Eye drops with a moisturizing effect are designed to combat dry eye mucosa that occurs when wearing contact lenses. One of the most common visual abnormalities is dry conjunctivitis, which is also called dry eye syndrome. In the presence of this pathology, tear fluid is not produced in sufficient volume. To normalize secretion, you need to instill moisturizers. The composition of such drugs resembles the chemical composition of human tears.
Causes of dry eyes
The eyes, by their nature, may not be predisposed to increased sensitivity or to insufficient production of tear fluid. But the conjunctival membrane can dry out due to a number of other factors:
- Deficiency of vitamins necessary for the visual organs, disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system;
- Sitting for a long time at a computer display;
- Blockage of the lacrimal gland ducts. Because of this, few tears are produced and they are distributed unevenly over the surface of the conjunctiva;
- Some eye ailments, one of which is ectropion;
- Long-term use of a number of medications, the side effect of which is inhibition of the gland that produces tear secretion;
- Violation of the use of contact optics and exceeding the recommended period of wearing them. If the lens model is not selected correctly, dry eyes may also occur;
Dryness of the organs of vision can occur if a person is regularly in places with very high or excessively low air temperatures or in an air-conditioned room.
Biological tear substitutes
Production and use of biological tear substitutes
for the treatment of dry eye syndrome is currently limited by the legal requirements of different countries for blood products, mandatory serological testing for the presence of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis and other infections, as well as the short shelf life of drugs of this group in compliance with a special temperature regime. However, despite these difficulties, biological tear substitutes also have a number of significant advantages in the treatment of dry eye syndrome. For example, autologous serum has a pH similar to that of the tear fluid, and also contains vitamins and biologically active substances (epithelial growth factor, nerve growth factor, etc.). In addition, the serum inhibits the release of proinflammatory cytokines, increases the number of goblet cells in the conjunctiva and stimulates mucin production [23, 24]. Today, many platelet-based drugs have also been developed for use in clinical practice: platelet-rich plasma; plasma enriched with growth factors; platelet lysate. According to the results of the study by JL Alio et al. instillation of platelet-rich plasma 4–6 times a day in patients with dry eye syndrome helps to reduce the symptoms of the disease by 89% after just 1 month. after the start of treatment [25].
The use of cryopreserved amniotic membrane in the treatment of dry eye syndrome stops the inflammatory reaction by inducing apoptosis of neutrophils and monocytes, reducing infiltration by neutrophils and macrophages. In addition, the ability of the amniotic membrane to stimulate the regeneration of corneal nerves due to the presence of nerve growth factor has been proven [26].
When is it necessary to use moisturizers?
Experts say the need for daily use of moisturizing drops when the eyes are exposed to extreme influences or when they are adversely affected by physiological factors. If a user of contact ophthalmology works in conditions that have a negative impact on the organs of vision, for example, working in a hot shop or working at a computer for a long time, then he needs to moisturize his eyeballs from time to time to prevent irritation. In addition, the solution will be useful when traveling to a hot region - it will moisturize the mucous membrane in an unusual microclimate.
Non-drug methods for treating dry eye syndrome
Compliance with recommendations to exclude or minimize the impact of external risk factors that contribute to the development and progression of dry eye syndrome can significantly alleviate and/or improve the patient’s condition. It is well known that the ocular surface is most susceptible to wind, low relative humidity, low or high temperature, UV radiation, pollutants, tobacco smoke, etc. [47–49]. At the initial stage of treatment, patients with dry eye syndrome are recommended to use air humidifiers or special glasses to humidify the air near the eye. Users of computers and other gadgets are recommended to take breaks during visual work and place the device monitor below eye level, thereby reducing the area of open ocular surface [8].
In recent years, a large number of dietary supplements containing omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been developed. According to scientific research, dietary supplements with omega-3 PUFAs help to increase the stability of the joint protein by modifying intracellular lipids in the lacrimal glands. The combination of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs also has a positive effect on the quality and quantity of intracellular lipids in the meibomian glands. However, the effectiveness of oral supplementation is significantly increased if the main component of the supplement is omega-3 PUFA alone or with a smaller proportion of omega-6 PUFA [50].
What are drops that eliminate dry eyes made of?
