Eye drops are recommended for treating dry eye

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common eye condition that is affected, among other things, by prolonged exposure to screens, in air-conditioned rooms, a hot and dry climate, taking various systemic medications, smoking, the presence of inflammation at the edge of the eyelid (blepharitis) and more. This condition is more common in women and in old age, how can it appear at any age and gender.

The patients suffering from dry eye syndrome will complain of a feeling of ocular discomfort, which can be expressed differently in each patient: burning, tearing, intermittent blurring of vision mainly when watching screens or difficulty opening the eyes in the morning. When looking at the eye in the mirror, it is sometimes, but not always, possible to notice eye irritation, redness of the white of the eye and/or the border of the eyelid with or without a tear.

In order to reduce these symptoms, which may lead to a real harm to the patients' quality of life, various treatments were developed to help these patients. The first line of treatment for dry eye is to "moisten" it using tear substitutes – there are no "artificial tears" with a composition similar to the composition of our natural tear fluid, which are designed to reduce the feeling of dryness and eye irritation. In view of the great similarity to our tear fluid, these drops are effective and safe for long-term use and a large number of times a day according to the needs of the patients. It is important to note that when choosing your tear substitutes it is very important to verify with the pharmacist that they are preservative-free, in order to avoid possible eye irritation and allergies that may result from this supplement.

This article will delve into six leading old brands of preservative-free eye drops that exist today in Israel – Cysteine ​​Ultra, Lipitor, Hilocomod, Bepanten, Ironic and Refresh.

Systane Ultra (Systane Ultra)

Cysteine ​​Ultra without preservatives is a premium product from Alcon Laboratories that is highly valued for its excellent quality in the eye products market. It boasts its two key ingredients – polyethylene glycol 400 (0.4%) and propylene glycol (0.3%) – which act as effective lubricants to relieve dryness and discomfort. The unique feature of these ingredients is their ability to mimic the mucin layer of the natural tear fluid. This helps to reduce the friction between the eyelid and the cornea when blinking, shields the surface of the eye area, and provides immediate and long-term relief. This treatment is highly recommended for those with sensitive eyes or those who are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as windy and dusty environments, or dry climates.

Lipitor ( Lipitear )

Preservative-free Lipitor is an innovative eye drop specially designed to restore the fatty layer of the tear fluid, an essential component for maintaining the health of the eye surface. Its ingredients, sodium hyaluronate and phospholipids, work together to mimic the composition of natural tears, providing lasting relief from dry eye symptoms. Sodium Hyaluronate, known for its extraordinary properties of maintaining the aqueous component, provides immediate moisture to the eyes. At the same time, phospholipids facilitate uniform distribution of the tear fluid, ensuring a stable and well-lubricated ocular surface. The unique formula of this drop helps prevent rapid evaporation of the tears, which is the leading cause of dry eyes in today's digital world, where prolonged exposure to the screen is the norm.

Hylocomod (Hylocomod)

Hilocomod without preservatives stands out for its advanced formula, which provides continuous lubrication for dry and irritated eyes. Its main ingredient, Sodium Hyaluronate (0.1%), exhibits high water retention properties, resulting in an immediate soothing effect by creating an aqueous protective layer on the surface of the eye. This protective layer not only provides immediate comfort, but also promotes healing of minor abrasions on the surface of the eye caused by chronic dryness. Furthermore, Hilocomod uses the patented COMOD® system, a sophisticated multi-dose system designed to dispense exactly one drop at a time. This innovative system prevents the formation of potential contamination of the drops, ensures that each drop is as safe to use as the first, and also prevents waste – making it a safe and effective economical option for long-term use.

Bepanthen

Pantene eye drops, a quality product from the Bayer company, offer a unique approach with a dual action to relieve dry eyes. These drops contain two main active ingredients: sodium hyaluronate for lubrication and D-Panthenol
(Provitamin B5) which helps in healing the surface of the eye. Sodium Hyaluronate ensures optimal hydration, while D-Panthenol is essential for cell regeneration. This means that Bepentane not only provides immediate relief of dry eye symptoms, but also supports the healing and restoration of the eye surface. This combination of features makes it an excellent option for patients with chronic dry eyes, and those who have recently undergone eye surgery.

Eyeronic

Ironic is a preservative-free eye drop that combines two high-quality lubricants – Sodium Hyaluronate and Carbomer. Sodium Hyaluronate offers immediate relief by creating a moisture barrier on the surface of the eye. On the other hand, Carbomer, known for its slow release properties, guarantees prolonged moisture, thus providing relief from dryness in the eyes for long periods from the moment the drop is instilled. This dual formula is especially beneficial for people experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, as it ensures long-lasting relief throughout the day. This treatment is also suitable for those who spend long hours in air-conditioned or heated environments, which can often worsen dry eye symptoms. The drops come in a package containing several small vials, each of which is intended to be used for only 24 hours after opening, guaranteeing sterility and availability for use as needed throughout the day.

Refresh

The main component of the preservative-free saliva drop is Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium (0.5%). This ingredient works by creating a smooth and greasy layer on the surface of the eye, which significantly alleviates the discomfort associated with dry eyes. Furthermore, the small vials, intended for use for only 24 hours after opening, guarantee sterility, prevent bacterial contamination of the drops and provide an additional layer of safety for their users. The patient can place the tiny daily vial in his pocket and continue his daily routine with maximum comfort, while the drops are available to him at all times. These drops are especially recommended for use by people with sensitive eyes or those who use the drops frequently.

In conclusion

The discomfort caused by dry eye syndrome can be effectively managed with the right choice of tear substitutes. Preservative-free tear substitute drops provide a safe and easy-to-use solution. Examining the brands mentioned above – Cysteine ​​Ultra, Lipitor, Hilocomod, Bepanten, Ironic and Refresh – each has its own unique formula and benefits, providing a wide range of treatments that can be adjusted to the needs and personal preferences of each patient. As always, it is highly recommended to consult an ophthalmologist before starting any new treatment in order to ensure an optimal fit for your specific situation, thus ensuring the best results.

Author: Dr. Margarita Sapir

Website: https://drsafir.co.il