops fail

Important Limitations of Hycosan Intense

1. Most expensive product in the Hycosan range
2. A very thick consistency may cause temporary blurred vision after application
3. Check manufacturer guidance before use with contact lenses
4. Should not be used more than 10 times daily without consulting a doctor
5. Overkill for mild to moderate dry eye symptoms

Hycosan Dual for Allergies and Lipid Deficient Dry Eye

Hycosan Dual contains 0.05% sodium hyaluronate plus 2% ectoin, specifically formulated for allergy-related dry eyes, hay fever, and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction at £9.99 to £14.99 for 7.5ml.

What it is: 0.05% sodium hyaluronate plus 2% ectoin
UK Price: £9.99 to £14.99 for 7.5ml
Best for: Dry eyes caused by allergies, hay fever, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), lipid-deficient tear film

This is the specialist option for people whose dry eyes are triggered by allergies or who have been diagnosed with MGD (when the oil glands in your eyelids don't work properly). The ectoin helps protect against allergens while stabilising the tear film.

How Hycosan Dual Treats Allergy-Related Dry Eyes

Allergic reactions trigger inflammation that disrupts your tear film. The ectoin in Dual acts as a protective shield, preventing allergens from triggering inflammatory responses while also stabilising the lipid layer. This makes it particularly effective during hay fever season or for people with year-round environmental allergies.

 What to do: Use during allergy season or year-round if you have chronic MGD. Apply as needed, typically 3 to 4 times daily.
What NOT to do: Don't assume you need this just because it's "advanced." If you don't have allergies or MGD, you're better off with Original or Extra.

Advantages of Hycosan Dual Eye Drops

1. Dual action formula combats both lubrication and lipid deficiency
2. Excellent for seasonal allergies and hay fever
3. Helps manage MGD symptoms effectively
4.  Contact lens compatible, unlike Intense
5. Protects against allergen exposure
6. Reduces inflammation from allergic reactions

When Hycosan Dual Isn't Necessary

1. Not ideal if allergies aren't part of your dry eye problem
2. More expensive than necessary for simple dry eye
3. The ectoin benefit is wasted without the allergic component
4. Other variants offer better value for non-allergy cases

Hycosan Plus for Healing and Post Surgery Recovery

Hycosan Plus combines 0.1% sodium hyaluronate with 2% dexpanthenol (vitamin B5) to actively promote corneal healing, making it the preferred choice for post-operative care after LASIK, cataract surgery, or eye injuries at £10 to £11 for 7.5ml.

What it is: 0.1% sodium hyaluronate plus 2% dexpanthenol (vitamin B5)
UK Price: £10 to £11 for 7.5ml
Best for: Post-operative care (LASIK, cataract surgery, corneal procedures), eye injuries, damaged eye surface

Dexpanthenol is the star here. It's a provitamin that promotes corneal healing and provides an effective environment to support healing post-operation or eye injury. Surgeons often recommend this specifically after procedures.

Why Surgeons Recommend Hycosan Plus

Dexpanthenol converts to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) in your cornea, which accelerates epithelial regeneration. This means your eye's surface layer repairs itself faster. After surgery or injury, this speeds up recovery time and reduces the risk of complications. The lubrication component also keeps the healing tissue moist, which is essential for proper healing.

What to do: Follow your surgeon's specific instructions. Generally, 3 to 4 times daily during recovery.
What NOT to do: Don't use this as your everyday drop unless you have recurring corneal issues. It's specialised medicine for specific situations.

