Artificial tears - new products?

[sunflower]

I've spotted something new (to me) at Mayo Clinic's site:

"...Artificial tears are also available as nonprescription gels and gel inserts.
If you still don't have relief after trying various products, the next step might be to try one or more artificial tear ointments. These can temporarily cause blurred vision, so you might prefer to apply the ointment just before bedtime."

Info on gel inserts is available online and WebMD has an article about ointments.

I hadn't heard of either one before.  Has anyone tried these?  Thought it might be of interest.

[Kathy57]

I use Genteal dry eye gel and I really like it.   There is a Genteal severe dry eye ointment,  but I prefer the eye gel. The ointment is hard to apply and really greasy.  Genteal Gel works longer than the drops, and I especially use it at night.

Don't know anything about gel inserts.  I have to admit that my eyes are no where near as bad as some. 

Kathy

[SjoGirl]

My eye doc had suggested using gel at night, I tried it but was not wild about it. It's my mouth that bugs me more anyway.

[SunshineDaydream]

I tried eye ointment but didn't like it because it was really goopy and didn't provide much relief for me.

I like Genteal eye gel drops before bedtime and if I wake during the night. Sometimes I use them during the day when regular artificial tears aren't working well enough.

I haven't heard of gel inserts.

[Gigi]

I've used the gel but after a few nights my eyes become extremely irritated. My eyes drive me crazy. I haven't tried the gentel brand , only the systane.

[Sooki]

I haven't heard about gel inserts either.  Let us know if you find out anything!

[Tharrell]

I have tried lacricert if that's what y'all talking about. It's these little stick like thingies you put in the outer corner of your eyes in the lower lids and they slowely disolve and lubricate during the day. My problem was that they were not dissolving right and I had globs in my eyes which irritated and swelled up my eye lids.

[Deb 27]

I have tried the genteal gel at night and liked it a lot. The ointment didn't do much.

[SabbraCadabra]

I had ointment when I was really little, but I don't remember much of the details, just that I really didn't like having goop in my eyes.

No idea why we stopped using the ointment and the drops, maybe my symptoms went away for a while.

[pweidema]

I've used the gel but after a few nights my eyes become extremely irritated. My eyes drive me crazy. I haven't tried the gentel brand , only the systane.

Every drop I tried irritated my eyes after a few days. Finally I found Soothe Extra Protection (with Mineral oil). That 2x per day, plus a microwaveable eye mask at night, have made my eyes much more comfortable.

[SjoGirl]

Ointments are available over the counter, but only practical if you are planning to keep your eyes closed for an extended time, e.g., taking a nap or going to bed. They are thick, and can cloud vision a bit, though can provide relief.