Should I recap a preservative-free artificial tear vial for multiple doses?

[ZoeyNB]

I’ve been told I need to start using preservative-free artificial tears for my chronic dry eye, but I’m confused about the practical side. My ophthalmologist said to use them at least four times a day, but they come in those single-use vials and I always feel like I waste most of the drop. Is it really okay to recap and use one vial for multiple doses throughout the same day, or does that defeat the whole purpose?

[GaryG]

I was told one vial equals one dose, preservative-free, and recapping isn’t advised. I tried to reuse a vial once and it felt off the next time I used it, so now I open a new one for each application.

[Gary_G]

I’ve learned to tilt my head back, keep the bottle tip away from the eye, and drop slowly. It still seems like some of the drop ends up on the lid or evaporates, but I try not to squeeze too hard.

[JasonAP]

Four times a day is a lot. I experimented with a longer-acting option at night and kept the day schedule the same, but the daytime dryness came back anyway. Maybe the environment or blinking pattern matters more than the bottle.

[Scott_M]

Do you think the real issue isn’t the vial but how you apply it or what else is going on with your eyes?