Subjects with varying degrees of dry eye syndrome were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, double masked, single site study. A new formulation of an artificial tear containing glycerin 1% as an active with polylysine-graft-polyethylene glycol as an excipient was compared against a leading commercial product with propylene glycol (0.3%) and polyethylene glycol (0.4%) as active ingredients with hydroxypropyl-guar as a gelling agent. The primary outcome was a comparison of tear film stability after eye drop instillation.