Tear substitutes

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Tear supplements and tear substitutes (also: artificial tears ) are used to treat dry eye syndrome ( keratoconjunctivitis sicca ) or an altered or reduced tear film caused by other causes .

Tear supplements

Tear supplements supplement the missing or qualitatively inadequate components of the natural tear film and are particularly recommended for keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), i.e. for complaints that occur due to a qualitatively changed tear film of the eye and therefore require therapeutic help.

In most cases of dry eye, a defective lipid layer (reduced lipid content in the tear film) is the cause of dry eye. As a result, the protection of the tear film is not guaranteed, and the aqueous phase of the three-layer tear film evaporates too quickly or runs off over the edge of the eyelid. With such qualitative defects in the tear film, tear supplements in the form of sprays that contain liposomes provide a good remedy. They stabilize the natural tear film and thus prevent the tears from evaporating or draining prematurely.

Causes can be B .:

  • Computer work (the so-called Office Eye Syndrome)
  • Changes in hormone production in menopausal women
  • Wearing contact lenses
  • Use of drugs such as B. Contraceptives
  • Environmental pollution such as ozone , fine dust z. B. from copiers and laser printers

Tear substitutes

Tear substitutes replace the natural tear film with artificial substances (see list below). They are eye drops or gels that are used in the event of a quantitatively reduced tear production in the aqueous phase of the tear film. With such quantitative changes in the tear film, tear substitutes provide relief, but also disrupt the composition of the natural tear by diluting it and flushing out nutrients that are important for the care of the eye. As ingredients for tear substitutes, which also differ in their viscosity , u. a. Carbomer , glycerol , hyetellose , hyaluronic acid , hypromellose , trehalose and polyvinylpyrrolidone application.

Some of the tear substitutes available under various brand names and usually without a prescription contain preservatives . They can lead to intolerance reactions or damage the eyes with long-term use.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Preservatives in tear replacement fluid test.de, January 1, 2012, Stiftung Warentest