Description
Overview
How do Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops (15ml) stabilise the tear film? Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops function as an ocular lubricant and a demulcent, meaning they form a soothing film over the mucous membranes of the eye. The active pharmaceutical ingredient in Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops is polyvinyl alcohol (1.4%). The natural tear film is composed of three distinct layers: an outer oily layer, a middle watery layer, and an inner mucous layer. In many cases of dry eye syndrome, the aqueous (watery) layer evaporates too quickly, or the mucous layer fails to spread moisture evenly over the cornea. Polyvinyl alcohol acts as a surfactant. When Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops are applied, this ingredient lowers the surface tension of the saline solution and the natural tears. This reaction allows the tear fluid to spread uniformly across the corneal surface, effectively wetting areas that have become dry or resistant to moisture. By enhancing the stability of the tear film, Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops prevent the film from breaking up rapidly between blinks.
How do Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops (15ml) reduce mechanical irritation? Beyond stabilising the tear film, Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops provide mechanical lubrication to reduce friction. Every time a person blinks, the eyelid sweeps across the surface of the cornea. If the eye is dry, this movement causes friction, leading to the sensation of grittiness, burning, or the feeling of a foreign body like sand in the eye. Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops increase the viscosity (thickness) of the fluid on the eye surface without blurring vision significantly. This increased viscosity creates a cushion between the eyelid and the sensitive epithelium of the cornea. By smoothing this interface, Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops significantly reduce the physical irritation caused by blinking, allowing the corneal surface to heal from micro-abrasions caused by dryness.
What role does the preservative play in Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops (15ml)? Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This ingredient ensures that the solution remains sterile and free from bacterial or fungal contamination once the bottle has been opened. While essential for safety in multi-dose bottles, benzalkonium chloride also has mild surface-active properties that assist the polyvinyl alcohol in penetrating the surface layer of the cornea, further aiding the wetting action of Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops. However, frequent users should be aware of the presence of this preservative regarding contact lens wear.
Who Is It For
Who are Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops (15ml) suitable for? Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops are suitable for adults, the elderly, and children of all ages. Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops are specifically indicated for individuals suffering from dry eye conditions characterised by a deficiency in tear production. Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops are an ideal choice for people experiencing eye strain due to environmental factors such as wind, smoke, air conditioning, or prolonged screen time. Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops are suitable for hard contact lens wearers who need to lubricate the lens during wear, but specific care must be taken by soft contact lens wearers.
Usage Instructions
How to apply Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops (15ml) correctly? Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops are for ocular use only.
Preparation: Wash hands thoroughly before use. Tilt the head back and look upwards.
Application: Gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the bottle of Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops upside down above the eye. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pocket.
Distribution: Blink the eye a few times to spread Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops across the surface.
Frequency: The usual dosage is one drop instilled into the affected eye(s) as needed, typically 3 or 4 times a day. Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops can be used more frequently if symptoms are severe.
Hygiene: Do not touch the tip of the dropper to the eye, eyelid, or any other surface to prevent contaminating the remaining solution in the bottle.
Can Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops (15ml) be used with other eye medicines? Yes, Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops can be used alongside other eye drops. However, a gap of at least 15 minutes should be left between applying Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops and any other ophthalmic medication. This prevents the second drop from washing the first one out of the eye before it has been absorbed.
Warnings
When must Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops (15ml) not be used? Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops must not be used by patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to polyvinyl alcohol or benzalkonium chloride. Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops must not be used while wearing soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses. The preservative benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed by soft lenses, causing them to discolour and potentially causing irritation to the cornea upon long-term exposure. Soft lens wearers must remove their lenses before applying Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops and wait at least 15 minutes before re-inserting them.
Alternatives
Common alternatives to Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops (15ml)? If Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops are not suitable due to the preservative or specific eye condition, common alternatives include:
Hypromellose Eye Drops: A standard artificial tear substitute used for mild dry eyes, often the first-line treatment if Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops are unavailable.
Viscotears Liquid Gel: Contains carbomer 980, which forms a thicker gel that stays on the eye longer than Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops, suitable for moderate to severe dry eye.
Hylo-Tear Eye Drops: A preservative-free option containing sodium hyaluronate, suitable for patients with sensitive eyes or those who use soft contact lenses and cannot tolerate the benzalkonium chloride in Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops.
Sno-Tears: Another polyvinyl alcohol-based drop similar to Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops, used for tear deficiency.
Artelac Rebalance: Contains hyaluronic acid and essential nutrients to supplement the tear film, offering more advanced hydration than the simple lubricating action of Liquifilm Tears Eye Drops.
