Hyabak is a preservative-free eye drop containing 0.15% sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), made by Thea Pharmaceuticals. It is classified as a medical device, sold over the counter for dry eye relief, contact lens comfort, and screen-related eye fatigue in adults and children.
The formula coats the cornea with sodium hyaluronate to restore tear film stability and lower osmolarity toward 285-295 mOsm/L. Clinical trials confirmed a three-fold increase in patient comfort scores and improved tear meniscus height after 2 months. The ABAK bottle delivers 300 preservative-free doses lasting 6 months after opening.
This review covers ingredients, clinical evidence, user ratings across verified platforms, side effects, and how Hyabak compares directly to Systane and Thealoz Duo. Cost-per-dose breakdowns and clear purchasing guidance help readers decide whether Hyabak suits their specific dry eye situation.
What Are Hyabak Eye Drops?
Hyabak is a preservative-free eye drop solution containing 0.15% sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), manufactured by Thea Pharmaceuticals, a French ophthalmology company with regulatory approvals across the EU, UK, and Canada. The drops are classified as a medical device, not a drug, and are available over the counter without a prescription in most markets.
Here’s the thing: Thea Pharmaceuticals built its ophthalmology focus in the early 2000s and now holds regulatory approvals across the EU, UK, and Canada. Hyabak is among its flagship products for dry eye management.
The formula targets adults and children with dry eye syndrome. It suits contact lens wearers, people with preservative sensitivity, and anyone dealing with screen-related eye fatigue or environmental dryness.
How Do Hyabak Eye Drops Work to Relieve Dryness?
Hyabak works by coating the ocular surface with sodium hyaluronate, a molecule that binds and retains water to form a stable lubricating layer over the cornea, reducing friction between the eyelid and cornea. This mechanism directly relieves the gritty, burning sensation linked to dry eye syndrome with each application throughout the day.
In fact, the hypotonic formula addresses hyperosmolarity. That’s an elevated salt concentration in the tear film. Hyabak lowers tear film osmolarity back toward the normal range of 285-295 mOsm/L (milliosmoles per liter), supporting cellular regeneration on the ocular surface.
And here’s what the clinical data show: Hylabak increased tear meniscus height from 0.62 mm to 0.95 mm after 2 months of use. Conjunctival xerosis scores also fell significantly, confirming objective improvement in tear film stability.
The ABAK bottle is a patented multi-dose container that maintains solution sterility without chemical preservatives, using a filtered air replacement mechanism. Each bottle delivers approximately 300 uniformly sized drops and stays usable for 6 months after first opening.
What Are the Ingredients in Hyabak Eye Drops?
Hyabak contains sodium hyaluronate 0.15% as its active ingredient, combined with actinoquinol, sodium chloride, trometamol, hydrochloric acid, and water for injections as the T1557 formula. The formula is free from preservatives and phosphates, which are the two most common additives linked to long-term ocular surface irritation in daily eye drop users.
Each ingredient earns its place. Sodium chloride serves as a tonicity agent to keep the solution compatible with the natural tear film. Trometamol maintains a stable pH level. Hydrochloric acid adjusts pH during manufacturing to ensure ocular compatibility.
And here is the best part: actinoquinol is an ultraviolet-absorbing compound that provides UVB protection. This makes Hyabak one of the few lubricating eye drops offering UV protection alongside hydration benefits.
Hyabak Ingredients Breakdown:
| Ingredient | Role | Notable Feature |
| Sodium hyaluronate 0.15% | Active lubricant and hydrator | Mimics natural tear viscosity |
| Actinoquinol | UVB protection | Unique among lubricating drops |
| Sodium chloride | Tonicity agent | Matches natural tear osmolarity |
| Trometamol | pH buffer | Maintains ocular compatibility |
| Hydrochloric acid | pH adjuster | Used in manufacturing process |
| Water for injections | Solvent | Pharmaceutical-grade purity |
Does Sodium Hyaluronate Actually Lubricate Dry Eyes?
Yes. Sodium hyaluronate is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the human body, including the vitreous humor of the eye, and demonstrates clinically proven lubricating and viscoelastic properties on the ocular surface. Studies confirm it integrates with the natural tear film rather than simply washing over it, forming a stable moisture-retaining layer.
The 0.15% concentration in Hyabak matches the viscosity of natural tears closely. Lower concentrations provide less lubrication. Higher concentrations can feel sticky. The 0.15% level balances comfort with effective moisture retention for most dry eye patients.
Here’s what clinical trials on Hylabak found: patients reported more than a three-fold increase in comfort scores after 2 months. Objective measures including Schirmer’s test and tear osmolarity also improved significantly within the normal range.
