Carbomer is an ingredient that can be used for various things, from treating dry eyes to as a mixture skincare. This material is a synthetic substance that is widely used in making body care products to eye drops. The following is a further explanation.
What is a carbomer?
Carbomer is a trade name for polyacrylic acid. You may find another name for carbomer in the product table as:
- Carboxyvinylpolymer
- Carbopol 910
- Carbopol 971 P
- Carbopol 981
- Carbopol ULTREZ 20
- Pemulen TR-1
- Pemulen TR-2
The numbers in other names for carbomer indicate the molecular weight and specific components.
Carbomer is commonly found in various body care products, skincare and medicines. You may find this substance as a raw ingredient in shampoo, lotion, sunscreen, toothpaste, moisturizer, and even lubricating eye drops.
Carbomer, which is used as eye drops, is usually used to treat dryness and pain in the eyes. This medication makes the eyes feel more comfortable by protecting, soothing, and coating the surface of the eyeball.
You can find carbomer eye medication in the form of gel and eye drops. You can get some carbomer products at pharmacies without a prescription. However, there are several eye products that require a doctor’s prescription.
How to use carbomer as eye drops
How to use carbomer is actually almost similar to using eye drops in general. However, there are a number of things you need to pay attention to so that you can feel the maximum benefits.
Here is the correct way to use carbomer:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before using carbomer
- If you are a contact lens user, remove them first and wait for 15 minutes before dripping carbomer on the eyes
- Hold the carbomer vertically, tilt your head backwards
- Place one of your hands on your cheek, then gently pull your lower eyelid
- Direct your gaze upwards, then drop the carbomer by gently pressing the container
- Blink your eyes several times so that your eyes are smeared with carbomer evenly
- Clean the remaining carbomer that sticks to the eyelids
- Repeat the same steps on the other eye if you experience a similar problem
For the dosage used, adjust it to the prescription recommended by your doctor. If you buy carbomer at a pharmacy, use it according to the instructions on the medicine packaging. If you use other drops at the same time, wait at least five minutes before applying carbomer to the eyes.
Side effects of using carbomer
Just like other drugs, the use of carbomer also has the potential to trigger a number of side effects. However, the side effects that appear will not be felt by all users and may only be experienced by some people.
Some side effects that can be felt from using carbomer eye drops include:
- Red eye
- Swollen eyes
- Eye irritation
- Pain in the eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Blurred vision
- Increased tear production
- There is discomfort in the eyes
- Hardening of the eyelids over a certain period of time
- A rash appears around the eyes, especially if you are allergic to carbomer
Other benefits of carbomer
Apart from eye drops, carbomer is also often found in various other products, especially skin care products (skincare).
Dry carbomer is a light white powder. But carbomer is also often used as a gel or liquid and is found in various skincare and household products.
- The use of carbomer in skincare can be found in products: shampoo, lotion, nail polish, facial mask, sunscreen, lipstick, cuticle remover, hair styling gel, acne medication gel, moisturizer.
- The use of carbomer in industrial and household products can be found in: detergents, floor cleaners, surface cleaning fluids, paints, waterproof and oil-proof coatings, and inks.
Those are the benefits and side effects of using carbomer. If the side effects interfere with your activities and do not go away, immediately consult a doctor. Treatment as early as possible can prevent the problem you are experiencing from getting worse.
