Alcon launches Systane Hydration Multi-Dose Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops  

Alcon has expanded its range of preservative-free eye drops with the addition of Systane Hydration Multi-Dose Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops.

According to the company, its new therapy uses Systane’s Intelligent Delivery system of HP-Guar and borate in combination with 0.15% hyaluronic acid (HA)* for long-lasting dry eye relief.^1-3

“Upon instillation, HP-Guar and borate crosslink to form a viscoelastic meshwork.⁴ This meshwork forms a mucomimetic bandage over the ocular surface, increasing the retention of demulcents.⁵ Additionally, HP-Guar preferentially binds to damaged areas of the cornea, therefore protecting damaged cells to allow for repair and renewal⁵,” Alcon stated.

“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 study¹.

In a statement, Alcon said Systane Hydration has been shown to support healing of the damaged ocular surface, assisting cell viability and regeneration.^1,6 The combination of HA and HP-Guar/borate resulted in greater and faster wound healing (measured in re-epithelialisation) compared to HA alone in a laboratory study.⁶   

To eliminate the need for preservatives, the bottle features Alcon’s patented PureFlow technology. The bottle is designed with a one-way valve to ensure no contaminated liquid can be re-introduced into the container and a fine silicone membrane to filter returned air.⁷ The bottle has a low squeeze force and features a blue tip to aid targeting of the eye for ease of installation.⁷ 

“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,” the company said.

“Approximately 82% of patients experience moderate to severe dry eye symptoms following cataract surgery.⁸ Peri-operative management of existing dry eye can reduce post-operative dry eye symptoms and may influence post-operative outcomes.”^9,10

The therapy is suitable to use with soft contact lenses. It expires three months after opening.

More reading

CPD: Harnessing the benefits of hyaluronic acid in lubricating eye drops

Alcon launches Systane Complete in Australia and New Zealand

Australia dry eye disease update – 2023

* Systane HYDRATION contains sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid.

# recommendation based upon expected on-eye viscosity

References

1. Rangarajan R, Kraybill B, Ogundele A, Ketelson H. 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 WF, Bloomenstein M, Christensen M, Martin AE. 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, Autori S, Badino F, Barabino S. 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.
4. Springs C. Novel Ocular Lubricant Containing an Intelligent Delivery System: Details of its Mechanism of Action. Dev Ophthalmol 2010; 45:139-147.
5. Ng , A, et al. Tear osmolarity changes after use of hydroxypropyl-guar-based lubricating eye drops. Clin Ophthalmol. 2018 Apr 10;12:695-700.
6. Carlson E, Kao WWY, Ogundele A. Impact of Hyaluronic Acid-Containing Artificial Tear Products on Reepithelialization in an In Vivo Corneal Wound Model. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2018;34(4)360-364.
7. Nemera Novelia Product Leaflet, 2015. Available: http://www.nemera.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Brochure_Ophthalmic.pdf  (Accessed 23-Jul-2021)
8. Jayshree M et al. A prospective study of dry eye after small incision cataract surgery in rural population of Bagalkot. J Clin Res Ophthalmol 2017;4(2):25–29
9. Favuzza E et al. Protecting the ocular surface in cataract surgery: the efficacy of the perioperative use of a hydroxypropyl guar and hyaluronic acid ophthalmic solution. Clin Ophthalmol 2020;14:1769–75.
10. Chuang J et al. Preoperative optimization of ocular surface disease before cataract surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg 2017;43(12):1596–607.