Options for dry eye
OPTIONS FOR DRY EYE
There are many products available for dry eye.
You need to be confident in the type of products that you recommend and why different options are more appropriate for your customer.
Eye drops can be classified in a number of ways. Click on the options in the table to find out more.
SPRAYS
- FEATURES:
- Offer convenience
- Suitable for mild conditions, such as environment-related dry eye due to air conditioning
- EXAMPLE:
- Optrex Actimist range
FIRST GENERATION
- FEATURES:
- Simple lubricants. Many contain preservatives
- Traditional
- Originate from 1950s
- May need hourly application for relief
- EXAMPLES:
- Hypromellose
- Lumecare (carmellose)
- Celluvisc
- Sno Tears
SECOND GENERATION
- FEATURES:
- Ingredients with more staying power
- Some are preservative-free, multi-dose formats
- Long-lasting relief from symptoms
- EXAMPLES:
- Hyabak
- Blink Intensive
- Hycosan Extra/Hylo-Forte
- Systane Ultra
THIRD GENERATION
- FEATURES:
- Offer lubrication, staying power and protection of the surface of the eye
- Not all are preservative-free
- Significantly longer-lasting relief from symptoms5
- Advanced formulations; for example, Thealoz Duo includes bioprotectants which lock in moisture, protecting the delicate surface of the eye in dry conditions
- EXAMPLES:
- Thealoz Duo (preservative-free; trehalose and sodium hyaluronate)
- Systane Balance (propylene glycol, HP-guar and mineral oil)
ANTI-INFECTIVE
- FEATURES:
- Used for mild eye infections
- NOT for dry eye
- Contain ingredients such as chloramphenicol or propamidine isetionate
- EXAMPLES:
- Brolene
- Golden Eye
OINTMENTS
Ointments may also be used; these may be paraffin-based to lubricate the eye surface. However, these are best used at night as they can cause temporary visual disturbance.