| Gel FAQ
What are gels useful for? (Posted: apr 2003)
Gels are best for night-time use. They are thicker than artificial tears — though "liquid gels" may be somewhere in between — and last longer on the eye. For those whose dryness puts them in danger of corneal erosions at night, eye protection is critical and gels can be a useful part of that. Putting a gel in both eyes and covering the eyes with an eye guard or plastic is a useful way to keep the eyes lubricated at night.
What are some examples of gel products that are available? (posted: apr 2003)
Product |
Made by |
Active ingredient(s) |
Preservatives |
Remarks |
Viscotears® Liquid Gel |
Ciba Vision |
Carbomer 940 0.2 %, sorbitol |
Preservatives: Cetrimide, edetate sodium |
NOT during pregnancy and breastfeeding |
GelTears |
|
Carbomer 940 0.2 %, sorbitol |
Cetrimide, edetate sodium |
NOT during pregnancy and breastfeeding |
TheraTears Liquid Gel |
Advanced Vision Research |
Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose 1% |
None |
Supposed to restore conjunctival goblet cells, thereby improving mucin layer which is what makes tears adhere to the epithelium.
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