Almost all preparations that moisturize the mucous membrane include the following four components:
- povidone;
- purified water;
- glycerol;
- sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid perfectly connects water molecules and binds them to each other. As a result, a homogeneous hydrophilic film appears on the organs of vision, which fully moisturizes them. The film helps to prolong the comfortable wearing of lenses and qualitatively protects the eyes from the unwanted influence of environmental factors.
Doctors have long used glycerin as an affordable and effective emollient and lubricant. It is the main ingredient in many creams, ointments and even drops designed to moisturize and eliminate irritation from mucous membranes and skin. Glycerin is also characterized by excellent antiseptic qualities.
The viscosity of eye drops is increased by povidone. As a result, the effect of using the drug lasts longer. In addition, this increases hydration.
In addition to these basic components, eye drops are enriched with natural or synthetic additives, microelements and vitamins. Before purchasing this or that drug, you need to familiarize yourself with its composition. It is possible that it contains substances that are contraindicated for some reason.
How is drug therapy prescribed?
The task of a competent doctor is to choose from a huge arsenal of drugs with a similar effect that are suitable for a particular patient, or to find an adequate replacement for it if necessary. When this does not work, they resort to surgical help.
Treatment of glaucoma with drops can be prescribed by a specialist only based on the results of a complete ophthalmological examination. All drugs are selected strictly individually and used according to the recommended regimen.
Self-medication, in the case of glaucoma, is especially dangerous, because eye health and the ability to see are at stake. Therefore, it is necessary to use exactly the medications prescribed by the doctor and strictly adhere to the course of treatment.
Inexpensive drops to relieve dry eyes
The budget cost of a product does not always indicate its low quality. The basic components used to create moisturizing drops really do not cost much, but they guarantee an excellent effect. The final cost of the drug is influenced by the “promotion” of the brand, the final composition of the drug and the trade markup. It is best to buy such products in large online stores that sell ophthalmological products. Such virtual supermarkets always have a large selection of medications for visual health and the necessary products for the use of contact lenses.
Drops for dry eyes from the Ursapharm brand
The German pharmaceutical company Ursapharm is a leader in the global ophthalmology market. The company develops solutions with a moisturizing effect and medications for general medical purposes. They are used to get rid of dry eye syndrome, eliminate glaucoma, combat allergic reactions, inflammatory processes and other pathologies. The products of this brand are appreciated by patients all over the world.
One of the most famous drugs from Ursapharm is Hilo-chest drops. They can be safely used with any type of ophthalmic optics. The solution is used to moisturize the cornea during fatigue and dryness. The product helps beginners quickly adapt to wearing contact lenses. This remedy is also prescribed for the rapid restoration of the eye mucosa after surgery. There are no preservatives in the drops, and they combine well with eye tissues.
The bottle containing the solution is a complex structure consisting of valves and small containers. All of them are coated with an incredibly thin ball of silver ions. No matter how hard the patient presses the bottle, the same amount of liquid will flow out of it every time.
Hiloparin-Komod drops will help get rid of the burning sensation in the visual organs and eliminate dryness after excessive visual work. The moisturizing effect is provided by the hyaluronic acid included in the composition. Thanks to heparin, blood flow improves and cells are restored. This drug is often prescribed to people who have undergone surgery. It allows the corneal epithelium to heal faster.
Who should use moisturizing eye drops?
It is difficult to imagine the life and work of modern people without electronic devices. Spending a long time in front of a computer screen, smartphone, tablet and various gadgets inevitably leads to excessive eye fatigue. In addition, the visual organs experience additional stress while driving, as well as reading in transport.
This problem is also faced by people who are forced to stay in rooms with harmful volatile substances, polluted air, a working heating system or air conditioning. Constant stress on the organs of vision leads to the development of sicca keratitis, also known as dry eye syndrome. It manifests itself especially clearly at the end of the working day. A person feels burning, dryness and stinging in the eyes. Sometimes redness of the sclera and increased lacrimation may occur. When using contact correction means, this process is only aggravated, since optical products are in direct contact with the cornea.
