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.
Effect of dry eye test on glaucoma progression
The problem of adverse events in glaucoma therapy worries many specialists, and not only from the point of view of dry eye disease. A study by Philippe Denis found an association between the presence of dry eye symptoms associated with the use of antiglaucoma medications and the course of glaucoma. Research data show that the presence of adverse symptoms increases the risk of glaucoma progression by 3.3 times !12
The reason is quite simple - discomfort associated with adverse events reduces patient compliance. And violation of the regime leads to the progression of optic nerve atrophy and an irreversible decrease in visual functions. Adverse events associated with topical antiglaucoma medications may have an adverse effect on patient compliance12.
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.
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.
What is the cause of dry eye syndrome in patients with glaucoma?
Treatment of glaucoma is the constant use of anti-glaucoma drops with a frequency of instillation from one to several times a day, sometimes a combination of several drugs, for many years.
In this case, both the active substance and accompanying components can negatively affect the tear film and ocular surface4. The list of drugs that can induce or worsen the symptoms of dry eye syndrome includes almost all groups of antiglaucoma drops. However, the component most closely associated with the development of dry eye syndrome has been identified in research as a preservative5.
Hollo et al defines glaucoma-related dry eye syndrome as follows: an imbalance in ocular surface homeostasis caused by the toxic effects of long-term use of topical medications, leading to tear film instability, epithelial damage, and ocular surface inflammation.
4
Undesirable ophthalmological effects of local drug therapy for glaucoma. Source: Preservative-free Treatment in Glaucoma Is a Sensible and Realistic Aim for the Future. Marina Hopes, David Broadway. European Ophthalmic Review, 2010
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.
Preservative-free forms
Studies have shown a relationship between the frequency of dry eye syndrome and the presence of a preservative in the medications used by the patient. For example, according to a multicenter cross-sectional epidemiological study in 4 European countries involving 9658 patients with glaucoma, switching to a preservative-free form of the drug can reduce undesirable symptoms10:
Today, there are drugs produced in preservative-free form - disposable dropper tubes (monodoses), or multi-dose vials with a special anti-contamination system (special membrane or valve). However, the release of the drug in monodose form increases its cost, and the list of antiglaucoma drugs in multi-dose vials without a preservative is still limited.
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.
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.
Management of patients with dry eye syndrome in glaucoma practice
The management of patients with glaucoma in case of detection of dry eye syndrome has some peculiarities: adjustment of the regimen of antiglaucoma drugs is required in order to reduce the toxic load.
Minimizing the frequency of instillation (use of combination drugs, long-acting forms)
Switching from BAC to alternative preservatives with minimal toxicity or preservative-free forms
In case of severe symptoms of dry eye syndrome and damage to the ocular surface, laser and surgical treatment options can also be considered2.
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.
