EvoTears (perfluorohexyloctane) is a water-free, preservative-free eye drop for evaporative dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction. Instead of adding watery tears, one very small drop spreads to form a thin protective layer over the ocular surface that reduces tear evaporation and stabilises the tear film. It is available in the UK from pharmacies and clinics, typically costs from around £20 per 10ml bottle, and is best used as part of a dry-eye plan confirmed by an assessment.
Evaporative dry eye and MGD
Most dry eye is not caused by too few tears but by tears that evaporate too quickly. The oily (lipid) layer on the front of the tear film normally slows evaporation. When the meibomian glands in the eyelids become blocked or under-perform — meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) — that lipid layer thins, and the eyes feel gritty, burning, watery or tired, especially on screens or in air conditioning.
EvoTears is designed for exactly this problem: it behaves like a lipid layer, spreading across the surface to hold moisture in. Because it is preservative-free and water-free, it can be used frequently and by contact lens wearers.
Dry eye treatment options
EvoTears drops are often the first step. Where dry eye is more stubborn or inflammatory, in-clinic treatments and other drops may be added. Your clinician will tailor a plan after assessment.
Related in-clinic options include iLux thermal MGD treatment and Tixel, while punctal plugs help retain tears. For severe surface disease, a scleral lens can protect the eye. See costs for IPL and LipiFlow.
Not sure which dry eye treatment you need? A dry eye assessment identifies whether your problem is evaporative, aqueous-deficient or both — so treatment is targeted.
Book a dry eye assessmentHow to use EvoTears
EvoTears is very simple to use, and because the drops are so small a single bottle lasts a long time.
- Wash your hands and, if you wear soft contact lenses, you can usually keep them in.
- Instil one drop into each affected eye — the volume is much smaller than a standard drop.
- Blink gently to let the drop spread across the surface.
- Use up to around four times a day, or as advised by your clinician.
What to expect
First use
Many people notice smoother, less gritty eyes within minutes as the drop spreads and stabilises the tear film.
First 1–2 weeks
Used regularly, symptoms such as burning, watering and screen fatigue often ease. Consistency matters more than quantity.
Ongoing
EvoTears is a management tool, not a cure. If the underlying MGD needs more, your clinician may add lid care or an in-clinic treatment.
Review
A follow-up confirms the plan is working and whether any additional treatment is worthwhile.
EvoTears cost
In the UK, EvoTears typically costs from around £20 per 10ml bottle, available from pharmacies and clinics. Because each drop is so small, a bottle lasts many weeks. A dry eye assessment (to confirm the cause and tailor treatment) is usually £150–£250, and any in-clinic procedures such as IPL or LipiFlow are priced separately.
- EvoTears: from £20 per 10ml bottle.
- Dry eye assessment: around £150–£250, tailored plan.
- Add-on treatments: IPL, LipiFlow, iLux, Tixel and punctal plugs priced individually.