Why eye drops irritate - frequently

[Maria3667]

Yesterday I made an important discovery when eye drop lotion number umpteen arrived called 'Navitae Plus' (0,15% hyaluronic acid plus vitamines A & E).

I inserted it and a burning sensation started, then worse dryness, pain, redness... What the heck? After searching Google I found out dry eye sufferers may be sensitive/intolerant to methylcellulose (aka carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)- E466 or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) - E464) which is included in MANY brands.

So if you're wondering why the drops are hurting your eyes, this could be the reason!

See:
http://www.dryeyepain.com/AllergicEyeTips.htm#avoid

[Sharon]

Great tip and excellent site Maria!
I too get severe allergic reactions to some drops and have found that I am allergic to all preservatives, boric acid and borate buffers.
Even allergic to Thera Tears drops.
Amazing how many drops and eye ointments contain these.

[Maria3667]

Hi Sharon,

Thanks for the addition!

Even though Restasis is great for my blepharitis, I do feel it's making my eyes drier. Tomorrow seeing my opthalmologist, hope she has a suggestion for a preservative and cellulose free eye lubricant.

I don't know about the boric acid and borate buffers, but seeing my sensitivity, I could very well be allergic to them too...

Are you still struggling? Or have you found a tolerable eye drop at last??

[Sharon]

I have found tolerable eye drops but they only give very temporary relief and don't control the inflammatory component of SS dry eyes.
I still use Restasis though not certain it is doing any good.
I very much wanted to try Regener-eyes which is made from amniotic fluid but the cost comes out to too much with the overseas shipping.
In short, still in search of a treatment for this....