Article

Allergan introduces new preservative-free drop

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.

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.

Newsletter

Don’t miss out—get Ophthalmology Times updates on the latest clinical advancements and expert interviews, straight to your inbox.

Related Videos
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) Two-wavelength autofluorescence for macular xanthophyll carotenoids with Christine Curcio, PhD
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) FLIO and the brain: Making the invisible visible with Robert Sergott, MD
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) Structure-function correlates using high-res OCT images with Karl Csaky, MD, PhD
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) SriniVas Sadda, MD, on high-res OCT of atrophic and precursor lesions in AMD
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) Christine Curcio, PhD, shares histology update supporting review software and revised nomenclature for <3 μm OCT
1 expert is featured in this series.
1 expert is featured in this series.
1 expert is featured in this series.
1 expert is featured in this series.
Steven R. Sarkisian, Jr., MD, ABO, speaks about glaucoma at the 2025 ASCRS annual meeting
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.