In an open, one-eye controlled study the efficacy of a new, non-preserved artificial tear (sodium chloride 0.34% W/W, hydroxyethylcellulose 0.44% W/W), stored in single-use disposable units (Minims, Smith and Nephew) was compared to a variety of other tear substitutes in 30 patients who were currently applying artificial tears to both eyes. It was found that the new drop was tolerated well by the majority of patients with 19 subjects (63%) preferring them to their existing medication. There was a significant reduction in the overall rose bengal staining pattern and also in the stain uptake of the medial conjunctiva between the first and second visits in the Minims treated eyes, but not in the eyes treated with the other drops (P < 0.05). There was also a significant improvement in the patients' subjective feelings of dryness and grittiness in the Minims treated eyes, but not in the other eyes (P < 0.05).