When to choose a tear supplement?
To choose the most suitable tear supplement, it is essential to know your tear film . This element is essential to maintain healthy cornea, conjunctiva and eyelids, performing several key functions:
- Lubricates the ocular surfaces
- Removes foreign bodies and dead cells
- Levels out corneal irregularities for a smooth surface
- Protects against pathogens as a natural barrier
- Provides nourishment and oxygen to the cornea
When tear production is insufficient or of poor quality, the tear film cannot adequately perform these functions. This can cause discomfort such as burning , redness , dry eyes or the sensation of a foreign body in the eyes. In these cases, a tear supplement can offer the necessary support to restore visual comfort.
Which tear supplement to choose?
There are different types of artificial tears and tear supplements on the market. Let's look at the main differences to help you find the right one for your dry or irritated eyes :
Tear supplements with diluting function
These supplements, often based on sodium chloride , serve to restore the aqueous component of the tear film. Some are slow-release, retaining water for prolonged hydration.
- OPTO Idro A+ free : a tear supplement with sodium chloride and hypermellose. This polymer thickens and stabilizes the tear film, creating a transparent and viscoelastic protective shield, ideal for those who suffer from dry eyes .
Tear supplements with stabilizing function
Made with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid , polyvinyl alcohol or 5% acetylcysteine, they are indicated when tear production is poor or qualitatively altered.
- OPTO Yal A free : contains hyaluronic acid, sodium salt and amino acids. It integrates the deficient tear secretion, restoring the tear film and protecting the ocular surface, especially for those who use contact lenses or after surgery.
Tear supplements with nutritional function
These products provide elements such as potassium , vitamin A , sodium bicarbonate or Ringer's lactate, useful for the trophism of the damaged corneal epithelium.
- OPTO Lipo Plus free : stabilizes the lipid layer of the tear film with vitamins A and E and soy lecithin liposomes. It is sprayed on the closed eye (even with make-up), ideal for those seeking convenience and relief from dry eyes .
- OPTO Relax A free : a solution with liposomes, vitamins A and E and amino acids. Stabilizes the lipid layer and relieves burning, itching and redness related to dry eye syndrome or environmental factors.
Tear supplements with protective function
Based on hyaluronic acid or other hydrating polymers, they increase the ocular defenses and protect the corneal epithelium.
- OPTO Red free : formulated for red eyes, with hyaluronic acid, Echinacea extract and amino acids. Strengthens the defenses of the tear film and facilitates the repair of the ocular surface.
- OPTO Gel A free : with a high concentration of sodium hyaluronate (0.30%), it offers long-lasting protection against mechanical stress and dry eyes.
- OPTO Sol free : with 0.15% sodium hyaluronate and Ginkgo Biloba, hydrates and protects the ocular surface in case of irritation, allergies or excessive use of contact lenses, promoting epithelial regeneration.
The importance of nutrition for the tear film
In addition to external tear supplements , nutrition plays a key role in eye health. A balanced diet can support the tear film and prevent problems such as dry eyes.
Food supplements for the eyes
In addition to external tear supplements, dietary supplementation can stabilize the tear film and improve eye health from within. Products with potassium , magnesium or omega-3 offer targeted support for various vision problems.
- OPTOmega 3 : a food supplement with vitamins, minerals, lutein, zeaxanthin and DHA from fish oil. It supports vision, protects against oxidative stress and promotes the health of ocular blood vessels, contributing to a more stable tear film.
- OPTOvitreo : formulated for those who suffer from myodesopsies ("floaters"), with amino acids, magnesium and antioxidants. Helps maintain the health of the vitreous body, which can affect visual comfort in case of dryness or eye irritation.
- OPTOmyo : ideal for myopic people, with vitamin A, lutein and polyphenols. Supports the retina and night vision, useful for those with tired or dry eyes due to myopia.
The substances contained in these supplements contribute to:
- Maintain normal vision (Zinc, DHA, Vitamin A)
- Protect cells from oxidative stress (Vitamins E and C, Lutein)
- Support collagen formation in blood vessels and vitreous (Vitamin C, Amino Acids)
As Hippocrates said, "we are what we eat". A balanced diet, integrated with the right nutrients, is essential for eye health. Soon an article dedicated to foods beneficial for eyesight !