Eye drops for dryness without preservative

Eye drops for dryness without preservative – in-depth analysis and price comparison of the market in Israel.

Dry eye is a common but often overlooked condition. Dry eyes affect many people around the world. This disease is characterized by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality leading to eye discomfort, redness and possible vision problems. One of the most common treatment methods is the use of artificial tears, also known as "dry eye drops" which aim to restore moisture and the normal stability of the tear strip.

Traditionally, artificial tear drops come with preservatives to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life. However, with increasing understanding of potential irritants in eye drops, attention has shifted to preservative-free artificial tears. These are usually recommended for people who need frequent dosing or who have sensitive eyes that react adversely to preservatives. Preservatives can disrupt the surface of the eye and cause toxicity, inflammation and tear strip instability with frequent use.

Preservative-free eye drops, on the other hand, are gentler on the eyes, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction or eye irritation. Therefore, they are considered safer for long-term use and for those who have moderate to severe dry eyes, wear contact lenses or have undergone eye surgery.

The Israeli market has a wide variety of eye drops without preservatives, each with its own unique formulation designed to deal with dry eye symptoms . This article aims to offer a comprehensive review and price comparison of the main preservative-free eye drops available in Israel.

IOptima's Lipitear – about NIS 100

Developed by IOPtima, Lipitear is the first CE-approved microemulsion consisting of an aqueous and lipid phase that reflects the physiological components of the tear fluid, including phospholipids and medium-chain triglycerides. The product is now available as LIPITEAR™ MULTI in a 10ml multi-dose bottle with a vegan formulation, which can be stored at room temperature. Its uses include dry eye disease, dry and irritated eyes after laser eye surgery or other eye surgery, eye trauma, hormonal changes, prolonged contact lens wear contact or prolonged exposure to computer screens.This is a vegan, preservative-free, phospholipid-based microemulsion, enclosed in a multi-dose bottle, equipped with a patented one-way valve and air filter technology to protect the solution physically and microbiologically.

Eye care (eye-care) of Dr. Fischer – about NIS 65

EYE-CARE VISION Extra by Dr. Fisher offers comprehensive eye care with its advanced formula, which protects, moisturizes, provides antioxidants and nutrients to the epithelial process on the surface of the eye. The sterile, preservative-free and low-viscosity eye drops contain ingredients naturally found in tissues in the eyes and in the tear film. It includes two types of hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), an essential amino acid (glycine), vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate), and an extract of natural origin (Centella Asiatica), all of which contribute to Faster epithelialization of the tissue.In addition, the unique packaging of the product preserves the microbiological, chemical and physical properties of the drops, making it suitable for contact lens components.

Eyronic by Meditec – about NIS 90

Eyeronic is a unique eye solution designed for washing, wetting and lubrication, with the aim of improving eye moisture. Each 0.5 ml vial contains distilled cornflower and chamomile water and hyaluronic acid. The cornflower (Centaurea Cyanus) is revered for its healing, decongestant and anti-redness properties, while the chamomile offers a soothing and refreshing action. The hyaluronic acid provides an effective moisturizing action to relieve dry eyes. The product boasts In moisturizing action with a physiological pH, which offers relief from eye discomfort caused by environmental factors such as wind, smoke, pollution, exposure to sunlight or prolonged focusing periods.

Kivema's Hylo-Comod – about NIS 100

Hylo-Comod is an effective lubricating drop solution that provides moisture to dry eyes, making it an optimal solution for moderate to severe dry eye symptoms. The eye drops contain sodium hyaluronate (0.1%), which helps in optimal lubrication of the sensitive surface of the eye, thus relieving common symptoms such as redness, burning and foreign body sensations. Thanks to the patented COMOD® system, it is easy to use and offers over 300 drops per pack. What sets Hylo-Comod apart is its excellent tolerance with both hard and soft contact lenses. It is important to note, the product is free of preservatives and phosphates and can be used up to six months after opening.

Alcon's Systane Ultra UD – about NIS 100

Systane Ultra UD, brought to you by Alcon, offers temporary relief from burning and irritation caused by dry eyes. The product is a sterile solution containing polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, hydroxypropyl guar, sorbitol, aminomethylpropanol, boric acid, potassium chloride and sodium chloride. The eye drops can be used as needed throughout the day and can also be used to treat dry eye symptoms associated with the use of contact lenses, by applying the drops before inserting and after removing the contact lenses. Each package comes with single-dose vials, which ensures sterility and convenience with each use. After use, the vial is simply thrown away.

Bayer's Bepanthen – about NIS 100

Bepanthen Eye Drops from Bayer are a unique blend of Sodium Hyaluronate (0.15%) and Dexpanthenol (2%), which work together to provide long-lasting relief from the discomfort associated with dry eyes. Sodium Hyaluronate, the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, creates a protective layer on the epithelial layer of the eye without harming vision due to its physical properties. On the other hand, Dexpanthenol, pro-vitamin B5, has a high water-binding capacity, which provides abundant moisture to the eye and helps Sodium Hyaluronate in maintaining this moisture.

Bepanthen is designed to protect, moisturize and lubricate the surface of the eye, providing relief from discomfort resulting from mechanical stress such as use with soft or hard contact lenses, environmental stress caused by air conditioning, wind, cold, dryness or air polluted by cigarette smoke and visual stress due to viewing intensive, for example, in computer terminals, microscopes or during prolonged operation of vehicles. The combined effect of stabilizing the tear film of sodium hyaluronate and the nourishing and soothing effect of Dexpanthenol protect, moisturize and lubricate the surface of the eye, thus providing long-lasting relief.

Allergan Refresh – about 45 NIS

An Allergan product, it is a preservative-free lubricant drop that contains two active ingredients to help relieve mild dry eye symptoms. These ingredients, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (0.5%) and glycerin (0.9%), provide quick and effective relief from dryness, burning, irritation and discomfort by providing soothing moisture that lubricates and hydrates the eyes.

This dual formula is gentle enough for sensitive eyes and is even safe to use after eye surgery such as LASIK, providing relief from dryness and discomfort. Patients who have undergone eye surgery are advised to use Refresh according to the instructions of their ophthalmologist. Refreshing eye drops come in sterile, single-use vials that can be easily carried anywhere, offering on-the-go relief of dry eye symptoms. This easy accessibility combined with its affordable price point makes Refresh a great option for people looking for immediate and long-term relief from dry eyes.

Bausch & Lomb's Bio True – about NIS 60

Biotrue Hydration Boost Eye Drops, created by Bausch & Lomb, are preservative-free drops designed to provide instant hydration to dry, irritated eyes due to environmental stressors. The drops contain glycerin, a moisturizer naturally found in tears, and hyaluronan (HA), another natural moisturizer for the eyes. In addition, the formula includes an electrolyte and antioxidants to protect the HA from free radicals.

Interestingly, the glycerin used in Biotrue's formulation is plant-based, making it a unique choice for those interested in natural ingredients. Furthermore, unlike many eye drops that contain preservatives, Biotrue Hydration Boost eye drops can be used while wearing soft contact lenses. However, they are not intended to wet contact lenses, and have not been tested for use with rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Due to its gentle and natural formula, Biotrue is an ideal choice for those who deal with persistent dry eyes due to frequent screen use or harsh environmental conditions. The compact packaging allows for easy transport, and provides immediate relief to users wherever they are.

Life's Hyalu Drops – about NIS 70

Hyalo drops contain a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, which provides long-lasting lubrication. They are especially beneficial for severe dry eyes due to their high moisture retention capacity.