OPTIONS FOR DRY EYE

FEATURES:

Offer convenience

Suitable for mild conditions, such as environment-related dry eye due to air conditioning

EXAMPLE:

Optrex Actimist range

FEATURES:

Simple lubricants. Many contain preservatives

Traditional

Originate from 1950s

May need hourly application for relief

EXAMPLES:

Hypromellose

Lumecare (carmellose)

Celluvisc

Sno Tears

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

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)

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 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.

FEATURES:

Easy to use, microwav­able warm­ing eye mask

Relieves symptoms of dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction

EXAMPLES:

Blepha EyeBag