Are Hyabak Eye Drops Preservative Free?
Yes. Hyabak is 100% free from preservatives, achieving long-term sterility through the patented ABAK multi-dose bottle system rather than chemical agents like benzalkonium chloride that damage the ocular surface. This engineering eliminates preservative-related inflammation and toxicity even for users applying drops multiple times every day.
Think of it this way: benzalkonium chloride, the most common preservative in eye drops, disrupts the lipid layer of the tear film and damages corneal epithelial cells with frequent use. Preservative-free formulas are preferred by eye care professionals for patients using drops more than 4 times daily.
What’s more, Hyabak is also phosphate-free. Phosphate-containing drops can form calcium phosphate deposits on damaged corneas in rare cases. The absence of phosphates makes Hyabak safer for patients with compromised corneal surfaces.
What Are the Benefits of Hyabak Eye Drops?
Hyabak provides long-lasting relief from dry, gritty, and tired eyes through four core mechanisms: preservative-free hydration, osmotic balance restoration, UVB protection through actinoquinol, and full compatibility with all contact lens types without removal. Two peer-reviewed clinical studies support each of these claimed benefits across patient populations.
The good news? The drops are clinically proven to relieve dryness and grittiness. Thea Pharmaceuticals cites two peer-reviewed clinical studies confirming therapeutic efficacy across patients with mild to severe dry eye disease, including contact lens wearers and children with orthokeratologic lenses.
Here’s why this matters: Hyabak suits adults, children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, contact lens wearers, and people with sensitive eyes. Few competing eye drops carry all these approvals, giving Hyabak a versatility advantage across the dry eye market.
Key Benefits:
- 100% preservative-free formulation safe for daily use
- Restores osmotic balance in hyperosmolar dry eye
- Provides UVB protection through actinoquinol
- Compatible with all contact lens types without removal
- Clinically proven across mild to severe dry eye disease
- Suitable for adults, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women
Can You Use Hyabak With Contact Lenses?
Yes. Hyabak is compatible with all types of contact lenses, including soft, hard, rigid gas-permeable, and orthokeratologic lenses, and does not require lens removal before application at any point during the day. A drop can be placed directly onto each lens before insertion to provide hydration at the lens-cornea interface from the start of wear.
Here’s why this matters for lens wearers: the preservative-free formula does not interact with lens materials. Preservative-containing drops can bind to soft lens polymers and concentrate the preservative agent against the cornea over time.
Thea’s recommended technique is simple. Place one drop of Hyabak onto each lens at the time of insertion. This provides hydration at the lens-cornea interface from the moment lenses are placed, rather than waiting for dryness to develop.
Is Hyabak Safe for Long-Term Daily Use?
Yes. Hyabak is designed for long-term daily use, with clinical data from two peer-reviewed studies confirming it was well tolerated during prolonged treatment with no allergic reactions, unpleasant sensations, or prolonged blurred vision in any patient group. No dosing limit per day applies, and no safety concerns have emerged from post-market data.
The reason is simple: the preservative-free formula is what makes Hyabak suitable for frequent use. Preservative-containing drops can cause cumulative toxicity to the corneal epithelium when used multiple times daily over months or years.
And it gets better: Thea confirms Hyabak suits pregnant and breastfeeding women, a group with particularly strict product safety requirements. Eye care professionals frequently recommend it to post-surgical patients where preservative-free formulas are essential.
What Do Hyabak Eye Drops Reviews Say?
Hyabak holds a 4.9 out of 5 star rating from 23,772 verified reviews on Medino, where 100% of buyers recommend the product and rate it as both good quality and good value across all review categories at their platform. These ratings are consistent across Amazon UK (4.6 from 8,902 reviews) and MyPEAR Canada (4.6 from 1,564 ratings).
On Amazon UK, Hyabak maintains a 4.6 out of 5 star rating from over 8,902 verified reviews. On MyPEAR Canada, the product scores 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,564 ratings. These consistent scores across different markets suggest broad user satisfaction beyond individual platforms.
Here’s what stands out: Hyabak is particularly popular among long-term users. Several reviewers mention using it for multiple years without switching to alternatives. That kind of loyalty is rare in a category where users frequently experiment with different products.
Hyabak Ratings by Platform:
| Platform | Rating | Review Count |
| Medino | 4.9 / 5 | 23,772 |
| Amazon UK | 4.6 / 5 | 8,902 |
| MyPEAR Canada | 4.6 / 5 | 1,564 |
| Optiview Eye Clinic | 5.0 / 5 | 4 |
What Positive Experiences Do Users Report?
