Allergan expands dry eye portfolio with launch of Refresh Optive Gel Drops

In a clinical study, patients report significant reduction in dry eye symptoms in just 30 days of usage.

"With Refresh Optive Gel Drops, eye care providers now have an even more comprehensive line of artificial tear types to offer to their patients with individual needs," said Joseph Vehige, O.D., Vice President of Consumer Eye Care Research & Development,Allergan. "Leveraging the latest technology from Optive, the new multi-dose Gel Drops help dry eye patients find comfort any time, day or night."

An estimated 25 million people in the US suffer from dry eye symptoms, including irritation, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, burning, stinging, dryness and excessive tearing. In a multicenter, double-masked, randomized study, dry eye patients (n=94) using Refresh Optive Gel Drops showed a statistically significant reduction in symptoms at day 30. The innovative Gel Drops formula delivers a shear-thinning effect that spreads quickly and evenly over the eye surface to relieve dry eye symptoms while creating a soothing shield to protect the eye surface from hypertonic stress.

"Dry eye is a reduction in your eyes' ability to produce or maintain sufficient quantity and quality of natural tears. Tears are important to the overall health of our eyes and our vision. My patients suffering from dry eye symptoms often ask me for a more hydrating artificial tear that will give them longer-lasting relief and comfort," said Milton M. Hom, OD, FAAO. "I like Refresh Optive Gel Drops because of its advanced aqueous gel formulation that helps the ocular surface maintain its moisture level. Refresh Optive products are effective in reducing dry eye symptoms and convenient to use with no shaking required — just drop and go."