Alcon have expanded its range of preservative-free eye drops with the addition of Systane Hydration Multi-Dose Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops.
Systane Hydration utilises Systane’s Intelligent Delivery system of HP-Guar and borate in combination with 0.15% hyaluronic acid (HA)* for long-lasting dry eye relief1-3.
Upon instillation, HP-Guar and borate crosslink to form a viscoelastic meshwork4. This meshwork forms a mucomimetic bandage over the ocular surface, increasing the retention of demulcents5. Additionally, HP-Guar preferentially binds to damaged areas of the cornea, therefore protecting damaged cells to allow for repair and renewal5.
The combination of HP-Guar and borate with HA has been shown to have an additive effect, providing two times greater moisture retention compared to drops with HA alone in a laboratory study.
Systane Hydration has been shown to support healing of the damaged ocular surface, assisting cell viability and regeneration1,6. The combination of HA and HP-Guar/borate results in greater and faster wound healing (measured in re-epithelialisation) compared to HA alone in a laboratory study6.
To eliminate the need for preservatives, the bottle features patented PureFlow technology. The bottle has a one-way valve to ensure no contaminated liquid can be re-introduced into the container and a fine silicone membrane to filter returned air7. The bottle has a low squeeze force and features a blue tip to aid targeting of the eye for ease of instillation7.
Systane Hydration is designed to address the symptoms of moderate-severe dry eye# and can be used for dry eye patients before and after ocular surgery. Approximately 82% of patients experience moderate to severe dry eye symptoms following cataract surgery8. Peri-operative management of existing dry eye can reduce post-operative dry eye symptoms and may influence post-operative outcomes9,10.
Systane Hydration Multi-Dose Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops is suitable to use with soft contact lenses. It expires three months after opening.
* Systane Hydration contains sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid.
# Recommendation based upon expected on-eye viscosity
References
1. Rangarajan R, et al. Effects of a hyaluronic acid/hydroxypropyl guar artificial tear solution on protection, recovery, and lubricity in models of corneal epithelium. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2015;31(8):491-497
2. Davitt W, et al. Efficacy in patients with dry eye after treatment with a new lubricant eye drop formulation. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2010;26(4):347-353
3. Rolando M, et al. Protecting the ocular surface and improving the quality of life of dry eye patients: a study of the efficacy of an HP-guar containing ocular lubricant in a population of dry eye patients. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2009;25(3):271-278.
