Dry eyes Flashcards
1
Q
Ocular lubricant (artificial tears)
Hypromellose, carbomers, liquid and white soft parafin
A
- For the first-line symptomatic treatment of dry eye conditions including keratoconjunctivitis sicca and Sjogren’s syndrome
- Alongside environmental coping strategies precipitants
2
Q
Occular lubricant (artificial tears)
Hypromellose…
MOA
A
- Ocular lubricants have a soothing effect and help protect the eye surfaces from abrasive damage.
- Lubricant eye drops typically consist of an electrolyte solution with a viscosity agent, such as a cellulose polymer (e.g. hypromellose).
- Gels, such as carbomer 980 (the active ingredient of Viscotears®), have a greater viscosity and are retained in the eye for longer.
- Ointments such as white soft paraffin with liquid paraffin (e.g. Lacri-Lube®) are highly viscous and may provide greater protection but at the cost of causing blurred vision.
3
Q
Occular lubricants (artificial tears)
Hypromellose…
Important adverse effects
A
- Ocular lubricants have few side effects other than mild stinging on application and temporary blurring of vision.
- The risk of blurring increases with viscosity and is therefore greatest for ointments. Unless specified as ‘preservative-free,’ it can be assumed that the preparation contains some form of preservative.
- This may incite a local inflammatory (allergic) reaction in some patients.
4
Q
Occular artificial tears
Prescription
A
- Hypromellose 0.3% eye drops usually 1-2 drops TDS PRN
