Marketplace

Focus on Dry Eye Medications

ACCUTEARS

Accutome, Inc.

■ Accutome offers three different choices with its AccuTears line: Accu-Tears PVA (polyvinyl alcohol 1.4%); Accu-Tears HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) and Accu-Tears Ointment (white petrolatum and mineral oil lubricant).

For daily use, patients have a choice of two products with different viscosity — Accu-Tears HPMC has a longer duration of action than the PVA product because of its higher viscosity, but many patients find the PVA product more comfortable because of its lower viscosity. Accutome offers Accu-Tears HPMC, the more viscous product, for people who want a tear that is going to be effective for a longer period of time.

The company offers the PVA formula for people who are bothered by high viscosity and want a product they can use that provides better vision and comfort.

Accutome, Inc.
Phone: (800) 979-2020
www.accutome.com

BLINK TEAR LUBRICATING EYE DROPS

Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

■ The Blink Tears line of products includes three formulations containing polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG) and a blend of ingredients that are found naturally in the eye. Each formula specifically addresses the range of dry eye needs through longer-lasting relief, a greater than 60-minute moisture retention time and improved tear film stability, restoring the tear film each time a user blinks by adapting to an individual's dry eye needs, thickening when the eye opens and thinning when the eye closes. Clinical studies have proven that significant improvement occurred in patient comfort over time, according to AMO.

Blink Tears is designed for mild to moderate dry eye with less blurring of vision — dissipating preservative in the eye. Blink Tears Preservative Free for mild to moderate dry eye is delivered in sterile single-use vials for patients who have sensitive eyes and for post-LASIK use. Blink GelTears is for moderate to severe dry eye and contains a more viscous formula specially designed for enhanced comfort. Blink GelTears is recommended for both daytime and nighttime use.

Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
Phone: (714) 247-8200
www.amo-inc.com

THERATEARS

Advanced Vision Research

■ TheraTears provides complete dry-eye relief with preservative-free and bottled TheraTears for daytime, TheraTears Liquid Gel for nighttime and TheraTears Nutrition, an omega-3 supplement, for all-the-time relief. Even contact lens wearers will find relief with TheraTears Contact Lens Comfort Drops.

SteriLid Eyelid Cleanser provides effective lid hygiene in convenient ready-to-use foam for those with blepharitis and dry eye, as well as those preparing for eye surgery.

Advanced Vision Research introduces MacuTrition for vision and health, along with the Nutridox Convenience Kit for meibomian gland health and therapy containing doxycycline, TheraTears Nutrition and the iHeat portable warm compress system.

Advanced Vision Research
Phone: (800) 979-8327
www.theratears.com

SYSTANE PRODUCTS

Alcon

■ Systane Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops is a high-performance dry eye therapy with a unique mechanism of action. HP-Guar, borate and sorbital interact to provide an "intelligent" delivery system to the eye. This system delivers viscoelastic properties providing extended protection to the ocular surface. Systane Ultra was designed to make the eyes feel comfortable and lubricated longer. Systane lubricant eye drops are the first artificial tears clinically proven to reduce signs and symptoms of dry eye, says Alcon.

Systane contains the active demulcents polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, along with the gelling agent HP-Guar, formulated to adjust to each patient's individual tear film pH. The polymerizing protection of Systane is achieved through the interaction of HP Guar, demulcents and the patient's natural tears. Systane is also available in preservative-free vials.

Alcon
Phone: (817) 293-0450
www.systane.com

RESTASIS, OPTIVE AND REFRESH

Allergan

■ Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% is the first and only prescription eye drop approved by the FDA that helps increase tear production in patients with chronic dry eye due to decreased tear production.

Restasis helps increase the eyes' natural ability to produce tears, which may be suppressed by inflammation due to chronic dry eye.

Increased tear production was not demonstrated in patients currently taking topical anti-inflammatory drugs or using punctal plugs.

Optive is a next-generation over-the-counter artificial tear that leverages new technology to create a dual-action formulation that works both on the ocular surface and at the cellular level to provide long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.

The formulation of Optive Lubricant Eye Drops relieves the symptoms of dry eye in two ways. First, it provides a lubricating and hydrating protective shield on the surface of the eye and then it penetrates below the surface to provide osmoprotection to the corneal epithelial cells from hypertonic stress caused by excessive salt levels.

