Hyaluronic acid for eyes: what are the benefits?
Hyaluronic acid is an organic compound that is present in many tissues of the human body. One of its most important functions is to regulate water balance. Hyaluronic acid can bind water molecules and retain them in tissues, thereby providing high-quality and long-lasting hydration.
It is thanks to the moisturizing ability that drops with hyaluronic acid for the eyes are widely used in ophthalmology. They allow you to solve the following problems:
- restore the integrity of the tear film;
- protect the mucous membrane from drying out;
- help fight dryness, burning, irritation and other manifestations of dry eye syndrome;
- allow you to make wearing contact optics more comfortable and speed up the process of adaptation to lenses;
- promote better healing of eye tissues after burns, surgeries, and injuries.
Hyaluronic acid in special drops for the eyes is well compatible with their tissues and rarely causes discomfort or side effects from the visual organs.
In addition, preparations based on it have a rapid moisturizing and lubricating effect, helping to quickly get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of dryness and irritation.
Prevention of glaucoma
According to WHO statistics, glaucoma affects up to a million patients worldwide every year and is the second most common cause of blindness. The disease is accompanied by an increase in intraocular pressure, a decrease in visual acuity and often leads to its complete loss. To counteract this disorder, not only sanitary, hygienic and cosmetic procedures are necessary, but also the use of strengthening medications. The prospects for using hyaluronic acid for the prevention of glaucoma were identified [1] back in 1997 by American doctors.
“Hyaluronic acid deficiency is one of the reasons for the development of glaucoma”
By studying the organs of vision of healthy people and patients with glaucoma, scientists discovered that there is a deficiency of hyaluronate in the visual system of the latter. This substance is contained in the vitreous body of the eye and the blood vessels adjacent to it, accelerating the delivery of oxygen to the organs of vision and preventing damage to the sensitive cells of the retina. was also found between the content of hyaluronic acid and the patient's age . In youth, the production of this polysaccharide covers the daily requirement of the body, but in the process of aging it becomes insufficient. At the same time, the composition of the intraocular fluid changes, pressure increases and blood supply to the visual organs deteriorates, which leads to the development of diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts. It was concluded that regular use of hyaluronate provides the following improvements:
- Normalizes intraocular pressure;
- Slows down optic nerve atrophy;
- Relieves inflammation of the tissues of the organs of vision;
- Preserves visual acuity in old age, etc.
In addition, hyaluronic acid for the eyes can be combined with traditional ophthalmic drugs , enhancing their effect and accelerating the transport of medicinal drugs to the internal areas of this organ.
Who are eye drops with hyaluronic acid indicated for?
Like any medications, ophthalmic solutions based on hyaluronic acid are recommended to be used only as prescribed by a doctor. Indications for the use of such drugs may include:
- wearing contact lenses;
- dry eye syndrome;
- work or frequent exposure to unfavorable conditions (dust, dry air, wind);
- visual fatigue;
- increased visual stress, in particular long periods of work at the monitor;
- recovery period after ophthalmic surgery.
Contraindications for drops based on hyaluronic acid for the eyes are, as a rule, minimal - individual intolerance, allergies to components.
Also, many drugs should be used carefully during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Names of drops with high efficiency
Judging by the reviews, people who need extra hydration for their eyes prefer the following eye products with hyaluronate.
Hilo-Chest
Made in Germany. Price: 510 rubles per 10 ml bottle. Components of the solutions: sodium hyaluronate 1 mg per 1 ml, citric acid, sorbitol, water, sodium citrate dihydrate.
Main effect: moisturizing and keratoprotective. Dosage regimen: 3 times a day, 1-2 drops.
Instructions for use:
- Remove the cap from the container.
- Turn the bottle with the dropper vertically down.
- Press the bottom of the container once.
- Blink, then close your eye to distribute the drop evenly over the surface of the mucous membranes of the eyeball.
- Drop the solution into the other eye.
- Put on the cap.
When using Hilo-Komod, contact lenses do not need to be removed.
If additional treatment with ointment or other drops is necessary, then you need to maintain a time interval of 30 minutes. Restriction on use in cases of individual intolerance to the ingredients.
Oksial
The image shows the appearance of popular drops with hyaluronic acid - Oxial
Made in Italy, Tubilux Pharma concern. Cost: 535 rubles per 10 ml. Ingredients: 0.15% hyaluronic acid, boric acid, complex of sodium, magnesium, potassium salts, polymer, water, oxide (preservative).
