Updated 3/4/2026

Refresh Celluvisc backorder

Refresh Celluvisc is on an extended manufacturer backorder.

Currently, the manufacturer's best estimate for when it will become available again is April 2026.

Alternative #1: Ivizia Gel

Similarity: Viscosity

Ivizia Gel is slightly thicker than Celluvisc. It is the thickest preservative-free unit dose eye drop sold in the US, so for people with severe dryness, this is probably the best substitute for Refresh Celluvisc.

Differences: Active and inactive ingredients

Ivizia Gel and Refresh Celluvisc are quite different formulations.

Celluvisc ingredients: (Active) 1% carboxymethylcellulose, (Inactive) Calcium chloride, potassium chloride, purified water, sodium chloride, and sodium lactate.

Ivizia Gel ingredients: (Active) 0.5% Povidone, (inactive) Carbomer, purified water, sodium hyaluronate, sodium hydroxide, sorbital, trehalose

Alternative #2: Thera Tears Liquid Gel

The closest equivalent to Celluvisc in terms of active ingredients is Theratears Liquid Gel. For people who use Celluvisc in their scleral lenses, this may be the best option due to the similarity.

Similarity: Active ingredient & concentration

Both Celluvisc and Thera Tears Liquid Gel are 1% carboxymethylcellulose. They should feel similar, and if you tolerate Celluvisc well, you will probably tolerate TheraTears Liquid Gel well.

Difference: Viscosity

TheraTears Gel is thinner than Celluvisc. 

Difference: Inactive ingredients

Thera Tears has more inactive ingredients. The inactive ingredients in common are bolded below.

Celluvisc ingredients: Calcium chloride, potassium chloride, purified water, sodium chloride, and sodium lactate.

Thera Tears Liquid Gel ingredients: Borate Buffer, Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Water (Purified), Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Sodium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate

Recommendations

Please always check with your provider for their recommendations!