When to choose a tear supplement?
To choose the right tear supplement it is important to know your tear film. Of fundamental importance to maintain healthy cornea, conjunctiva and eyelids, it has several functions:
- lubricates surfaces
- washes away any foreign bodies and dead cells
- eliminates surface irregularities making the cornea smooth
- defends against pathogens by acting as a barrier
- brings nourishment and oxygen to the cornea
In some cases, tear production is not "good" enough in the sense that it is not able to perform all its functions. This causes some discomforts such as burning, redness, a sensation of dryness or something grainy in the eye.
Very often it is sufficient to provide support through adequate supplements to recover the right comfort.
What type of tear supplement should you choose?
There are a large number of artificial tears on the market, let's try to understand the differences:
Diluent function
Tear supplement usually based on sodium chloride, it is used to restore the aqueous component of tears. There are slow-release ones to retain water and let it flow slowly.
- OPTO Idro A+ free is a sodium chloride-based tear supplement that restores the aqueous component of natural tears. It contains the hypermellose polymer which has the property of thickening and stabilizing the tear film. It creates a protective, transparent and viscoelastic shield.
Stabilizing function
Tear supplement usually based on polyvinyl alcohol, acetylcysteine 5%, hyaluronic acid. It is used when the tear quantity is poor or altered in quality.
- OPTO Yal A free is a tear supplement with hyaluronic acid, sodium salt and amino acids. It integrates the deficient tear secretion and restores the physiological conditions of the tear film. It contains amino acids that increase the lubrication of the ocular surface and contribute to the protection of the epithelia subjected to stress. (e.g. use of contact lenses or surgical procedures)
Nutritional function
Tear supplement that provides elements such as potassium, chlorides, sodium bicarbonate, Ringer's lactate, vitamin A. It is very useful for the trophism of damaged epithelium.
- OPTO Lipo Plus free is a tear supplement that stabilizes the lipid layer of the tear film, regulates and corrects the lubrication of the ocular surface. Vitamins A and E, known for their soothing and emollient properties, work in synergy with the liposomes of soy lecithin. They provide functional support to the lipid component present on the eyelid rim. It is very convenient for those who have difficulty instilling artificial tears because it is vaporized externally, on the closed eye (even with makeup!)
Protective function
Tear supplement often based on hyaluronic acid, a natural polymer with a hydrating action. Increases the eye's defenses and protects the corneal epithelium.
- OPTO Red free is a tear supplement designed for eyes that tend to become red often. In addition to hyaluronic acid, it contains Echinacea extract and amino acids. The combination of these elements helps maintain the immune defenses of the tear film and facilitate the repair processes of the ocular surface. Here too, the amino acids increase the lubrication of the surface and contribute to the protection of the epithelia subjected to stress.
- OPTO Gel A free is a tear supplement that has a higher percentage than other sodium hyaluronate supplements (0.30%). This formulation gives it a greater viscosity, forming a long-lasting protective coating on the ocular surface. Providing prolonged relief, it is indicated both in the case of mechanical stress and in the absence of corneal conjunctival lubrication.
The importance of nutrition
Food supplements
In addition to a tear supplement for external use, you can consider a food supplement to stabilize the tear. Potassium and magnesium supplements are able to increase the density of conjunctival cells and corneal glycogen.
- Opto mega3 is a food supplement based on Vitamins, Minerals but also Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Fish Oil rich in DHA.
The substances contained promote
- maintenance of normal vision (Zinc, DHA)
- protection of cells from oxidative stress (Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Copper, Zinc, Tagetes erecta L. extracts)
- collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels (Vitamin C)
Let's always remember that "we are what we eat" and a balanced diet is the basis of our health and that of our eyes...a post dedicated to foods that are beneficial for sight will be coming soon!