Optagel 2% Eye Gel

Uses of Optagel 2% Eye Gel

• Dry Eye
• Ophthalmic Surgery
• Corneal Protection

How does Optagel 2% Eye Gel work?

Hypromellose stabilizes and thickens the precorneal tear film and prolongs the tear film breakup time thereby promoting corneal wetting. It also lubricates and protects the eye.

Side Effects of Optagel 2% Eye Gel

• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Foreign body sensation in the eyes
• Eye irritation
• Eye redness

Quick Suggestions:

• Your doctor has prescribed Hypromellose to treat dry eye disease.
• It stabilizes the natural tear film and maintains necessary lubrication so your eyes don’t get dry and irritated.
• May require long-term use.
• Apply pressure on the corner of the eye (close to the nose) for about 1 minute immediately after instilling the drop.
• Wait for at least 5-10 minutes before delivering the next medication in the same eye to avoid dilution of this medicine.
• A stinging sensation may occur for 1-2 minutes. Notify your doctor if it persists for longer.
• Make sure to use it within 4 weeks of opening the bottle.

Indication of Optagel 2% Eye Gel

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose belongs to the group of medicines known as artificial tears. It is used to relieve dryness and irritation caused by reduced tear flow. It helps prevent damage to the eye in certain eye diseases. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose may also be used to moisten hard contact lenses and artificial eyes. In addition, it may be used in certain eye examinations.

Pharmacology

Hypromellose is an ocular lubricant that is semisynthetic, inert, and viscoelastic. Hypromellose is used as a lubricant and artificial tear in the symptomatic treatment of corneal and conjunctival dehydration caused by reduced lacrimal secretion and functional problems induced by topical or systemic illnesses, or by inadequate or incomplete eyelid closure.

Dosage & Administration of Optagel 2% Eye Gel

For adults and children: Therapy of dry eye syndrome requires an individual dosage regimen.

• The usual dose of 0.3% Hypromellose is 1 drop into the conjunctival sac 3 to 5 times per day or as directed by the physician.
• The dose of 0.5% Hypromellose will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's directions.

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip on any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

For patients wearing hard contact lenses:

• Take care not to float the lens from your eye when applying this medicine. If you have any questions about this, check with your healthcare professional.

Interaction

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Contraindications

There are no contraindications if used as instructed.

Pregnancy & Lactation

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, hypromellose can be utilized.

Precautions & Warnings

• Before using Hypromellose eye drops, it is important to inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components of the medicine. To prevent contamination, avoid touching the tip of the eye drops container, and make sure to replace the cap tightly after each use.
• Ensure the sterility of the product. Remove all the products by irrigation and/ or aspiration at the end of the procedure. Eye solution should be injected with the provided angled cannula.
• Do not use the eye drops if the solution has changed color or appears cloudy, as this may indicate that the product is no longer safe to use. Always use the eye drops as prescribed by your doctor and before the expiration date.
• If you experience blurred vision after using Hypromellose eye drops, avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities that require clear vision until your eyesight returns to normal.
• If you wear contact lenses, do not use Hypromellose eye drops with them. If your doctor allows the use of contact lenses, remove them before administering the eye drops. You can reinsert the contact lenses 10 to 15 minutes after using the eye drops. If you are undergoing eye surgery and need to use eye drops, your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions regarding the use of contact lenses during that time.

Storage Conditions

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose belongs to the group of medicines known as artificial tears. It is used to relieve dryness and irritation caused by reduced tear flow. It helps prevent damage to the eye in certain eye diseases. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose may also be used to moisten hard contact lenses and artificial eyes. In addition, it may be used in certain eye examinations.