Drop v/s Drop-Dry Eyes Disease- Reviewed by a pharmacist!
Feeling of grittiness, burning, itching, scratching, blurring or redness in the eyes due to drying of tear film can be very uncomfortable for the sufferer of the disease.
The dryness of the eyes can be of 3 main types:
Risk Factors of Developing Dry Eyes Syndrome:
When your eyes stop making tears, artificial ones step in to restore the balance
Artificial tears drops are not only the single treatment for dry eyes but there are also other treatment options available that includes targeting the main etiologic behind the DED. However, lubrication of eyes in DED via artificial tear drops is one of the main parts of the treatment especially in the case of dry eyes due to temporary causes like exposure to extreme weather condition or being tired.
In order to understand the acting mechanism of artificial tears drops or lubricating drops we first need to clarify the concept regarding the composition of our natural tear film produced by our eyes. So, lets look a deeper picture of our tear film.
Now we can easily understand what sort of lubricant are available in market. So, as we known that the dryness of eyes can be due to either the rapid drying out of our tear film due to the deficiency of lipid layer or due to insufficient aqueous layer in the tear film. So, likewise the available lubricants are also classified accordingly.
CHOOSING AQUEOUS V/S LIPID SUPPLEMENTING DROPS
Aqueous supplementing artificial tears
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Active ingredient (API) |
Function |
Side effects |
Brands |
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Polyacrylic acid -carbomer 940. Usually used at concentration of 0.2%
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Forms hydrated gel matrix, increases viscosity of tears and also increases residence time of co-formulated drugs. Provides prolong relief |
Blurred vision and stickiness due to high viscosity. So, should be used at bedtime. Transient irritation |
· ACROGEL drops · TEARS drops · VISOL |
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Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), is a polysaccharide polymer having muco-adhesion properties |
CMC binds to the corneal epithelial cells and increases the tear viscosity. At concentration of 1%, it increases residence time of co-formulated drugs |
Generally, well tolerated with minor irritation |
RECURO eye drops |
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Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) also known as Hypromellose, polysaccharide 0.3% OR 0.5% |
Moisten and lubricate the surface of the eye. Also increases the tear film viscosity |
Minor irritation |
· HICEL · SOFTEAL · TEARS NATURALE-II & TEARS FORTE (both are in combination with DEXTRAN)
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Dextran-70, a polysaccharide |
Mild lubricant, often co-formulated with HPMC |
Rare sensitivity Not used alone |
· TEARS NATURALE-II, TEARS FORTE (Both of them are in combination with HPMC)
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Hydroxypropyl-guar (HP-guar) |
Forms gel like matrix in the presence of tears thus stabilize tear film |
Blurred vision (temporary), mild irritation. |
EYELUB |
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Polyethylene glycol (400) (0.4%) |
Humectant, often used in multi-polymer blend e.g. with propylene glycol (0.3%) |
Well tolerated Minor irritation (short lasting blurred vision) |
· 2-BLINK · BLINKOL · SYSTANE (in combination with HP-GUAR along with propylene glycol) |
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Polyvinyl alcohol 1.4% |
Forms a thin film over the eyes, thereby reducing the evaporation of tears. Also, co-formulated with povidone-iodine for having antiseptic effect as well. |
Rare stinging |
· HI-TEARS · TEARS PLUS, EYWET PLUS, I-FRESH (in combination with povidone iodine) |
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Hyaluronic acid- glycosaminoglycan 0.18% |
Has viscoelastic and water-retaining properties, promotes wound healing. |
Transient intraocular pressure rise. However well tolerated |
HYLOSAN
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LIPID SUPPLEMENTING ARTIFICIAL TEARS
Mineral oil | Restores moisture and prevent fluid loss | Blurred vision Sticky or greasy feeling | · CATIONORM eye drops · SYSTANE BALANCE eye drops · LACRILUBE ointment |
CHOOSING BEWEEN DROPS, GELS OR OINTMENTS
Choosing between preservative and non-preservative Eye drops
SELF MANAGEMENT OR PREVENTION OF DRY EYE DISEASE:
Avoid Environmental Triggers: First step is to identify that which environmental factors is inducing dryness of your eyes like wind, cigarette smoke or being in the area of smoking, air vent blowing toward your face etc. Then the next step is to avoid that triggering agent via avoiding that particular premises of that agent or by wearing sunglasses when being outdoors. |
Using Humidifier: humidifier will help create moisture in your environment and prevent the rapid evaporation of tear film, as we usually uses air conditioner in summer and heaters in winter both of which can cause dryness of the eye via creating low humid air.
Warm compresses for eyes: Heat mask for eyes are easily available at any pharmacy which you can purchase and leave it on your eyes for approximately 10 minutes. This can help ease your symptoms and allow your meibomian glands to produce more lipids.
20/20/20 RULE: This rule applied especially while reading or using laptop screen or computers etc.
According to this rule while using screen, take a break after each 20 minutes and focus on any object that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will help reduce the strain on your eyes and will increase the tear film production. Also don’t forget to blink your eyes more while using screen in order to increase the tear production
OMEGA-3 supplements: Some researches have shown that omega-3 supplement increases the tear production and reduces the symptoms of dry eyes.
References:
- Kathuria, A., Shamloo, K., Jhanji, V., & Sharma, A. J. J. o. C. M. (2021). Categorization of marketed artificial tear formulations based on their ingredients: a rational approach for their use. 10(6), 1289.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology multiple pages reviewed (https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye). 30/05/2025
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health.
