Breif description about the tear substitutes. It includes introduction, defenition, ideal tear substitutes,types,better ones. Can be accessed for pharmacology and biochemistry. Tear substitutes are similar to the natural tears, lubricate the eyes and help replace the natural moisture layer of the tear film. They play a vital role to provide comfort by giving relief from symptoms of dry eyes. They are used for individuals with aqueous tear deficiency since they have decreased tear film stability and tear volume. Characteristics of idear tear substitutes Works like normal tears Should not alter the lipid layer Should not alter the clarity Should not react with tear proteins Enhance the tear volume Lower surface tension of the tear film Forms a hydrophilic layer Follow the youtube channel for more. Beauty related. https://youtube.com/@theglowinggoals?si=Yfx7MAD4Ymg812US

1. TEAR SUBSTITUTES ISHA OA

2. INTRODUCTION
• They are the first step of treatment given for patients with dry
eyes to replace their natural tears.
• They lubricates the eye and help replace the natural moisture
layer of tear film.
• They play a vital role to provide comfort by giving relief from
symptoms of dry eyes.
• They are too used for individuals with aqueous tear deficiency
since they have decreased tear film stability and volume.

3. 1. Ideally, tear supplements should fulfil the physicochemical
role of a normal tear film
2. They should not disturb corneal metabolism nor be toxic to
the eye, even with frequent use.
3. It should have a refractive index similar to that of cornea to
see correctly.
4. Should enhance tear volume which is lost in dry eye
condition.

4. 5. They should stay longer on the eye surface . Greater
efficacy when there is greater viscosity than saline
solutions.
6. They should be well tolerated i.e. , should be non toxic
and non irritating. Inclusion of preservatives is
necessary if they are to be dispensed for prolonged
periods. Even in low concentrations , some
preservatives cause irritation, burning or redness in
eyes . pH of the tear supplement is also important to
tolerability.

6. TEAR SUBSTITUTES
• EYE DROPS
• EYE OINTMENT
• EYE GEL
• OCULAR INSERT
• SOFT CONTACT LENS THERAPY
• PUNCTAL PLUG

7.  They are lubricant drops which is formulated as artificial tear
solutions which are commonly used.
 They usually contains inorganic electrolytes, preservatives, water
soluble polymeric system.
 Various ions such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride etc…helps
to maintain tonicity and pH.
 Benzalkonium chloride, chlorobutanol, EDTA, ethyl paraben
etc…are used to prevent bacterial contamination.

8.  INDICATIONS
• Lubricant for dry eyes.
• Temporary relief of burning, irritation due to dry eyes.
• Antibiotic drops given to prevent bacterial infections
following ocular surgery.
• Refreshment of contact lens application.

10. 2.
Second most common method.
Primary base for ointments are petrolatum, lanolin etc..
When instilled in eye, they dissolve at the temperature of ocular
surface and disperse with tear fluids.
Ointment retains at the ocular surface longer.
INDICATIONS
1. Exposure keratitis
2. Keratitis sicca (dry eyes)
3. After removal of foreign body
4. During and following surgery

11.  SIDE EFFECTS
• Blurry vision because of its formulation at the instance , hence
prescribed to use it during night before sleep.

12.  A gelling agent with high water binding power that transforms
from gel to liquid upon contact with ocular tissue.
 Provides long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.

13. They are sterile, thin, mono or multilayered , drug-impregnated,
solid or semi-solid consistency devices placed in cul-de-sac or
conjunctival sac, whose size and shapes are especially designed for
ophthalmic application of individuals.
 ADVANTAGES
 No foreign body sensation.
 Reduced local side effects, irritation and toxicity.
 Increased contact time, therefore prolonged drug release.

14.  DISADVANTAGES
1. Expensive than other supplements.
2. Patient may have discomfort – placement and removal

15. 5.
Hydrophilic bandage lenses kept on cornea.
They are presoaked in drug solution.
Drug release depends upon amount of drug soaking time and
the drug concentration.
 ADVANTAGES
 Increased contact time with cornea.
 DISADVANTAGES
 Handling and cleaning
 Expensive

17. 6.
 They are tiny blocking devices placed in tear ducts called puncta,
which are tiny opening in eyelids that drain tears from eyes .
 This helps keep the eye surface moist and comfortable , relieving
dryness, itching ,burning and red eyes.
 Helps in prolonged action of natural tears along with artificial
tears.
 DISADVANTAGES
 Scratchy or irritated feeling.
 May makes eye too watery .
 Costly

19. WHICH IS A BETTER
TEAR SUBSTITUTE ?

20. All substitutes have their own advantages and disadvantages .
 EYE DROPS are so convenient to use , during all times
consecutively. But its effect is for short period of time.
 When it comes to EYE OINTMENTS , it cannot be applied
for day time, as it causes blurriness of vision. But it is best
when it comes to its longevity of effect, it can be applied on
night time, so their will be better penetration of the drug.
 So, comparatively a better tear substitute can be often choose
by the severity of disease of that individual.

21. THANK YOU !