Effects: moisturizing, regenerating, protecting the eye membranes identical to natural tear fluid.
Instructions for use:
- Frequency of instillation: 3-4 times, 1-2 drops.
- Before the procedure, the bottle is disinfected.
- The lower eyelid needs to be pulled back slightly.
- Introduce the drug dosed by dropper.
- After installing the medicine, blink several times and then close the eyelid.
Treatment limitation is intolerance to the components.
Approved for use in childhood, as well as during pregnancy.
When prescribing different medications at the same time, you should initially drip Oxial, and after 30 minutes use other ointments and solutions.
Stillavit
Made in Russia, . Cost: 410 rubles for 10 ml. Composition of the solution: sodium hyaluronate with the addition of auxiliary components - sodium chondroitin sulfate, D-panthenol, EDTA, sodium chloride, sodium tetraborate, water.
Action: keratoprotective, intensely moisturizing, anti-inflammatory. The drops activate cellular metabolism and relieve swelling of eye tissue. They have a prolonged effect.
How to use, instructions:
- Dosage: 2-3 installations per day, 1 drop each.
- Buried under the lower eyelid (in the conjunctival sac).
- After applying the medicine, you need to blink a couple of times, then close your eyelids, lightly press the corner of your eye near your nose.
- For subsequent administration of any other substance, an interval of 30 minutes must be maintained.
Treatment limitation: allergic reaction to the drug.
Popular drops based on hyaluronic acid
The list of ophthalmic solutions that contain sodium hyaluronate (another name for hyaluronic acid) is quite large, so it will be difficult to list all drugs with a similar composition. We will talk in detail about several popular eye drops based on hyaluronic acid.
"Oxyal".
An effective ophthalmic preparation with a moisturizing effect is produced by Bausch & Lomb. In addition to hyaluronic acid, the drops contain a whole list of other substances with beneficial properties, in particular boric acid, calcium, magnesium and potassium chloride. Acting in combination, these components qualitatively moisturize the eye mucosa, restore the balance of tear fluid, and ensure rapid healing of corneal cells. A special substance in the solution maximizes the moisturizing effect of the drug, reliably protecting the eyes from dryness. The Oxial product is compatible with different types of lenses and can be used without removing optical products.
"Artelak Splash".
Hyaluronic acid for the eyes is also contained in another product from the manufacturer Bausch & Lomb - Artelak Splash. The concentration of hyaluronate in these drops is quite high, which ensures fast and effective action. Within a few minutes after instillation, the user experiences symptoms of dryness, burning, and discomfort, while the moisturizing effect lasts for a long time. The advantage of these drops is that they are hypoallergenic (no preservatives), so even people with sensitive eyes can use the drug.
Like the previous product, Artelak Splash is compatible with contact lenses.
"HILO-DRESSER".
This effective moisturizing solution, which includes hyaluronic acid, effectively helps with the feeling of “sand” or “specks” in the eye, irritation, itching and other manifestations of discomfort. The use of HILO-KOMOD drops allows you to relieve symptoms of dry eye syndrome, speed up the process of adaptation to wearing contact optics, and protect your eyes from dust, smoke and other negative influences. Sometimes the doctor recommends the use of this drug in the postoperative period.
Optimized ProActive.
Modern ophthalmic drops for moisturizing the cornea are produced by the domestic company Optimed. The advantage of this solution is that it contains not only a natural moisturizer - hyaluronic acid, but also succinic acid, which promotes better oxygen supply to the visual organs. If you instill Optimed ProActive solution into your eyes while wearing lenses, you can not only effectively moisturize the surface of the eye, but also cope with the lack of oxygen on the cornea. The product has a delicate composition, thanks to which it can be recommended for people with sensitive eyes and a tendency to allergic reactions.
Adria Relax.
This drug with hyaluronic acid is produced by the South Korean company Interojo. Drops help relieve eye fatigue, restore the integrity of the tear film, and moisturize the surface of contact lenses. The drug allows you to easily clean the surface of the eyes from dust and allergens, eliminate the feeling of “sand” and dryness, and provide a feeling of comfort and freshness for a long time. Like Optimed ProActive, Adria Relax contains succinic acid, which helps effectively solve the problem of free radicals.
Doctors recommend instilling this ophthalmic drug for those who are just starting to use contact optics or often experience discomfort when wearing lenses, as well as office workers and freelancers who spend a lot of time at the computer.
