What Drops Should I Use?
Your eyes are burning and they feel as dry as ever. You decide to enter a local drugstore and feel at ease because you’ll find a solution for your dry eyes. But upon entering, you look at the vast wall of eye drops that seem to be never-ending. Looking for dry eye drops can be confusing because there are over 50 different types on the market right now. Too much choice can be overwhelming, so we’ve come up with this quick guide to help you find the most dry eye friendly drops.
The Good
Look for preservative-free on the bottle. In the food industry, preservatives help keep products fresh for a longer time, but it also comes at a cost because several chemicals are added. Similar to eye drops, preservatives are additional chemicals that will irritate your already sensitive eyes.
Eye drops that contain hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is the current buzz in skin care because it helps retain moisture for younger, smoother looking skin. In eye drops, it has a similar effect by binding to the tears stabilizing them and bringing them back into balance.
The Bad
Avoid “Get the Red Out” eye drops (decongestants). These drops cause your blood vessels on your eyes to shrink so your eyes appear whiter, but here’s the catch. There will be a rebound effect and the blood vessels will get bigger to make your eyes red again.
In the end, your eyes will become dependent on these drops because it’s a vicious cycle of white and red eyes. It’s better to treat the underlying issue and not simply to cover it up.
What’s in the Eye Doctor’s Cabinet?
I-Med Pharma Artificial Tears
I-DROP eye drops enhance the 3 layers of the tear film (water, oil, protein). Their entire line of eye drops are preservative free and it contains viscoadaptive hyaluronic acid. The properties of the viscoadaptive hyaluronic acid promotes prolonged lubrication and moisture to the tears. Their drops are also osmoprotectant and bioprotectant which helps stabilize the delicate ocular cells and tear film. Let’s go over each of their eye drops and how you can find the right one for your dry eyes.
I-DROP Pur
These drops contain 0.18% preservative-free viscoadaptive hyaluronic acid which will provide comfort and long-lasting dry eye relief. I-Drop Pur is best suited for patients with mild to moderate dry eye disease.
I-Drop Pur Gel
These drops contain 0.30% preservative-free viscoadaptive hyaluronic acid. The higher concentration of hyaluronic acid provides immediate and prolonged dry eye relief. I-Drop Pur Gel is best suited for patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease.
I-Drop MGD
These drops are formulated for patients with evaporative dry eye. These patients do not have enough oil in their tears (read this blog to learn more). I-Drop MGD contains 0.20% preservative-free viscoadaptive hyaluronic acid and a lipid layer enhancer. The lipid layer enhancer will reduce the tears from drying quickly which is seen in evaporative dry eyes. Similar to the I-Drop Pur and I-Drop Pur Gel drops, I-Drop MGD will provide comfort, hydration, and long-lasting dry eye relief.
Labtician-Thea Artificial Tears
Labtician-Thea eye drops are all preservative free and contain hypotonic hyaluronic acid. Dry eye sufferers usually have hypertonic tears meaning their tears are saltier than the average person’s tears. Hypotonic eye drops will restore the natural balance of the tear film and promote the movement of water into the ocular cells for hydration and lubrication. Their drops also contain trehalose which is a natural bioprotectant and osmoprotectant in the ocular cells. Let’s go over each of their eye drops and how you can find the right one for your dry eyes.
Hyabak
These drops contain 0.15% preservative-free hypotonic hyaluronic acid which will improve the tear film balance and provide less tear evaporation. It is contact lens compatible and helps relieve signs and symptoms associated with dry eyes. Hyabak is generally suitable for mild dry eye sufferers.
Thealoz-Duo
These drops contain 0.15% preservative-free hypotonic hyaluronic acid and 3% Trehalose. Trehalose is a naturally occurring sugar found in many plants and its unique properties allow for survival in unfavorable environmental conditions. Its ability can also withstand prolonged periods of desiccation or dryness. Thealoz-Duo will provide protection to the surface of the eye and long-lasting dry eye relief. It is suitable for mild to severe dry eye sufferers.
Thealoz-Duo Gel
These drops contain 0.15% preservative-free hypotonic hyaluronic acid, 3% Trehalose and 0.25% Carbomer. Carbomer is a mucoadhesive polymer that provides the gel to stay on the surface of the eye for a longer period of time. Thealoz-Duo Gel is suitable for night time use and for patients with more persistent dry eye symptoms. Similar to Thealoz-Duo, its features include protection of the surface of the eye and restores the natural balance of the tears.
Next time, we will discuss more about ointments and lid wipes and how they can help with dry eyes.
If you still feel like eye drops aren’t doing enough for your dry eyes and you wish to seek professional help from your local optometrist, contact your nearest MyDryEye clinic
