Oftagel (eye drops) is used in ophthalmology for dry eye syndrome . This drug is often prescribed to people whose activities are associated with working at a computer. Oftagel drops have a mild effect.
The active ingredient is carbomer. This substance is a high molecular weight carboxyvinyl polymer. The active component is able to interact with mucin (the mucous layer) on the corneal epithelium. Carbomer enhances tear viscosity. The active component also contributes to the formation of a protective film on the surface of the cornea, thickens the aqueous and mucous layer. It should be noted that carbomer does not have a specific effect on contact with epithelial cells. This is due to its biological inactivity.
The active substance has quite pronounced adhesive properties to the membranes of epithelial cells and the mucous layer of the lacrimal film. Thickening of the film is a favorable factor. This is especially important in conditions accompanied by a change in the properties of mucin (for colds, fungal, bacterial or inflammatory eye diseases). The thickened layer provides protection against erosion and injuries of the conjunctiva and cornea. Prolonged interaction of the film and the cornea improves the production of tear fluid.
The medicine "Oftagel", the instruction recommends for diseases complicated by "dry eyes" syndrome, which is manifested by fatigue and a foreign body sensation in the eyes, burning, itching, compensatory lacrimation. Indications also include Sjögren’s disease , Stevens-Johnson syndrome , lacrimation insufficiency, irritation, dry keratoconjunctivitis. The medicine "Oftagel" the instruction recommends also for diseases of the eyelids that provoke insufficient contact of the cornea with a tear. The drug is prescribed as restorative therapy after laser or surgical intervention on the cornea.
The drug is instilled drop by drop from one to four times during the day (in accordance with the severity of symptoms).
Wash hands with soap before use.
Before instillation, the head is tilted back (slightly), the lower eyelid is pulled back, instilling the gel in the lower conjunctival sac (between the eye and lower eyelid). It is not recommended to touch the eyelid tip to the eyelid or eye. After the installation, the medicine bottle should be closed.
The drug "Oftagel" instruction does not allow for use with hypersensitivity.
The use of the drug can provoke some adverse reactions. In particular, the instructions include local irritation, burning sensation, blurred vision, after the use of Oftagel. As practice shows, these manifestations are of short duration.
special instructions
When using contact lenses, they must be removed before instillation. You can install them no earlier than thirty minutes after installation.
When prescribing several ophthalmic preparations at the same time, the Oftagel medicine should be instilled last. Moreover, the interval between the use of funds is not less than fifteen minutes.
The bottle with the medication should be in use by only one person.
Due to the fact that the Oftagel medicine may cause a short-term blurred vision, one should not immediately begin the installation that requires clear vision (transport management, for example).
Since adequate studies of the safety of using the medicine by women during pregnancy and lactation have not been conducted, the drug is used in these cases only on the recommendation of a doctor.