Artificial tear drops. Price, instructions, which is better, where to buy, cheap analogs, reviews

Artificial tears are used to eliminate burning, irritation and discomfort caused by dry eyes. Drops are widely used in ophthalmology, are popular due to their low price.

Form of release and composition of the drug Artificial tear

The dosage form of the drug is a clear solution, odorless and colorless. The liquid is contained in a plastic bottle, at the end of which there is a dropper dispenser. Each bottle is packed in a cardboard box. The dose contained in one container is 5 or 10 ml of solution.

10 ml contains 50 mg of the active ingredient hypromellose.

Additional substances:

• boric acid, 85 mg;
• disodium salt, used as an excipient, 5 mg;
• macrogol, 100 mg, to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules;
• sodium chloride, 15 mg;
• potassium chloride, 9 mg;
• histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, 25 mg;
• purified water, 8-10 ml.

Pharmacological properties

Dry eye syndrome, which violates the main immune barrier - the tear film, causes a feeling of dryness, a foreign body in the eye. Further development of the syndrome leads to a violation of the cornea.

A common cause of the development of the syndrome is prolonged exposure to a computer, air conditioner, prolonged wearing of contact lenses, and the influence of polluted city air.

The purpose of artificial tears is to reduce dryness. Moisturizers are compounds that promote hydration by reducing friction on the surface of the eye caused by the eyelid. Another treatment goal for ocular surface diseases is to increase tear retention.

Artificial tears increase the viscosity of the tears by adhering to the surface of the eye, reducing the evaporation of moisture. Artificial tears serve to protect the eyes from hyperosmolarity, reduce redness and swelling. Finally, artificial tears can serve to soften and moisturize the surface of the eye by forming an oil layer that traps existing moisture present in the tissues.

Artificial tear - drops (their price is acceptable in comparison with foreign counterparts), which compensate for the lack of tear fluid, protect the epithelial layer of the cornea.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The reason for the appearance of dryness lies in the violation of the stability of the tear film. It consists of a thin mucinous, outer lipid and a basic aqueous layer. The first retains moisture in the aqueous layer. The second delivers oxygen to the outer layer of the cornea and removes carbon dioxide. The third, lipid, prevents heat transfer, excessive evaporation of fluid from the surface of the epithelium.

The tear film is constantly renewed, so within 1 min. 15% of the entire film is renewed. Dryness of the tear film appears as a result of a violation of its integrity. This is due to rupture of the film due to desquamation of corneal epithelial cells and evaporation of fluid.

The pharmacological effect is achieved due to the prosthetic effect on the mucinous and watery layer of the tear film.

The preparation contains hypromellose, a hydrophilic polymer that covers and protects the eye. It is a hydrogel that crosslinks on contact with the ocular surface and increases the tear time. The viscosity of the substance allows it to mix with other components. The optical characteristics of the tear film are reproduced by the polymer base.

Due to the buffer system of some of the drugs that make up the composition, an optimal pH for artificial tears of ~ 8.5 is achieved, most convenient for patients with dry eyes (The normal pH of a tear is about 7.5.) Eye drops can be used when wearing soft contact lenses because boric acid is not absorbed as a buffer lenses.

A decrease in the ratio of anions, cations and electrolytes leads to a decrease in the level of water in the epithelial cells, while disrupting the metabolism. Therefore, the preparation contains electrolytes that maintain the normal level of tear osmolarity.

The bioavailability of eye drops always remains low, due to the fact that the epithelium of the cornea and conjunctiva impede the access of the drug. The maximum plasma concentration is reached quickly.

Outflow from the conjunctival sac occurs through the nasolacrimal duct, absorption occurs through the nasal mucosa. In the circulatory system, the ophthalmic drug does not appear, it gradually leaves through the blinking and nasal mucosa.

A noticeable improvement in the condition of the eye occurs in 2-4 days. Complete cure is possible in 3 weeks.

