I visited a website that lists most of the artificial tear drops available in market and ingredients each contains.

It says, if I quote, "The tonicity of tears of patients with Dry eyes is higher than normal. The hypertonic tears draw water out of the cells, damaging them. If there is extensive surface damage, it may be reasonable to try HYPOTONIC artificial tears to neutralize the dry eye hypertonicity."

I wonder what HYPOTONIC means, and if it is any different from non-HYPOTONIC eye drops.

According to the list, Thera Tears is HYPOTONIC.


Also, I wonder if anyone has experienced symptoms I have when using Carboxyl Methylcellulose (CMC) Artificial Tears. All artificial tears from Allergan, except Refresh Endura, use CMC as their main ingredient. Anyway, when I use it, my eyes feel stiff. They also give somewhat sharp pain in eyeballs and around eyeballs - like headache. I've tried using Celluvisc, Refresh Plus and Refresh Liquigel, and they both gave me those symptoms. Maybe CMC isn't right ingredient for my eyes, but I wonder why. I know that 1% CMC that Refresh Liquigel has is supposed to last very long and comfortable since it's thick.

On the other hand, Alcon's products and Genteal use Hydroxypropyl Methylellulose (HPMC) as their main ingredient. They don't give such discomfort, but I don't think they help my eyes that much, either.

I'm just curious if anyone has similar experience...just curious ;)

I think I'll avoid Allergan's products from now on. I was told Allergan makes the best artificial tear drops, and I have tried most of their products - Refresh Plus, Refresh Liquigel, Refresh Celluvisc, and Refresh Endura. I didn't like any of them.

Would Systane make difference? It is not available here in Canada, yet, and I have high hope for it. It seems like there really is no tear drop that works well enough for me.

two things :

1. If I'm not mistaken, hypotonic is related to the pressure in the eye ... I was diagnosed with hypotony , or lowered pressure of the eye, in my case due to a benign tumor and extreme dry eye ... so, I guess it's either higher or lower pressure .. hmmm...maybe ?

2. I also was told to use Systane by my opthamologist with my 3 different prescription drops instead of Refresh brand (any) ... it's the first drop I've used that actually feels good and works (although the next day I found refresh endura which does wonders for me too, but I have a problem also with the make up of my tears so that's why Endura helps all 3 layers)

Hi rianny - I think tonicity has to do with the solute concentrations of living cells and the solutions they live in. It's basically a diffusion thing. If a cell is subjected to a HYPERtonic environment where the solute concentration outside the cell is greater than inside the cell, the cell will lose water to the environment (more water leaves the cell than enters the cell). A hypertonic environment will, therefore, cause cells to dry out. I guess that's why it has been suggested that people with dry eyes use artificial tears that are HYPOtonic so water won't been drawn out of the cells. In a hypotonic environment, more water actually enters a cell than leaves a cell. In an ISOtonic environment, the amount of water that enters and leaves a cell is supposed to be equal. When I first experienced dry eye about a year ago, I tried Systane and it worked very well for me. But then I discovered GenTeal Gel and it was a little more soothing to my eyes, so I just stuck with that. I think if you can get a hold of some Systane, though, it is definitely worth a try. It may really help your dry eyes a lot. When is it supposed to be available in Canada? Is there any other way you can get some?

I really thank you two above for answering my question.

I sent an email to Alcon Canada, and they said Systane will be available in April or May. I will give a shot for sure when it comes out. Interestingly, Genteal Gel is available here. Is Genteal Gel in Gel form? I was advised to use Lacri-Lube when I go to bed by my primary doctor, but it is pain to put gel in eyes, so I don't put it in. I'm using Bion Tears now, but it's not helping too much.

I'm still young, and I can't believe that I have to live with this disease for rest of my life. I really miss the moments when I didn't have this problem. I got frustrated again....(sigh)

I have no idea why I got this disease. I'm male and young.

Anyway, thank for your replies again ;)

:rolleyes:

Hi rianny - GenTeal Gel isn't as thick and gooey as lacrilube. It "melts" over the eye rather quickly and is very soothing. Some people don't like it, though. I don't think it's very expensive (not sure what it would cost you in Canada), so it might be worth a try. I love it and it's the ONLY thing I'll put in my eyes. Sorry you have to deal with this condition at such a young age. It is, indeed, a pain in the you-know-what. It's such a struggle trying to figure out what works best for you and how to manage the symptoms. I hope a cure is discovered in the near future (like right NOW!). I'm glad you will have access to Systane soon. That may help you a lot.

Thx Jen2003.
I have been using Genteal Gel. I would say it is the best one I have tried. A few minutes after it touches my eyeballs, it changes into liquid form, and it is really soothing. However, it was very discomfortable when first put in.

Anyway, I wonder if you've tried Restasis. How effective was it?
Restasis won't be available in Canada until 2 years later. That's really stupid. If I want to try it, I would have to import it to Canada or something. :bouncing:

Hi rianny - I've never tried Restasis, so I can't give you any good advice. The only things that ended up working for me were the warm compresses, lid massages, GenTeal Gel and doxycycline. Who knows - maybe the Systane will work so well for you that you won't even need the Restasis!! I hope so. :)