Users consistently praise Hyabak for providing effective, long-lasting eye comfort without stinging or irritation, particularly for screen-related dryness, contact lens wear, and environmental exposure to air conditioning or dry air. Verified purchasers describe immediate relief on application and sustained hydration that persists throughout the working day.
One verified Amazon reviewer put it plainly: Hyabak is ‘excellent for keeping your eyes moist, especially when using a computer all day.’ Another said they’ve been using the drops ‘for years for dry eyes’ because the preservative-free formula suits eyes that react badly to other products.
Contact lens wearers specifically highlight that Hyabak doesn’t affect lens comfort or clarity. They report improved lens insertion comfort, reduced end-of-day dryness during wear, and no need to remove lenses before applying the drops.
What Complaints Do Buyers Have About Hyabak?
The most common complaints about Hyabak center on its higher upfront price compared to standard preserved eye drops and limited availability in smaller local pharmacies and US retail chains. Some international buyers report difficulty sourcing the product locally. Online purchasing from UK retailers is the most reliable option for buyers outside Europe and Canada.
At approximately $29.99 USD (22 GBP / CAD $30) per 10ml bottle, Hyabak costs more than many preserved alternatives. But the 300-dose ABAK bottle lasting 6 months provides cost-per-dose value that narrows the gap with single-use vials of comparable preservative-free products.
A small number of users report temporary blurred vision immediately after application. This side effect is noted in the product information and typically clears within 30-60 seconds. No serious adverse events have been linked to Hyabak in clinical trial data or post-market surveillance reports.
Pros:
- 100% preservative-free and phosphate-free
- Compatible with all contact lens types
- UVB protection from actinoquinol
- 300 doses per bottle with 6-month shelf life
- Clinically proven efficacy with peer-reviewed data
- Suitable for children, pregnant, and breastfeeding women
Cons:
- Higher price than standard preserved alternatives
- Temporary blurred vision immediately after application
- Limited availability in some local pharmacies
- Not widely stocked in US retail markets
How Do Hyabak Eye Drops Compare to Other Brands?
Hyabak differentiates itself from competing dry eye drops through its unique combination of preservative-free multi-dose delivery via the ABAK bottle, 0.15% sodium hyaluronate concentration, UVB protection from actinoquinol, and a 6-month shelf life after opening. No other preservative-free eye drop in its price category offers all four of these features together.
In a comparison of 7 best preservative-free artificial tears, Hyabak ranked alongside Systane Complete PF, Refresh Optive PF, TheraTears, and Thealoz Duo as a top performer. Its standout feature was the addition of actinoquinol for UV protection. None of the competing formulas provide this.
The main disadvantage versus competitors is price. Systane Ultra and Refresh Tears are widely available at lower price points, though these formulas contain preservatives. Among preservative-free options, Hyabak is competitively priced relative to single-use vial formats from the same category.
Dry Eye Drop Comparison:
| Product | Preservative Free | Active Ingredient | UVB Protection | Contact Lens Safe |
| Hyabak 0.15% | Yes (ABAK) | Sodium hyaluronate | Yes | Yes |
| Thealoz Duo | Yes (ABAK) | Trehalose + HA | No | Yes |
| Systane Complete PF | Yes (single-use) | PEG/PG | No | Yes |
| Refresh Optive PF | Yes (single-use) | CMC + glycerin | No | Yes |
| Systane Ultra | No | PEG/PG | No | With caution |
Hyabak vs. Systane: Which Is Better?
Hyabak is better suited for users requiring a preservative-free multi-dose option with a sodium hyaluronate base, while Systane Ultra offers wider retail availability and lower upfront cost but contains preservatives that can irritate sensitive eyes when used more than 4 times daily. Both brands have strong clinical reputations and broad user bases worldwide.
So what does that mean in practice? Systane Complete PF is a preservative-free alternative within the Systane line, but it’s priced similarly to Hyabak. Systane Ultra PF comes in single-use vials at a higher cost per dose than Hyabak’s ABAK bottle. For frequent users, Hyabak delivers better long-term value.
A key difference is the active ingredient. Systane products use polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol as lubricants. Hyabak uses sodium hyaluronate, which more closely mimics the viscoelastic properties of natural tears. Some clinicians prefer this for patients with severe dry eye.
Hyabak vs. Thealoz Duo: What Is the Difference?
Thealoz Duo combines trehalose and sodium hyaluronate to both repair and hydrate the ocular surface through dual active ingredients, while Hyabak relies on sodium hyaluronate alone for lubrication and moisture retention at a lower price point. Both products are made by Thea Pharmaceuticals and packaged in the same ABAK preservative-free multi-dose bottle.
