These are eye drops used to hydrate, moisten, nourish and improve vision. Here’s what you need to know before using them, we also know what they are made of.
It’s easy to guess what artificial tears are for, the most important functions are to hydrate, lubricate, moisten, protect, nourish, keep the eye healthy. In addition, they also protect against infections with proper hydration of the cornea and conjunctiva, improve vision and aid in the elimination of foreign bodies.
Sometimes we don’t remember that dry eye syndrome exists with burning, itching, pain, swelling and excessive tearing. This leads to a qualitative and quantitative alteration of the tear film. This is where artificial tears come into play. To have correct hydration of the eye it is always good that the eyes open and close allowing the formation of the tear film . Artificial tears are sterile liquid preparations. These eye drops or gels must have particular characteristics. Here’s what they are:
- product bioavailability
- tolerability
- stability
The tear film is formed by a lipid layer, whose function is to protect and prevent the evaporation of the aqueous layer. It is formed by antibacterial properties . Then we have the mucous layer. The active components are hyaluronic acid, carbohydrates, electrolytes, lipids and proteins. Artificial tears also contain essential preservatives due to possible bacterial contamination and viscosifiers to increase the availability of the active component.
They can be used in these situations: high exposure to heat, wind, sea, chlorine, dust and similar cases. If, on the other hand, there are pathologies , there could be alterations of the tear film. Your trusted ophthalmologist can tell you which artificial tears are right for you, according to your problem. They are also recommended for visual defects such as cataracts, laser surgery, etc. It is important to store the eye drops, otherwise the validity of the product will be compromised. Check the storage time and temperature.
- Artificial tears: what they are made of and when they should be used (ohga.it)
