Review OPTIVE® 10 ml
What is it for
Helps maintains hydration on eyes
Supplements and medicines are examined and evaluated solely from the point of view of their chemical composition, based on the relevant scientific studies. No medical opinion is expressed on curative functions. If a medicinal or prescription substance is involved, the overall judgement must be made by the treating physician.
Let us examine the most significant ingredients in order of quantity as indicated on the label. I provide a brief summary for reasons of space. For the complete text, studies, and bibliography, I highly recommend clicking on the ingredient in the description page if you want to learn more. It's perhaps a somewhat complex read because it involves scientific studies, but it clarifies the relationship between the ingredient and health.
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium It is a cross-linked polymer of the sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. It is utilized for its ability to absorb water, swell rapidly, and facilitate disintegration, making it essential for enhancing the functionality and performance of various formulations. Thanks to its compatibility, safety, and effectiveness, it represents a multifunctional ingredient in multiple applications.
Glycerin Trivalent, hygroscopic alcohol. Glycerin is the commercial name when the glycerol content is 95%, but the terms Glycerin and Glycerol are mostly used interchangeably to identify the same product. In practice, the pure chemical component is called glycerol, while glycerin contains about 95% glycerol. It acts as a humectant and a slip agent.
Boric Acid It is an inorganic acid found naturally and plays a direct role in calcium metabolism in mammals, and is considered a vital micronutrient, though it is toxic at high concentrations. In ophthalmology, it is used in eye drops and as a buffered multipurpose solution for contact lenses as a disinfectant without cytotoxic effects.
Sodium borate decahydrate commonly known as borax decahydrate is used in diluted solutions for mild skin irritations and infections. It stabilizes the pH and exhibits mild antimicrobial properties, contributing to the product's longevity.
Levocarnitine It is a natural amino acid derivative essential for cellular energy production. Widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements, it is valued for its antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning properties. It acts as a carrier molecule in mitochondrial energy production, transporting long-chain fatty acids for beta-oxidation. It enhances cellular energy production and promotes cellular turnover.
Erythrol, Better known as erythritol, it is a four-carbon sugar alcohol naturally occurring in nature and belongs to the family of sugar alcohols, also known as polyols, with zero caloric content. It is found in many types of fruits and vegetables, fungi, and fermented foods like soy sauce. Its caloric value is nearly zero.
Besides its more well-known use as a sweetener, erythritol can also be employed as a protective or moisturizing agent in ophthalmic formulations. Specifically:
Osmoprotective Effect
Erythritol (like other sugar alcohols) has the ability to protect the cells on the ocular surface from osmotic stress—that is, fluctuations in salt and fluid concentration. In practice, it helps keep the eyes hydrated, especially in cases of dry eyes or prolonged contact lens use.
Compatibility with the Ocular Environment
Since it is a relatively small molecule and well-tolerated, erythritol does not irritate the eye. On the contrary, it provides a sort of “cushion” of hydration.
Formulation Stability
Adding small polyols to eye drops can improve the overall stability of the product and contribute to good comfort during application.
In essence, it is the same compound you may have seen in foods as a sweetener, but in this case, it is used for other properties (mainly its moisturizing and cellular protection effects) rather than for sweetening.
Sodio citrate dihydrate is the sodium salt of citric acid in its dihydrated form (meaning it contains two molecules of crystallized water). In eye drops, it is generally used for the following reasons:
Buffering Agent
- It helps maintain the pH of the eye drop solution within a range well tolerated by the eye (usually between 6.5 and 7.5).
- A proper pH helps reduce irritation and ensures comfort during application.
Chelating Effect
- Citrate can bind (or “chelate”) metal ions, reducing potential unwanted reactions in the formulation (for example, oxidation of certain components).
Formulation Stability
- It helps preserve the stability of other ingredients in the drops, extending their shelf life and effectiveness.
In short, sodium citrate dihydrate in eye drops contributes to maintaining a stable and comfortable environment for the eye, ensuring that the solution remains non-irritating and effective over time.
Potassium chloride is a metallic halide salt composed of potassium and chloride that is found in the human body and in nature used in various ophthalmic solutions (eye drops) for several reasons:
Electrolyte Balance
- Potassium is one of the fundamental electrolytes for maintaining cellular balance. In ophthalmic formulations, potassium chloride helps ensure an electrolyte composition similar to the fluids naturally found in the eye.
Osmolarity Control
- Along with other salts, potassium chloride helps regulate the osmolarity (i.e., the concentration of solutes) of the drops, preventing discomfort or stinging upon application. Proper osmolarity is important to prevent eye dryness or irritation.
Solution Stability
- Like other mineral salts, potassium chloride can help stabilize the eye drop formulation, improving its shelf life and effectiveness over time.
In essence, potassium chloride is present in eye drops to help maintain a suitable environment within the eye, reduce potential irritation, and ensure good hydration of the ocular surface.
Calcium chloride dihydrate is a crystalline compound widely used in the medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors due to its hygroscopic and stabilizing properties.
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is an inorganic salt composed of magnesium and chloride ions, with six molecules of water of crystallization. It is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications due to its moisturizing, stabilizing, and conditioning properties. It is known for its ability to enhance skin hydration levels and support the skin barrier function.
PURITE® is a proprietary and registered preservative widely used in medical and cosmetic applications. This stabilized solution of oxychloro complexes is recognized for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, making it effective in preventing contamination and preserving the integrity of formulations. Due to its safety profile and efficacy, PURITE® is particularly suitable for sensitive applications, such as ophthalmic solutions and personal care products.
Conclusions
I have reviewed many eye drops and have observed both positive and sometimes adverse effects of some products that are otherwise well-established and marketed. I must say that, so far, this is the best product that my ophthalmologist has provided me, replacing a similar but less effective eye drop that has recently been discontinued. As can be seen from the ingredient descriptions, high-quality components have been used, and, at least so far, they are allergy-proof.
Excellent product.
abbvie ALLERGAN SALES LLC.
