Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) Eye Drops 0.5% & 1%: Uses & Difference

Reviewed by Anil Kumar Goel, B.Pharm — Chairman, Biozia Lifesciences, 40+ years in the pharmaceutical industry.

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is the most widely prescribed artificial-tear ingredient for dry eye, and it is available in two strengths, 0.5% and 1%. This guide explains how CMC works, when each strength is used, how to use the drops, and how Biozia supplies them as Visiglow Eye Drop (0.5%) and Visiglow DS Eye Drop (1%).

Key takeaways (TL;DR)

CMC is a lubricating polymer that mimics natural tears and stays on the eye surface.
0.5% is suited to mild dry eye and frequent daytime use; 1% is thicker and longer-lasting for moderate to severe dryness or night-time use.
Usually 1–2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed.
Temporary blurring after instilling is common, especially with 1%.
Biozia supplies Visiglow (0.5%) and Visiglow DS (1%), 10 ml each, for PCD franchise and third-party manufacturing.

Composition and available strengths

Biozia manufactures CMC eye drops in both strengths:

Brand	Composition	Packing
Visiglow Eye Drop	Carboxymethyl Cellulose 0.5% w/v	10ml
Visiglow DS Eye Drop	Carboxymethyl Cellulose 1% w/v	10ml

How CMC eye drops work

Carboxymethylcellulose is a viscous, water-retaining polymer. It coats and moistens the surface of the eye, stabilises the tear film, and protects the cornea from friction and drying. Higher concentrations stay longer on the eye but can cause more temporary blurring.

0.5% vs 1%: which strength?

CMC 0.5% — mild dry eye, screen-related eye strain, frequent daytime use with minimal blurring.
CMC 1% — moderate to severe dry eye, longer protection, bedtime use, or when 0.5% is not enough.

An eye specialist will recommend the strength and frequency that suit the patient.

Uses

Dry eye syndrome
Digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome
Irritation from wind, dust, air-conditioning or sun
Dryness after eye surgery, as advised by the surgeon

Side effects and precautions

Temporary blurred vision, mild stinging and sticky eyelids are the most common effects. Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye. Contact lens wearers should check with their eye specialist. Stop use and see a doctor if there is eye pain, vision change or persistent redness.

For distributors: PCD franchise and third-party manufacturing

CMC eye drops are among the fastest-moving ophthalmic products, prescribed by eye specialists and recommended by chemists, with frequent repeat purchases. Offering both Visiglow strengths, alongside Vizcare (PEG 400 + propylene glycol), lets a franchise partner cover the full dry-eye segment.

PCD franchise — stock Visiglow and Visiglow DS under monopoly rights in your district. See PCD pharma franchise with Biozia.
Third-party manufacturing — get this formulation made under your own brand name. See third-party manufacturing services.
Quality — WHO-GMP and ISO certified manufacturing in Yamunanagar, Haryana, with batch-wise documentation and pan-India dispatch.

Interested in CMC lubricant eye drops for your territory or your own brand? Enquire with Biozia Lifesciences →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CMC 0.5% and 1% eye drops?

CMC 1% is thicker and lasts longer, so it suits moderate to severe dry eye or night use. CMC 0.5% is lighter, with less blurring, for mild dryness and frequent daytime use.

How many times a day can CMC eye drops be used?

Usually 1–2 drops as needed. If they are needed very often, an eye specialist should review the cause of the dryness.

Can CMC eye drops be used for computer eye strain?

Yes. They are commonly used to relieve dryness and discomfort from long screen use.

Does Biozia manufacture CMC eye drops under client brands?

Yes. Visiglow and Visiglow DS are available for PCD franchise, and Biozia’s sterile ophthalmic line manufactures CMC eye drops under client brands.

This guide is for pharmacists, doctors, distributors and trade partners. It is general product information, not medical advice — patients should take any medicine only as prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.