Here’s the part most people miss: trehalose in Thealoz Duo provides an osmoprotective function that shields corneal epithelial cells from hyperosmolarity stress. This additional mechanism makes Thealoz Duo the preferred choice for moderate to severe dry eye, while Hyabak suits mild to moderate symptoms.
Price reflects this functional difference. Thealoz Duo carries a premium price tag over Hyabak. For occasional or screen-related dry eye, Hyabak provides sufficient relief at a lower cost. For chronic, more severe disease, eye care professionals often recommend Thealoz Duo as the step-up option.
What Are the Side Effects of Hyabak Eye Drops?
Hyabak is generally very well tolerated, with two clinical studies reporting no cases of unpleasant sensation, discomfort, or prolonged blurred vision across all patient groups tested, including children with orthokeratologic lenses and adults with severe dry eye. Side effects are uncommon and typically mild and self-resolving when they do occur.
The preservative-free formula removes the most common source of eye drop side effects. Preserved drops frequently cause stinging, burning, and chronic irritation in sensitive patients. By eliminating preservatives, Hyabak reduces these reactions to near zero for most users.
That said, patients should discontinue use and consult an eye care professional if persistent discomfort, increased redness, or unusual symptoms develop. An allergic reaction to sodium hyaluronate is rare but possible in individuals with known hypersensitivity to the ingredient.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects?
The most common side effect of Hyabak is temporary blurred vision immediately after application, which typically resolves within 30-60 seconds as the sodium hyaluronate drop disperses and spreads across the ocular surface. This occurs because the solution has slightly higher viscosity than natural tears and is more common in first-time users than established users.
Temporary mild stinging on first application is also reported by a small percentage of users. Does this mean the drops won’t work for you? Not at all. This sensation usually disappears after the first few uses as the eye adjusts to the formula.
Eye redness or discharge is classified as a less common side effect requiring medical evaluation. These symptoms may indicate an unrelated eye condition rather than a reaction to Hyabak. Users experiencing persistent redness should stop the drops and seek professional advice.
Who Should Avoid Hyabak Eye Drops?
Hyabak should not be used by anyone with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to sodium hyaluronate or any other ingredient listed in the T1557 formula, as an allergic reaction could worsen rather than relieve eye irritation. Individuals with severe, worsening, or unexplained eye symptoms should always consult an eye care professional before starting any new treatment.
Here’s something important: Hyabak is intended for single-person use only. Sharing eye drop bottles carries a risk of cross-contamination and potential eye infection. The ABAK bottle system prevents external contamination but can’t protect against contamination from infected eyes.
And although Hyabak is approved for pregnant and breastfeeding women, anyone in these groups with additional eye conditions or concurrent medications should consult their GP or optometrist first. Drug interactions with systemic medications are unlikely given the topical, low-dose nature of the product.
How Do You Use Hyabak Eye Drops?
Hyabak is applied by instilling one drop into each affected eye as often as needed throughout the day, with no upper limit on daily frequency, because the preservative-free formula poses no cumulative toxicity risk regardless of how often users apply it. The drops work with or without contact lenses in place and require no lens removal at any time.
The application process is straightforward: wash hands thoroughly, tilt the head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket, squeeze one drop from the ABAK bottle into the pocket, and close the eye gently. Blink a few times to distribute the drop evenly.
Pay attention to this: avoid touching the bottle tip to any surface, including the eye or eyelids. After each use, replace the cap securely. The ABAK filter maintains sterility between uses, but contamination through direct tip contact can compromise the solution.
What Is the Correct Dosage for Hyabak?
The standard dosage for Hyabak is one drop per affected eye as often as needed throughout the day, with no maximum daily dose, because the preservative-free ABAK formula carries no cumulative toxicity risk at any frequency of use for adults or children. There is no minimum dosing interval and no fixed schedule, making Hyabak fully adaptable to each user’s symptoms.
For contact lens wearers, Thea recommends placing one drop onto each lens at the time of insertion in addition to using drops during the day as needed. This technique maximizes comfort from the moment lenses are placed, rather than waiting for dryness to develop.
Because Hyabak is used on an as-needed basis rather than a fixed schedule, there’s no concept of a missed dose. Apply the drops when dryness or discomfort occurs and continue with the normal routine without applying extra drops to compensate.
Storage is straightforward: keep Hyabak between 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit) and 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight. After first opening, the bottle remains effective and sterile for 6 months. Do not use the drops if the solution appears cloudy or discolored.
How to Apply Hyabak:
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling the bottle.