Benefits of Hycosan Plus Eye Drops

1. Actively supports corneal healing, not just lubrication
2. Ideal for post-surgery recovery periods
3. Contact lens is compatible for ongoing use
4. Gentle enough for recovering, sensitive tissue
5. Reduces healing time after eye procedures
6. Suitable for minor corneal abrasions

Limitations of Hycosan Plus

1. Overkill for general dry eye maintenance
2. The healing benefit only matters if you have actual tissue damage
3. More expensive than regular drops without a specific medical need
4. Should be used under medical guidance for surgical recovery

Hycosan Night Ointment for Overnight Protection

Hycosan Night is a vitamin A ointment (250 I.U./g retinol palmitate) with liquid paraffin and lanolin that provides up to 6 hours of overnight protection, ideal for severe dry eye sufferers who wake with stuck eyelids, at £5.95 to £8.29 for 5g.

What it is: Vitamin A (retinol palmitate 250 I.U./g) plus liquid paraffin and lanolin
UK Price: £5.95 to £8.29 for 5g tube
Best for: Night-time relief, severe dry eye sufferers who wake with stuck eyelids, and anyone needing 6+ hours of protection

This isn't a drop. It's a thick ointment you apply before bed. Vitamin A helps improve your tear film, while the paraffin creates a protective barrier that lasts through the night. Each tube provides up to 300 applications 

How Hycosan Night Prevents Morning Eye Problems

During sleep, your eyelids can stick to your cornea when tears evaporate completely. This causes painful corneal abrasions when you open your eyes in the morning. The thick ointment creates a physical barrier that keeps your eye surface lubricated for 6 to 8 hours, preventing this sticking and protecting against damage.

What to do: Apply a thin line to your lower eyelid before bed. Close your eyes and blink gently to spread it.
What NOT to do: Don't use during the day unless you're not driving or doing anything requiring clear vision. Don't apply if you're about to put contact lenses in.

User experience: Many severe dry eye sufferers swear by this for preventing painful corneal abrasions from eyelids sticking overnight

Advantages of Hycosan Night Ointment

1. Lasts all night for up to 6 hours of continuous protection
2. Prevents morning eyelid sticking and corneal abrasions
3. Preservative-free formula for sensitive eyes
4. Very economical with 300 applications per tube
5. Excellent for severe night-time symptoms
6. Contains vitamin A for tear film improvement

Important Warnings for Hycosan Night

1. Blurs vision significantly, ONLY for night use
2. Cannot be used with contact lenses (remove before applying)
3. Greasy texture, some people find it unpleasant
4. Contains lanolin; avoid if you have wool allergies
5. May contain trace peanut oil; avoid if you have a severe peanut allergy
6. Not suitable for daytime use if driving or working

How to Use Hycosan Eye Drops Properly

Direct answer: To use Hycosan correctly, wash your hands, prime new bottles with 5 to 20 pumps, tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid, position the bottle tip above your eye without touching, press firmly for one measured drop, then blink 20 to 30 times to distribute evenly.

Here's the technique that actually works:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly. This is non-negotiable.
2. Prime new bottles: Hold upside down and pump 5 to 20 times until the first drop appears.
3. Tilt your head back and look up.
4. Pull down your lower eyelid gently to create a pocket.
5. Position the bottle tip above your eye without touching it (the COMOD system prevents contamination, but still).
6. Press the base firmly. One click equals one measured drop.
7. Close your eyes and blink gently 20 to 30 times to distribute evenly.
8. Wait 15 minutes before using any other eye products.

Storage: Room temperature. No refrigeration needed.
Shelf life: 6 months after opening (date the bottle when you first use it).

UK Pricing: What to Actually Expect

Hycosan eye drops in the UK range from £4.99 for Fresh to £15.50 for Intense, with most variants costing between £9 and £12 at Boots, online pharmacies, and specialist optometry retailers.

Here's the realistic price range you'll find in 2025:

Money-Saving Tips for Buying Hycosan

1. Buy multi-packs (usually £1 to £2 cheaper per bottle)
2. Check online pharmacies like UK Meds Online for competitive pricing
3. Consider Hylo Forte if you need Extra strength – same formula, sometimes cheaper in bulk
4. Night ointment offers the best value (300 uses for under £8)
5. Compare price per ml rather than per bottle
6. Look for seasonal promotions at Boots and Superdrug

Hycosan vs Competitors: What You Actually Need to Know

Hycosan Extra vs Hylo Forte Comparison

Hycosan Extra and Hylo Forte are identical formulations with 0.2% sodium hyaluronate, differing only in bottle size (Hylo Forte 10ml versus Hycosan Extra 7.5ml) and brand name, so buy whichever is cheaper.

