EYE HEALTH
THEALOZ DUO® THEALOZ DUO®
is a unique combination of ingredients for effective and long-
lasting relief from dry eye symptoms. It combines Hyaluronic Acid (0.15%) and Trehalose (3%) in a hypotonic formulation, free from preservatives, and available in a bottle that lasts up to 3 months.
Both these innovative ingredients are found in nature: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has superb water-holding properties and its viscoelastic behaviour makes it an ideal choice for relieving the gritty, burning sensation of dry eyes.
Trehalose is a natural disaccharide found in plants and animals that need to survive extreme conditions of dryness or temperature; it protects delicate cell membranes from damage and is already used in medicine where tissues and cells need to be stored safely.
This unique combination from Thea Pharmaceuticals instantly lubricates and hydrates, whilst also protecting dry eyes. A hypotonic formulation is specifically chosen as it is more effective at relieving the symptoms of dry eye.
As well as the patented ‘soft-squeeze ABAK’ 10ml bottle, single dose vials are available for convenience, plus a Gel formulation which is especially good for night-time use, or just extra long-lasting relief.
All are free from preservatives – a distinguishing feature of all Thea products.
> corticosteroids, directly to the eye. Prolonged use of corticosteroids in the eye has been linked to cataract formation, and as such these medicines are only ever prescribed by a specialist, or under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.
Autologous serum eye drops – this is a highly specialised preparation, and used very rarely. Eye drops are formulated from plasma extracted from the blood of the patient. This option usually requires specialist funding and can take up to several months before the treatment is available for the patient to use. Understandably, these eye drops require strict controls and so can be extremely expensive.
Punctal occlusion – this process involves using small plugs to seal the tear ducts, which usually help to drain tears from the eyes. These punctual plugs, made from silicone and other polymers can be inserted, and either left in place for a short period of time in order to gauge effectiveness, or can be left in situ permanently. In severe cases of the disease the tear ducts can also be cauterized, to seal the drainage holes and ultimately increase tears on the surface of the eye. [3]
Blepharitis Blepharitis is a common condition, which is characterised by inflammation of the eyelid margins. It is estimated that Blepharitis constitutes 1 in 20 eye problems reported to healthcare professionals and is most common in people aged >40 years.
Patients suffering with Blepharitis experience repeat occurrences, separated by phases where no symptoms are apparent. During bouts of eyelid inflammation, patients generally have sore, itchy and red eyelids, which stick together and can
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be particularly difficult to open upon waking.
Eyelashes can become greasy or crusty, leading to a burning or gritty sensation in your eyes. Patients who usually wear contact lenses can find these more uncomfortable to wear. Eyelid margins can become swollen and in severe cases patients can experience abnormal eyelash growth or even loss of eyelashes altogether.
Blepharitis can result as a complication of skin diseases such as seborrhoeic dermatitis or rosacea, or alternatively can result from a bacteria infection. Blepharitis can be split into three types, Rosacea, Anterior, and Posterior.
Rosacea Blepharitis – usually experienced as a component of ocular rosacea, which results in inflammation of the eyelids, caused by dysfunction of the sebaceous glands in the skin around the eyes. These sebaceous glands usually produce sebum, a type of oil used to help maintain the skins integrity. The underlying mechanism of rosacea is not fully understood, and similarly the exact cause of Blepharitis has still to be fully elucidated. Rosacea does appear to be linked through genetic variations and environmental factors, such as excessive sun expose, and it has been suggested that Blepharitis could share these traits, however this has yet to be scientifically proven. [4]
Anterior Blepharitis – inflammation affects the skin around the base of the eyelashes, and is most commonly caused by bacterial infections such as, staphylococcus species, or by a skin condition called seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Staphylococcus bacteria are usually found living on the skin surface. In some cases, these bacteria cause the
eyelashes of some people to become inflamed and red. Anterior Blepharitis has also been linked to microscopic mites that live on the surface of the skin and on the eyelashes. It has been suggested that patient sensitivities to these mites results in the inflammation of the eyelids.
Posterior Blepharitis (also Meibomian gland dysfunction) – occurs as a result of dysfunction with the Meibomian glands. These glands are found on the inside margin of the eyelid, and are responsible for producing oily, lipid components that makes up tears. Problems with these glands can result from a build up of excess lipids, or a blockage in the gland itself.
Blepharitis treatments Dealing with Blepharitis can be difficult for many patients and in practice observing good eyelid hygiene can help control the symptoms. Simple measures incorporated into the daily facial cleaning regimens of patients, can help to ease the symptoms of inflamed eyelid margins. The use of a warm compress can help to heat the eyelid margins, acting in two ways to reduce the symptoms of Blepharitis.
Firstly, heating the eyelid margins will result in an increase in the oils produced by the Meibomian glands, allowing it to flow more freely from the eyelids. Secondly, the increased temperature will help to melt solidified oils in and around the glands. A warm washcloth applied to the eyes for two minutes can help to soften lash debris and aid removal of excess oils.
Using gentle massage of the eyelid margin can also help to stimulate oil production. Care should be taken when employing this technique, as excessive rubbing of the eyelids can cause further irritation. Facial cleaning scrubs and masks should be avoided,
as the aromatic components can aggravate irritated skin. [5]
For patients who use contact lenses, it is recommended that soft contact lenses be replaced more frequently. Contact lenses can leave small deposits within the eye, usually not a problem, however these may contribute to irritation at the eyelid margins. In some severe cases, it may be suggested that patients refrain from using contact lenses for a short period of time to allow the eyelids to become less inflamed. [4]
Blepharitis and dry eye conditions can occur together, and so use of lubricating eye drops can help to relieve the symptoms of both conditions.
Understanding the impact that simple eye conditions such as dry eye disease or Blepharitis can have on a patients quality of life, will allow Pharmacy staff to give appropriate advice and make suggestions for preparations that are likely to be most effective. n
References: 1. Look after your eyes website. Accessed 9th Dec 2015. Available:
http://lookafteryoureyes.org/how-your-eyes- work/about-your-eyes/tears/
2. NHS dry eyes syndrome website. Accessed 9th Dec 2015. Available:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Dry-eye- syndrome/Pages/
Introduction.aspx
3. All about vision, punctual plugswebsite. Accessed 9th Dec 2015. Available:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/punct al-plugs.htm
4. All about vision, Blepharitis. Accessed 9th Dec 2015. Available:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/bleph aritis.htm
5.American Association for Pediatric Opthaolmology and Straismus website. Accessed 9th Dec 2015. Available:
http://www.aapos.org/terms/conditions/141
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