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 products 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 EYE DROPS
- 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 EYE DROPS
- FEATURES:
- Ingredients with more staying power
- Some are preservative-free, multi-dose formats
- Long-lasting relief from symptoms6
- EXAMPLES:
- Hyabak
- Blink Intensive
- Hycosan Extra/Hylo-Forte
- Systane Ultra
THIRD GENERATION EYE DROPS
- FEATURES:
- Offer lubrication, staying power and protection of the surface of the eye
- Not all are preservative-free
- Significantly longer-lasting relief from symptoms6
- 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)
GEL EYE DROPS
- FEATURES:
- Combine long lasting relief and protection for the surface of the eye
- Suitable for more severe dry eye
- Ideal for night-time use
- EXAMPLES:
- Thealoz Duo Gel (preservative-free; trehalose, sodium hyaluronate and carbomer gel)
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.
WARMING EYE MASK
- FEATURES:
- Easy to use, microwavable warming eye mask
- Relieves symptoms of dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction
- EXAMPLES:
- Blepha EyeBag