The only differences:

1. Hylo Forte: 10ml bottle (300 drops)
2. Hycosan Extra: 7.5ml bottle (225 drops)
3. Price per ml is virtually the same

Bottom line: Buy whichever is cheaper when you're shopping.

Hycosan vs Systane Eye Drops

Systane uses different active ingredients (polyethene glycol, propylene glycol) and many variants contain preservatives, while Hycosan's preservative-free sodium hyaluronate formula is gentler for frequent, long-term use.

Systane works through different chemistry and is fine for occasional use, but if you're using drops more than 4 times daily or have sensitive eyes, Hycosan's preservative-free formula reduces the risk of preservative toxicity.

Hycosan vs Blink Eye Drops

Blink is acceptable for occasional use but contains preservatives in most formulations, making Hycosan the better choice for frequent use (more than 4 times daily) or long-term dry eye management.

For casual users who only need drops once or twice a day, Blink's lower price might appeal. For anyone with chronic dry eye requiring multiple daily applications, Hycosan's preservative-free technology prevents cumulative damage.

Essential Tips for Using Hycosan Eye Drops

What You Should Do with Hycosan

1. Start with the mildest formula that addresses your symptoms
2. Date your bottle when you first open it
3. Use consistently for best results; dry eye treatment works with regular use
4. Combine with other dry eye strategies (screen breaks, humidifier, omega-3s)
5. See an optician if symptoms persist after 2 weeks
6. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight
7. Use the COMOD system properly (one firm click per drop)
8. Keep separate bottles for each eye if you have an infection

What You Should Never Do with Hycosan

1. Don't share your eye drops with anyone else
2. Don't touch the tip to any surface (though the COMOD system is contamination-resistant)
3. Don't use after 6 months from opening
4. Don't use Intense with contact lenses
5. Don't use night cream during the day if you need to drive
6. Don't expect instant results; give it 3 to 5 days of consistent use
7. Don't ignore persistent problems; see a professional
8. Don't refrigerate Hycosan (room temperature storage only)

Is Hycosan Better Than Optrex Eye Drops?

Hycosan and Optrex serve completely different purposes. Hycosan is a preservative-free lubricant range for chronic dry eye management, while Optrex offers various products, including medicated drops for infections (with chloramphenicol), redness relievers (with naphazoline), and basic rehydrating drops, making direct comparison inappropriate.

Important distinctions between Hycosan and Optrex:

Product categories:

1. Hycosan: Lubricant eye drops for dry eye conditions
2. Optrex: Multiple product lines, including infected eye drops (antibiotic), bloodshot eye drops (vasoconstrictor), and rehydrating drops

Preservative content:

1. Hycosan: Completely preservative-free (COMOD system)
2. Optrex Infected: Contains phenylmercuric nitrate preservative
3. Optrex Bloodshot: Contains benzalkonium chloride preservative
4. Optrex Rehydrating: Some variants are preservative-free

Primary use cases:

1. Hycosan: Chronic dry eye, post-surgery, allergies, MGD
2. Optrex Infected: Bacterial conjunctivitis (5-day course only)
3. Optrex Bloodshot: Temporary redness relief (not for chronic use)
4. Optrex Rehydrating: Mild dry eye symptoms

Active ingredients:

1. Hycosan: Sodium hyaluronate (various concentrations)
2. Optrex Infected: 0.5% chloramphenicol (antibiotic)
3. Optrex Bloodshot: Naphazoline and witch hazel (decongestant)
4. Optrex Rehydrating: Sodium hyaluronate (similar to Hycosan)