If natural hydration is insufficient, discomfort may occur. This is especially true for people with high sensitivity of the cornea. In this case, ophthalmologists advise using moisturizing drops for contact lenses. The composition of these ophthalmic preparations is similar to the composition of natural tear secretion. Thanks to this, they increase the degree of moisture in the cornea and reduce friction, improving the sliding of the eyelids over the eyeball. This allows you to eliminate the discomfort caused by wearing optical products or high visual loads.
Currently, the choice of these products is quite wide. Many well-known manufacturers of contact correction products offer moisturizing eye drops. Before purchasing them, you should consider factors such as the composition and purpose of the drug, its compatibility with contact lenses, frequency of use, etc.
Common causes of dry keratitis:
- Long work at the computer. In this case, the cornea dries out due to infrequent blinking;
- Frequent stay in a room with excessively dry or smoky air;
- Increased visual load (reading small text, etc.);
- A number of ophthalmological diseases accompanied by a lack of tear fluid, for example, keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Other options for drops with a moisturizing effect
In addition to the listed names, there are other offers on the pharmacological market, for example, “Defislez” - excellent and at the same time affordable drops that relieve dryness. The product is prescribed to prevent “dryness” and as protection when using lenses.
"Slezin" is a means of artificial tears. Well moisturizes the cornea and outer mucosa.
"Oxial" - drops made using nanotechnology. They contain a lot of hyaluronic acid and electrolytes. Thanks to this composition, cell regeneration is accelerated and their deep hydration occurs.
Solutions to relieve fatigue
When standing in front of a monitor for a long time, human eyes are faced with a problem such as fatigue. To get rid of it, you need to use special drops. Among the most effective are the following:
- "Ophtolik" is a special preparation used when using contact lenses. It relieves dryness and the feeling of sand, eliminates the effect of cutting, relieves pain during blinking;
- “Blink” - can be presented in the form of a solution for contact optics and as a means for caring for a dried out cornea;
- “Thealoz” is a substance created to thicken and lubricate the mucous membrane for the purpose of its regeneration.
Any of these or other products should be purchased only after consultation with a treating specialist.
Drugs that stimulate tear secretion
Another group of drugs for tear replacement therapy are secretagogues
— tear stimulants that are available or under development in other countries. There are stimulators of the aqueous, mucin and/or lipid layers of the joint venture. Diquafosol tetrasodium (Diquas, Santen, Japan) is approved for use as a 3% ophthalmic solution in Japan and South Korea. This drug stimulates the aqueous component of SP and the secretion of mucin from epithelial and goblet cells of the conjunctiva [27]. According to YS Byun, instillation of Diquafosol tetrasodium promotes effective healing of epithelial corneal defects [28]. The drug Rebamipide (Mucosta; Otsuka pharmaceutical, Japan) is currently approved in Japan for the treatment of dry eye syndrome as a stimulator of mucin-like glycoproteins in the corneal epithelium, increasing the expression level of mucoproteins MUC1, MUC4 and MUC16 [29, 30].
An alternative method of stimulating tear production in the treatment of dry eye syndrome is nasal neurostimulation, which is based on enhancing the production of tear fluid after chemical or mechanical irritation of the nasal mucosa using a special device [31]. The TrueTear intranasal stimulator (Allergan, USA) consists of a hand-held stimulator unit with a disposable hydrogel tip and an external charger. According to the results of clinical studies, the use of an intranasal stimulator significantly reduces the symptoms of dryness and irritation of the ocular surface in patients with dry eye syndrome (according to the OSDI questionnaire), as well as improves Schirmer test scores and increases the volume of tear production [32].
Antiseptic and vasoconstrictor solutions
Dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea provokes disturbances in lacrimation and blood supply to the eyeball. As a result, redness, itching, swelling appears, and the person is overcome by the feeling of the presence of a foreign object in the eye. Special formulations help get rid of these problems. For example, Quinax. The solution is rich in vitamins, thanks to which it successfully treats cataracts, normalizes blood and oxygen exchange, and improves vision.
"Emoxy-optic" - has a strong antiseptic and antioxidant effect. The product contains emoxypine. Drops are prescribed to treat dryness caused by pollution of the visual organs.
To prevent this syndrome, do not work at the computer for more than two hours at a time, regularly ventilate the room you are in.
