Artificial tears

Artificial tears which have as main active ingredient cellulose, such as hypromelose or Carboxymethylcellulose, remain a constant value for many years, but the real breakthrough came in the market with new, artificial tears which have as main active ingredient Hyaluronic (Sodium Hyaluronate).

Ophthalmic solutions of Hyaluronic are superior to the rest as they are the only formulations which act in two of the three layers of tears (mucous and watery) and Hyaluronic is the only substance which has the property of being able to replace the mucous layer. Also Hyaluronic shows surprising ability to hold water and hydration, and is the only active substance which ensures protection with corneal healing properties, which is very important especially after surgery.

Crucial role in the outcome plays the concentration of the active substance. The concentrations of Hyaluronic start at 0.1% and in the best and most effective formulations reaches 0.4%, ensuring higher efficiency and much longer duration of action, which affects the strength and thus the practicality and of course the economy.

Another important factor is the presence or absence of preservative in the formulation. Many of the preservatives contained in ophthalmic solutions, such as BAC, can cause symptoms of intolerance the same, while increasing the likelihood of allergic reaction. It is obvious that we should prefer the artificial tears without preservatives and avoid completely formulations containing "heavy" preservatives such as BAC.

In the market you can find artificial tears in bottle / multidose system, in single dose vials and lately in reclosable vials. Each format has its positives and negatives. Generally, a single dose system is easier to carry, more practical, contains no preservatives and ensures the sterility of the solution and especially the edge of the vial. The bottle disadvantages practicality and it's not easy to transportate and lacks in  sterility in contrast with the single dose system. Furthermore it usually contains a preservative (or if no preservative,  it may contain high concentration of phosphate and other salts which irritate eyes as well). Its main advantage is the economy.  Reclosable vials appeared recently on the market. These combine the advantages of both above formulations and past forms mentioned firstly. Infertility, practicality and absence of preservatives and other irritants salts of a single dose, with the economy of multidose system are offered. This makes artificial tears in this form the best possible choice.