- Tilt the head back and pull down the lower eyelid gently.
- Squeeze one drop from the ABAK bottle into the lower eyelid pocket.
- Close the eye gently and blink a few times to spread the drop.
- Replace the bottle cap immediately after use.
- Avoid touching the bottle tip to any surface.
How Much Do Hyabak Eye Drops Cost?
Hyabak retails at approximately $29.99 USD (22 GBP or 30 CAD) per 10ml ABAK bottle containing 300 individual doses, placing it squarely in the mid-to-premium range for preservative-free dry eye drops sold in a multi-dose reusable format. NHS pricing in the UK is 7.99 GBP with a prescription, compared to the 11.75 GBP retail RRP at major pharmacies.
The cost-per-dose calculation tells the real story. At 300 doses per bottle, the cost per application is approximately $0.10 USD. Single-use preservative-free vials from brands like Refresh Optive or Systane Ultra PF typically cost $0.20-$0.40 USD per vial. That’s 2-4 times more per dose.
Hyabak is available on prescription in the UK, which reduces out-of-pocket cost for NHS patients to the standard prescription charge. Patients with chronic dry eye syndrome who use drops daily are encouraged to discuss prescription options with their GP to reduce long-term costs.
Where to buy: Hyabak is available without a prescription at major pharmacies, opticians, and online retailers across the UK, Canada, and Europe. In the UK, it’s stocked at Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy. Online, it’s available through Amazon UK, Amazon Canada, SimplyMeds, Alensa, and MyPEAR. In the United States, availability is more limited and buyers can source Hyabak through specialty online pharmacies.
Cost Comparison by Purchase Format:
| Format | Price (approx) | Doses | Cost Per Dose |
| Hyabak 10ml ABAK bottle | $29.99 USD | 300 | $0.10 |
| Refresh Optive PF vials (30-pack) | $18-$22 USD | 30 | $0.60-$0.73 |
| Systane Ultra PF vials (30-pack) | $20-$25 USD | 30 | $0.67-$0.83 |
| Hyabak (NHS prescription UK) | 7.99 GBP | 300 | 0.027 GBP |
Is Hyabak Worth the Price?
Yes. Hyabak delivers strong value relative to preservative-free alternatives when the 300-dose ABAK bottle is compared per dose against single-use vials from Systane or Refresh that cost 2-4 times more per application. Long-term users consistently rate Hyabak as good value across verified purchase platforms in the UK, Canada, and internationally.
The combination of benefits at this price point is difficult to match. Preservative-free formulation, UVB protection, contact lens compatibility, 6-month shelf life, and clinically proven efficacy are features that individually add cost in competing products.
For occasional users with mild seasonal or screen-related dryness, cheaper preserved options may suffice. For daily users with sensitive eyes, contact lenses, or moderate dry eye disease, Hyabak’s premium over standard preserved drops is justified by the reduced risk of long-term ocular surface damage.
Is Hyabak Worth It?
Yes. Hyabak is a clinically proven, preservative-free dry eye solution delivering lubrication, UVB protection, and full contact lens compatibility in one 300-dose bottle suited to long-term daily use. Consistent 4.6-4.9 star ratings across tens of thousands of verified purchases in the UK, Canada, and globally confirm its real-world effectiveness and strong satisfaction record.
The product earns its reputation through transparent clinical data, regulatory approvals across multiple markets, and a patient population that includes some of the most demanding users: post-surgical patients, contact lens wearers, and children. These groups require maximum safety assurance from any product they use on their eyes.
For anyone managing occasional screen-related dryness, chronic mild dry eye, or contact lens discomfort, Hyabak provides a reliable, long-term solution. Patients with severe dry eye disease should consider Thealoz Duo as a step-up option. But for the majority of dry eye sufferers, Hyabak delivers exactly what it promises.
Who Should Buy Hyabak Eye Drops?
Hyabak is the right choice for daily contact lens wearers, frequent screen users with dry eye symptoms, and anyone who reacts to preserved drops or needs a formula confirmed safe for long-term daily use. The 300-dose ABAK bottle and 6-month shelf life after opening give it the best cost efficiency for consistent daily users rather than occasional or one-time buyers.
Patients with mild to moderate dry eye syndrome benefit most. Those with severe or chronic dry eye disease, or those who have already tried Hyabak without success, should discuss Thealoz Duo or other therapeutic options with an eye care professional for a tailored treatment plan.
People who don’t need drops frequently and want the lowest possible cost per bottle are better served by a standard preserved alternative. But for any user prioritizing eye health over the long term, Hyabak’s preservative-free formula is the more protective and sustainable choice.