Indications for use

Artificial tear drops (their price is quite affordable for the consumer), which are prescribed for disorders:

• eye strain after prolonged work with computer devices, driving a vehicle;
• dry eye syndrome due to: xerosis, keratosis, Sjogren's syndrome, Stevens-Johnson;
• corneal erosion, ulcerative keratitis, eyelid deformities, microdefects of the corneal epithelium, keratopathy;
• eye irritation due to allergies, smoke, cold, wind;
• prolonging the action of other ophthalmic drugs or eliminating their irritating effects;

Drops are used in the process of diagnostic procedures:

• electroretinography;
• gonioscopy;
• electrooculography;
• eye ultrasound.

It is recommended to use the drug after plastic surgery on the eyelids in case of corneal burns.

Contraindications

The price of eye drops is low, so they are popular. But there are a number of contraindications to the use of artificial tears.

Absolute:

• individual intolerance to one of the components or complex;
• eye diseases caused by infections.

Use with caution:

• pregnant women;
• during breastfeeding;
• in case of a chemical burn of the cornea, conjunctiva (before use, dead tissue and chemical irritant should be completely removed).

At what age can the drug be used?

Artificial tear drops (the price in different regions is on average 100-150 rubles), which are not recommended for use until the age of 18.

Instructions for use, dosage

The drug is instilled into the area of ​​the conjunctival eye sac up to 8 times a day, it can be applied every hour. Single dose - no more than 1-2 drops. The duration of the course is at least 3 weeks.

Sequencing:

• Tilt your head back and pull back the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper over the eye with the tip down. Look up and drop the drop.
• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes, tilt your head, do not blink or squint. Gently press your finger against the inner corner of the eye for about 30 seconds so that the liquid does not drain into the lacrimal canal.
• To exclude blinking, press with your fingertip on the outer corner of the eye and hold for 1 min.
• The pipette tip should not touch the eye.
• Close the bottle tightly.

The best effect is achieved when the drug is instilled in a lying position. In this case, the entire amount of liquid goes to the right place.

Use only the number of drops prescribed by your doctor. If more than one ophthalmic medication is used, wait 10-15 minutes. between instillation.

Side effects

Common side effects can include:

• mild burning or irritation;
• itchy or red eyes;
• watery eyes;
• blurred vision;
• unpleasant taste in the mouth.

If signs of allergy appear, seek emergency medical attention:

• labored breathing;
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using artificial tears if symptoms occur:

• severe burning or irritation;
• Pain in the eyes;
• distortion of vision.

Overdose

In the case of using an increased amount of the solution, side effects may occur. To remove them, you need to reduce the number of drops.

There should be no special reactions to an overdose.

special instructions

Artificial tear - drops (their price is focused on the average consumer), which, after being instilled 2-3 times, can cause side effects. Therefore, their effectiveness is assessed after some time from the start of application.

Remove contact lenses before instillation. They are installed no earlier than 30 minutes. after instillation.

The main requirement is sterility and asepticity. As long as the bottle is sealed, it remains sterile. When opened, it is disrupted and the sequential multiplication of bacteria begins. Therefore, when using eye drops, the shelf life should be strictly observed. Since the shelf life of the drug is 30 days after opening, it is not recommended to use it later than this period.

It is undesirable to swallow drops, they can cause a decrease in blood pressure, increased heart rate.

After instillation, you should refrain from driving for 30 minutes. or until the vision clears.

Drug interactions

Artificial tears are not compatible with ophthalmic preparations containing metal salts.

Terms, conditions of sale and storage

• The drug is not left in places accessible to children, stored at temperatures from + 8 ° C to + 15 ° C., in a dark place.

  

• After opening the bottle, after 30 days, the solution is not usable.
• Available without a prescription in pharmacy chains.

Analogs and prices. Which drug is better

Currently, there are more than 20 registered “artificial tear” preparations.

They include, in addition to the polymer base, substances capable of:

• prosthetics of a certain layer of tear film;
• regenerate the film;
• provide osmological protection of the corneal epithelium;
• ensure the production of endogenous interferon.

All types of solutions and gels are considered from the point of view of filling with polymer bases, preservatives and additional ingredients. The difference between them lies in the degree of viscosity, the nature of the base, synthetic polymers or polysaccharides, the presence or absence of preservatives.

