OT  focuses on…dry eye

Tea tree oil

Grafton Optical has launched the I-Lid ‘n Lash ocular hygiene product line from I-Med Pharma, which has been designed to enhance treatment routines for dry eye.

CEO of Grafton Optical, David Thickens, said: “Grafton will be able to offer customers a superior price advantage on this excellent line, which helps to manage symptoms associated with dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, rosacea, Demodex, chalazia and other lid margin diseases.”

Daily use of I-Lid ‘n Lash helps to remove ocular debris, reduce extra-ocular inflammation and enhance the effectiveness of artificial tears, Grafton Optical explained.

The Pro and Plus range is formulated with a natural tea tree oil to deliver antiseptic, cleansing and hydrating properties for more advanced lid margin issues.

Patient choice

Altacor has launched Comfortear Lacrisolve 180, an absorbable punctum plug that lasts 180 days.

The plugs temporarily treat the symptoms of dry eye disease, contact lens intolerance to secondary dry eye and increases the efficacy of ocular medications and lubricants.

Recommended as a level two treatment in the TFOS DEWS II report, the plug is aimed at specialist dry eye practitioners and consultant ophthalmologists for when patients need more than drops to treat the disease.

Product portfolio manager at Altacor, Oliver Wooding, said: “At Altacor we are committed to helping the thousands of patients who present with this condition and believe that our portfolio of products offers the patients choice and solutions to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye.”

Extra strength

Ocusoft has launched Oust Demodex Lid Scrub Wipes for the first time in the UK.

The Oust Demodex Lid Scrub Wipes are an extra strength cleanser with tea tree oil, which relieves irritation by removing oil, debris, pollen and other contaminants from eyelashes and eyelids.

It contains a moisturiser and preservative blend that provides antibacterial properties, and when used daily, it controls adult Demodex mites and their offspring.

Managing director of Ocusoft, Trevor McCormack, said: “Ocusoft has been associated with eye care from its earliest beginnings having developed Ocusoft Lid Scrub. As such, it is only natural to follow that up with the Oust Demodex range of products for treatment of Demodex mites.”

Alcohol-free

Scope Ophthalmics has launched Optase Eye Spray, a preservative and alcohol-free eye spray designed to relieve symptoms of dry, irritated eyes and eyelids.

The spray contains sea buckthorn seed oil, which is a natural source of omega 3, to strengthen the tear film lipid layer and protect the eyes from drying out.

Suitable for use with contact lenses, Optase Eye Spray is available in a 17ml dispenser, which keeps the spray sterile for three months and provides 300 applications.

Key account manager at Scope, Andrew Scott, said: “Optase Eye Spray offers an alternative to eye drops where compliance can be an issue. Now practitioners can be confident in ensuring their patients continue to benefit from a preservative and alcohol-free solution.”

Drops

Visufarma highlighted its VisuXL eye drops, which provides relief and a recovery solution for dry eye patients.

The eye drops combine two components that form a soothing liquid canvas on the eye’s surface, according to the company.

VisuXL supports corneal recovery caused by dry eye or surgery and provides lasting lubrication in order to protect dry eyes with two drops per day.

UK & Ireland managing director of Visufarma, Mike Armistead, said: “VisuXL is the only ophthalmology product that contains coenzyme Q10, which aids corneal recovery. Also, due to the cross linking structure of the hyaluronic acid molecule, VisuXL only needs to be used from two drops a day.”

Pulsed light

E-Swin has highlighted E-Eye, a device designed to treat Meibomian gland dysfunction using intense regulated pulsed light technology. 

The company explained that dry eye disease affects around 20% of the population and in more than 80% of cases, the condition is related to Meibomian gland dysfunction.

E-Eye allows the Meibomian glands to regenerate and stabilises the tear film through neurological stimulation in three to four sessions.

The company explained that the device has shown efficacy of 85% with results lasting from six months to three years.

It generates a new type of polychromic pulsed light by producing “perfectly calibrated and homogenously sequenced light pulses,” E-Swin said.

Osmolarity range

Avizor has highlighted Lacrifresh Moisture and Lacrifresh Ocu-Dry 0.20% and 0.30%, which is designed for patients who suffer from severe dry eye.

The drops provide prolonged relief from dry eye symptoms with one drop in each eye every four hours recommended by Avizor.

Country manager at Avizor UK Ltd, Gary Daniels, explained: “As the population is living longer the number of people suffering from dry eye will increase and it is now we need to act to provide relief for patients. Hyaluronate is important, however, the most important factor when considering a dry eye product is osmolarity.”

Lacrifresh is preservative-free and contains hyaluronate, with osmolarity ranging from 160–190mOsm/kg.

Comfortable fit

Positive Impact has guaranteed to replace any Parasol removable punctal plug free of charge if it falls out within the first six months of wear.

Parasol is used for chronic eye conditions, from grade two upwards on the DEWS grading scale to contact lens-induced eye dryness and end-of-day comfort.

Marketing and professional services director at Positive Impact, Nick Atkins, said: “We hope this unique offer will give both practitioners and their dry eye patients even greater peace of mind when deciding whether or not plugging is the appropriate management strategy.”

Positive Impact explained that the patented, non-dilating punctum plug design of Parasol has a unique hollow nose that ensures ease of fitting and high retention rates.

The hollow nose collapses on insertion, which eliminates the need for punctal dilation and creates a more comfortable fit for patients.

The plugs are available in four sizes, with small and medium accommodating 95% of patients, and extra-small and large also available.