Optive Sensitive is a new preservative-free artificial tear that offers the same advanced dual action of Optive to hydrate and osmoprotect for longer-lasting comfort. Optive Sensitive has been clinically studied and is recommended for LASIK dryness.

The Refresh line of artificial tears offers a wide range of over-the-counter products, including preserved and non-preserved drops as well as ointments to effectively treat dry eye symptoms. The Refresh line includes numerous formulations to address specific dry eye needs.

Allergan
Phone: (800) 347-4500
www.allergan.com

LACRISERT

Aton Pharma

■ Prescription-only Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) lubricates and protects dry eyes all day with one application, although some patients may use it twice-daily for optimal results. Preservative-free Lacrisert, placed deep in the inferior cul-de-sac, dissolves gently over time, providing a sustained moistening effect. Prescribed for over two decades, Lacrisert has no known interactions with other eye medications. See full prescribing information for more information.

Aton Pharma
Phone: (877) 286-6549
www.customerservice@lacrisert.com

SOOTHE AND ENVIRONMENTAL LUBRICANT EYE DROPS

Bausch & Lomb

■ Soothe XP emollient eye drops provides moisture and contains Restoryl, the advanced lipid restorative that provides a barrier to tear loss for relief that lasts up to 8 hours.

Bausch & Lomb's Soothe Lubricant Eye Drops, Preservative-Free, Long Lasting Formula uses a dry eye therapy that reinforces the damaged mucin layer, providing soothing comfort and lasting relief to patients' eyes.

B&L's Advanced Eye Relief Dry Eye Environmental Lubricant Eye Drops provide relief for eyes irritated from normal exposure to the environment; wind or sun, air conditioning, prolonged computer use and contain 1% glycerin, the maximum amount of the lubricant allowed by the FDA.

Bausch & Lomb
Phone: (800) 553-5340
www.bausch.com

BIOTEARS

Biosyntrx, Inc.

■ BioTears systemically addresses the root inflammatory cause and effects of dry eye syndrome, says Biosyntrx.

BioTears contains the optimal blend of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids and the nutrient co-factors associated with metabolic production of the tear-gland-specific series one anti-inflammatory prostaglandin, PGE1.

BioTears inhibits the arachidonic acid production of the COX2 enzyme, the pro-inflammatory prostaglandin PGE2 and interleukin IL-6.

BioTears includes nutrients that are suggested to modulate goblet cell/mucin production in both the stimulated and unstimulated tear, the lacrimal gland aqueous output, as well and meibomian gland oil output.

BioTears also contains APO-Lactoferrin, which inhibits the growth of both viral and bacterial pathogens on the ocular surface.

Biosyntrx, Inc.
Phone: (800) 688-6815
www.biosyntrx.com

DWELLE, DAKRINA AND NUTRATEAR LUBRICANT EYE DROPS

Dry Eye Shop

■ Dwelle and Dakrina are ideally suited for challenging dry eye cases, (e.g., RCEs, Sjögren's, RA, lupus), post-LASIK and others with persistent symptoms who do not experience sufficient relief with other products, says The Dry Eye Shop.

Active ingredients include polyvinyl alcohols and povidone. Dwelle and Dakrina contain the non-irritating preservative polyquaternium-42 (polexitonium). Dakrina also contains retinyl palmitate (vitamin A).

NutraTear is a long-lasting lubricant that sharpens vision and relieves mild to moderate dry eye symptoms, says the company. Active ingredients include polyvinyl alcohols. NutraTear also contains cyanocobalamine (Vitamin B12) and non-irritating preservative polyquaternium-42 (polexitonium).

Dry Eye Shop
Phone: 877-MY DRY EYES
www.dryeyeshop.com

SIMILASAN DRY EYE RELIEF

Healthy Relief

■ Similasan Dry Eye Relief eye drops contain homeopathic ingredients that stimulate the body's ability to soothe and moisturize without harsh chemicals or vasoconstrictors. Similasan eye drops are safe for all ages and the active ingredients cause no known side effects or drug interactions.

The company offers free samples to interested eye care professionals.

Healthy Relief
Phone: (800) 426-1644
www.SimilasanUSA.com

OPTIZEN

InnoZen, Inc.

■ OptiZen is a lubricating eye drop that delivers instant relief and long-lasting protection against the irritating symptoms of dry eyes. It is one of the most affordable lubricant eye drops on the market and is safe and gentle enough to be used as often as needed, says InnoZen. OptiZen is clinically tested and satisfaction is guaranteed.

