• Active ingredients: Carboxymethylcellulose, glycerin, polysorbate 80
• Also contains castor oil and flaxseed oil
• Preservative-free
• 10mL (0.33 fl oz) MDPF Bottle

Rebecca's description

Refresh Optive MEGA-3 is part of the Refresh Optive "sub-brand".

What they all have in common is their three active ingredients (CMC, glycerin and polysorbate 80).

The additions in the "MEGA-3" version of Optive are trehalose and flaxseed oil. It also contains castor oil, but so does Refresh Optive Advanced. 

So, this is the Refresh brand's main "lipid" offering. It is not super milky-looking like some of the other lipid based drops (e.g. Systane Complete, Retaine MGD Advanced). 

Refresh Optive MEGA-3 has grown to be one of the Refresh brand's most popular drops. I honestly don't know whether that's because it performs better or just very clever marketing. But what matters is, people like it. 

It's a medium viscosity drop, neither very thick nor very thin. While it's been available for years in individual vials, as of March 2026 it is now also available in multi-dose preservative-free bottles.

Updated 3/11/2026

Manufacturer's description

Our most advanced formula – REFRESH OPTIVE® Mega-3.

Preservative-free, low blur formula fortifies and restores the lipid layer. Its unique blend of natural oils helps prevent tear evaporation.

Treats Dry Eye signs and symptoms associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). [DRY EYE SHOP DOES NOT ENDORSE THIS OR ANY OTHER MEDICAL CLAIM BY THIS COMPANY.]

Nourishes all three layers of the tear film damaged by Dry Eye for immediate, long-lasting relief.

This lipid-enhanced lubricant eye drop is clinically proven to treat the signs and symptoms of Dry Eye. Mega-3 does not require shaking prior to use, unlike Retaine® MGD.

REFRESH OPTIVE® Mega-3 Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops- Advanced relief in a next generation bottle

It is the only artificial tear that delivers a blend of flaxseed and castor oils to the tear film, in a stable nano-emulsion formula.

Nano-emulsion technology delivers flaxseed and castor oil, fortifying the lipid layer and helping prevent tear evaporation without compromising patient comfort.

Polysorbate 80 keeps the nano-emulsion from separating, providing consistent stability—no shaking required.

CMC, a water-loving polymer, binds to epithelial cells to maintain moisture on the ocular surface for rapid on-eye comfort and long-lasting relief.

All OPTIVE® formulas include the patented osmoprotectant property that comes from the three compatible solutes—glycerin, l-carnitine and erythritol—all of which deliver added protection to the corneal epithelial cells against hypertonic stress.

MEGA-3 contains a fourth osmoprotectant, trehalose, for an advanced approach to treating Dry Eye symptoms. 

Drug Facts (from manufacturer's site):

Active Ingredients

Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5% (eye lubricant)
Glycerin 1% (eye lubricant)
Polysorbate 80 0.5% (eye lubricant)

Uses

• For the temporary relief of burning, irritation, and discomfort due to dryness of the eye or exposure to wind or sun.
• May be used as a protectant against further irritation.

Warnings

For external use only.

• To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to any surface.
• Do not touch unit-dose tip to eye. 
• If solution changes color, do not use.

Stop use and ask a doctor if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if the condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours.

Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Directions

Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed.

Other Information

• Use before expiration date marked on container.
• Store at 59°-86°F (15°-30°C).
• RETAIN THIS CART FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Inactive Ingredients

Boric acid; butylated hydroxyl toluene; castor oil; erythritol; flaxseed oil; levocarnitine; pemulen TR-3; polyoxyl 40 stearate; purified water; trehalose. May contain sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid to adjust pH.