Allergan introduces new preservative-free drop

Irvine, CA-Allergan Inc. has introduced an over-the-counter artificial tear (Optive Sensitive Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops) for patients who have dry eye or dryness following LASIK.

The drop is part of a line of artificial tears with a dual-action formula designed to provide a lubricating, hydrating, protective shield on the surface of the eye and also penetrate below the surface to provide corneal epithelial cells osmoprotection from excessive salt levels.

In a 30-day, randomized, controlled trial of 316 patients with dry eye, 157 patients who received the new artificial tear saw a statistically significant improvement in six common signs and symptoms of dry eye when compared with another drop (Refresh Plus, Allergan), according to the company. In a separate 90-day, randomized, controlled trial of 228 patients who had undergone LASIK, those who used the new drop experienced less ocular surface staining at 2 weeks after surgery when compared with patients who had used the other aforementioned artificial tear, according to the company. This trial also demonstrated a statistically significant improvement from baseline in patients’ evaluation of dry eye symptoms, Allergan officials reported.
 
“[The new drop] has undergone testing and has been shown to perform excellently in both dry eye and post-LASIK patient populations,” said Joseph Vehige, OD, the company’s senior director of consumer eye-care research and development. “We are pleased to be able to offer . . . a new option in managing their signs and symptoms of dry eye.”

The new formulation is available in unit-dose vials.