Contact lens compatibility:

1. Hycosan: Most variants are (except Intense and Night)
2. Optrex Infected: NOT safe with contact lenses, must remove and wait 24 hours after treatment
3. Optrex Bloodshot: Must remove lenses, wait 15 minutes before reinserting

When to use Hycosan instead of Optrex:

1. For ongoing dry eye management (daily or multiple times daily)
2. For preservative-free long-term treatment
3. After eye surgery or for healing
4. For allergy-related dry eyes
5. For severe dry eye conditions

When to use specific Optrex products:

Optrex Infected: Only for diagnosed bacterial conjunctivitis (requires pharmacy consultation)

Optrex Bloodshot: Only for occasional redness from fatigue or minor irritation (NOT for chronic use)

Optrex Rehydrating: Acceptable for mild, occasional dry eye if you already have it

Critical warning about Optrex Bloodshot: Do NOT use redness-relieving drops like Optrex Bloodshot for chronic dry eye. The vasoconstrictor naphazoline can cause rebound redness with overuse, making your condition worse.

Final Verdict: Which Hycosan Should You Buy?

Choose Hycosan Fresh for mild screen fatigue (£5 to £8), Original for general dry eyes (£9 to £10), Extra for severe symptoms (£9 to £12), Intense for inflammatory dry eye (£13 to £16), Dual for allergies (£10 to £15), Plus for post-surgery healing (£10 to £11), or Night ointment for overnight protection (£6 to £8).

If you have mild screen fatigue, start with Fresh (£8.28 to £24.84)

If you have general dry eyes or wear contacts: Get Original (£9 to £10)

If you have severe dry eye or post-surgery: Choose Extra (£9.99 to £11.99)

If you have severe inflammatory dry eye, Intense is worth the premium (£12.99 to £15.50)

If allergies are the trigger: Dual targets that specifically (£13.72)

If you're recovering from surgery/injury: Plus supports healing (£10.49)

If you wake with stuck eyelids: Night ointment will change your mornings (£7.99)

The Hycosan range genuinely offers something for everyone, from casual screen users to severe dry eye patients. The key is matching your actual symptoms to the right formula. Don't overpay for Intense if Fresh will do the job, but don't suffer with Fresh if you actually need Extra.

For UK buyers, you can find competitive prices and authentic products at trusted online pharmacies like UK Meds Online, or pick them up from Boots, Superdrug, and most independent pharmacies.

Remember: These drops manage symptoms brilliantly, but if you're using them daily for more than a few weeks, book an eye exam. Chronic dry eye can have underlying causes that need proper treatment, not just symptom management.

FAQs

Q: How often should I use Hycosan?
Most Hycosan variants can be used 3 to 4 times daily or as needed, with Fresh allowing more frequent use and Intense requiring medical supervision if exceeding 10 applications daily.

Q: Can I use Hycosan with contact lenses?
Yes, you can use Hycosan with contact lenses for all variants EXCEPT Hycosan Intense and Night ointment, and you don't need to remove lenses before applying the compatible variants.

Q: Will Hycosan cure my dry eyes?
No, Hycosan manages dry eye symptoms but doesn't fix the underlying cause. You need to identify why you have dry eyes (screen time, environment, medical condition, age-related) and address that too.

Q: Are there side effects?
Side effects are rare but may include brief stinging upon application, temporary blurred vision (especially with thicker formulas), and very rare allergic reactions to herbal ingredients in Fresh.

Q: Can I get Hycosan on an NHS prescription?
Sometimes, depending on your GP and local formulary. Many people report getting Hylo Forte prescribed (which is identical to Hycosan Extra), but policies vary across NHS trusts.

Q: Does Hycosan work for blepharitis?
Hycosan helps manage the dry eye symptoms of blepharitis, but you also need proper eyelid hygiene as part of a complete treatment plan recommended by eye care professionals following the TFOS DEWS II (Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II).