InnoZen, Inc.
Phone: (818) 593-4880
www.innozen.com

DROPS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Natural Ophthalmics, Inc.

■ Natural Ophthalmics, Inc. offers dry eye drops that trigger tear film production without side effects and can be used with contacts.

The company offers two separate eye drop formulas, one for women and one for men, which stimulate the production of all three tear film layers — relieving symptoms with causation ranging from inflammation to aqueous deficiency, including Sjögren's syndrome. The women's formula has ingredients for dryness related to hormonal fluctuations. The men's drop has ingredients for male pattern dryness.

Natural Ophthalmics, Inc.
Phone: (877) 220-9710
www.natoph.com

THE GENTEAL LINE

Novartis

■ The GenTeal line contains a complete range of formulations for soothing symptom relief of dry eye. All of the formulations are preservative-free in the eye. This is because the GenTeal formulations that include a preservative are formulated with GenAqua — a unique preservative system that breaks down into water and oxygen in the eye within 1 minute. Additionally, GenTeal has been proven to relieve the signs and symptoms of dry eye.

The complete GenTeal line of products includes:

► GenTeal Mild Lubricant Eye Drops

► GenTeal Moderate Lubricant Eye Drops

► GenTeal PF Lubricant Eye Drops in single dose units

► GenTeal GelDrops Lubricant Eye Drops

► GenTeal Gel

► GenTeal Ointment

Novartis
Phone: (862) 778-1089
www.novartis.com

OASIS TEARS AND OASIS TEARS PLUS

Oasis Medical, Inc.

■ Oasis Tears are glycerin-based lubricant eye drops that coat, lubricate and moisten delicate ocular tissue for long-lasting relief of dry eye symptoms. They are preservative-free, provide instant long-lasting relief with fewer applications and have disposable containers.

Two treatment options provide long-lasting relief for mild to severe symptoms.

Oasis Medical, Inc.
Phone: (800) 631-7180
www.oasistears.com

TEARS AGAIN HYDRATE

OcuSoft

■ Tears Again Hydrate is a medical food specially formulated for the dietary management of dry eye syndrome, blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction. Tears Again hydrate is available by prescription only and is intended to be used under the supervision of a physician.

Tears Again Hydrate is formulated to contain the omega-3 fatty acid flaxseed oil and has also included evening primrose oil, an even rarer omega-6 fatty acid. These essential fatty acids have been combined with bilberry extract, all of which provide anti-inflammatory properties — a component in dry eye syndrome.

The clinically supported ingredients in Tears Again Hydrate aid in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the eye and provide relief by encapsulating a unique combination of ingredients utilizing Hypersorb, a proprietary liposome process that has been proven to enhance the absorption of orally administered ingredients for better bioavailability.

OcuSOFT
Phone: (800) 233-5469
www.ocusoft.com

MINIDROPS

Optics Laboratory Inc.

■ MiniDrops is a preservative free, single-use lubricant to address dry eyes and can be used with or without contact lenses. Compared to other tears, MiniDrops has a medium viscosity that is not too thick or sticky. MiniDrops are individually packaged in single-use vials to prevent cross-contamination of repeated use.

Optics Laboratory, Inc.
Phone: (800) 968-6788
www.minidrops.com

HYDROEYE

ScienceBased Health

■ HydroEye is an oral nutritional formulation that helps to relieve dry eye symptoms from the inside-out, addressing the root causes. HydroEye features a proprietary blend of omega fatty acids and nutrient cofactors that helps dampen inflammation and supports all three layers of the tear film. It includes the omega-3 EPA and DHA from the purest, pharmaceutical grade fish oil and also provides the unique omega fatty acid, GLA, from black currant seed oil that cannot be easily obtained from the diet. GLA has been found to play a key role in dampening inflammation and relieving dry eye symptoms.

ScienceBased Health
Phone: (888) 433-4726
www.sciencebasedhealth.com

DRYNESS RELIEF DROPS

STI Labs

■ STI Labs Dryness Relief drops use Dextran 70 for ultimate relief and protection from further irritation concerning dry eyes, says the company.

The drops are alcohol-free and relieve drynesss due to smog, dust, computer use, sun, wind, air-conditioning and the elements. While moisturizing the eye, it soothes and refreshes even the driest of eyes.

STI Labs
Phone: (877) 425-7777
www.stilabs.com