"Hilabak".
This eye drop solution is produced by the manufacturer Ursapharm. Like other drops with hyaluronic acid, Hilabak is prescribed to those patients who need to additionally moisturize their eyes or speed up the healing process of the cornea. The solution helps get rid of burning sensation and discomfort in the eyes, relieves redness, fatigue, and helps you get used to the lenses faster. It contains no preservatives, so the list of contraindications is minimal and even allergy sufferers and people with sensitive corneas can use this product.
VizoTeque Giasol.
These premium drops from the VizoTeque brand contain not only a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, but also additional substances that prevent eye infections and help fight bacteria and other microbes.
Hyaluronic acid for eye restoration after surgery
It is known that surgical operations performed to eliminate visual defects and treat various pathologies have a long rehabilitation period, during which the visual activity of patients is significantly reduced. These procedures include:
- Cornea transplant (6–12 months recovery);
- Retinal augmentation (up to a year of medical supervision);
- Correction of strabismus (2–4 weeks of recovery);
- Laser vision correction (from 1.5 to 6 months of rehabilitation), etc.
To speed up the recovery period, special strengthening drugs are used, including hyaluronic acid . The role of this remedy in the healing of injuries to the visual system was studied[3] in 2020 by American scientists. The experiment involved laboratory mice with artificial damage to the cornea, which provoked severe inflammation. To eliminate it, rodents received hyaluronic acid daily with food. Comparison with the control group assessed the condition of the visual organs in the experimental subjects and the rate of tissue regeneration. It turned out that the resistance of the organs of vision to infections and mechanical damage is determined by the activity of epithelial stem cells. Hyaluronic acid stimulates the growth and reproduction of these structural units, allowing you to significantly speed up recovery after surgery.
“Hyaluronic acid can significantly shorten the recovery period after eye surgery”
Thus, the presence of hyaluronate in the tear fluid and eye tissue reduces the likelihood of developing pathologies of the visual system. When used by healthy people, this remedy eliminates visual fatigue and increases their resistance to prolonged stress. When used by patients with acute forms of diseases, hyaluronic acid enhances the effect of other ophthalmic drugs and improves the clinical picture of the disease. People who have undergone surgery will also appreciate the regenerative properties of this chemical compound.
How often should I use moisturizing drops?
Each manufacturer includes detailed instructions with recommendations for use with the bottle of eye drops. Before first use, you should carefully read these instructions. You should also take into account the individual recommendations given to you by your ophthalmologist.
In some cases, the frequency of use of eye moisturizing drops is determined by the extent of need.
That is, they can be instilled as often as the need for eye hydration arises.
Where can I order eye drops based on hyaluronic acid?
You can always purchase good eye drops with hyaluronic acid in our online store. A large assortment of moisturizing preparations allows you to choose the product that will help solve the problem of dry eyes, taking into account your individual characteristics and will be combined with your type of contact optics. You can order moisturizing preparations based on hyaluronic acid from us at an affordable price and at the same time be completely confident in the quality of solutions from the world's leading brands.
Before purchasing drops or any other eye medications, we recommend that you consult your doctor.
Features of the drugs
Moisturizing eye drops for contact lens wearers are based on purified water and are very similar in composition to natural tear fluid. The unique structure of the drops ensures rapid penetration into the eye tissues, which provides instant relief even with severe burning.
There are also hyaluronic acid-based drops designed for the same purpose.
Moisturizing preparations are similar in composition to the composition of human tears. When they are used, a tear film is created on the eyes. It protects the eye from dryness, redness and other unpleasant symptoms.
Eye drops for lenses do not contain preservatives and have a bactericidal effect. Surfactants and lubricants, glycerin, povidone, and sodium hyaluronate are used as moisturizing components. When blinking, the moisturizing substances contained in the drops are quickly distributed over the surface of the eye, do not affect the clarity of the image and remain on the eye for a long time.
Such products make wearing lenses comfortable and also help relieve fatigue during intense visual stress. When using moisturizing drops, contact lenses can be worn all day, forgetting about dryness and irritation. A big plus of moisturizing drops is their compatibility with both soft and hard lenses. Now you can find eye drops that, in addition to the main moisturizing function, will reduce eye fatigue under heavy stress.
Drops used when wearing lenses
When choosing drops for lenses, you should consult an ophthalmologist. Most of these drugs are hypoallergenic, but the human eye is a very sensitive organ, and incorrectly selected drops can lead to irritation.