An essential feature is the degree of viscosity of the preparation. The second important ingredient is the preservative. The higher its toxicity, the lower the effectiveness of the drug. The most effective drugs based on TS-polysaccharides. They have properties capable of prosthetics of the mucin layer of the pre-corneal tear film.

Name	Price in rub.	Properties of drugs	Preservative
Preparations with the active ingredient hyaluronic acid
Oxial Low viscosity	300–600	Ophthalmic solution, moisturizing the cornea, contains electrolytes, reduces dryness, eye irritation, corneal redness, relieves fatigue.	Oxide
Khilabak	400	Keratoprotector, which replaces synovial and lacrimal fluid, promotes rapid healing of corneal wounds.	Missing
Wizmed, hydrogel, Has a reduced viscosity	380	Recommended for keratitis of various etiologies, dry eyes, itching, irritation, eye burns, injuries.	Missing
Hypromellose-based preparations
Lacrisifi Has a reduced viscosity	238	Lubricates, protects the cornea, increases the time of contact of the cornea with the solution. They are used after burns, in the period after plastic surgery, in case of eyelid deformation, relieve eye irritation caused by external factors. Hypoallergenic, used when wearing soft contact lenses.	Benzalkonium chloride
Gipromeloza-P Has a reduced viscosity	90–150
Dephysleosis Low viscosity	30–80
Carbomer based preparations
Vidisik	150–300	The preparations moisturize the cornea, contain polymer substances that increase the viscosity of the protective film on the cornea. When used simultaneously with other ophthalmic drugs, it prolongs the time of their absorption. Used for dry keratoconjunctivitis, insufficient tear production. It is used in the postoperative period in the treatment of the cornea.	Benzalkonium chloride
Oftagel	150–300
High viscosity preparations
Preparations based on sodium hyaluronate
Hilo chest of drawers Low viscosity	400–700	Has a moisturizing effect on the cornea, the drug is in the form of an aqueous solution based on sodium hyaluronate, without preservatives. The protective film that the drug creates on the surface of the cornea lasts for a long time and is not washed off when blinking. It is recommended for relieving the burning sensation in the eyes after operations for damage to the cornea. Does not reduce the clarity of vision.	Missing
Dextran and hypromellose preparations
Slezin. Low viscosity	170–450	Moisturizes the cornea, compensates for the lack of tears, the effect lasts for an hour and a half after application.	Benzalkonium chloride
Natural tear. Low viscosity	100–130
Compound preparations, based on polysaccharide and guar gum, forming a high molecular weight film on the surface of the eye
Systain Gel	300–700	They have a stabilizing effect on the fatty layer of the tear film, significantly reduce the evaporation of the water layer. Used to relieve dry eye syndrome.	Poliquad
Systein Balance	350–750
Systane Ultra Medium viscosity preparation	400–800	A powerful ophthalmic drug for the prevention and treatment of dry eyes. Provides comfort for a long time.	Poliquad
Vizin Pure A tear Low viscosity	300–500	The preparation is based on herbal ingredients, similar in composition to a natural tear, relieves fatigue, redness, irritation, possibly frequent use, improves the cornea.	Benzalkonium chloride
Povidone based preparation
View-chest of drawers	180–400	Produced on the basis of a 2% aqueous solution of povidone. Moisturizes the cornea, eliminates discomfort, burning, foreign body sensation in the eyes.	Missing

Gels are more commonly used for moderate dry eye syndrome. Medicines with low viscosity are used in the treatment of severe and mild forms of xerosis. In each group, you should focus on the components of the drug. Some have added preservatives that are toxic.

All moisturizers vary in consistency. Liquid formulations work for a short time. The thicker the product, the longer it stays on the ocular surface. If the symptoms of dry eye are not eliminated with drops, and their use is limited in time, then it is better to switch to gels.

The effectiveness of the treatment of dry eye syndrome with drugs from the artificial tear group is quite high. When choosing drops, gels, one should focus not only on the price, but also on the composition of the drug, the individual tolerance of each component.

Article design: Vladimir the Great

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