Scope Eye Care

Scope Healthcare is a UK-based eye care company best known for producing the Hycosan range of eye drops. Hycosan products are preservative-free sodium hyaluronate eye drops designed to relieve dry eye symptoms and provide long-lasting lubrication for the eye surface. The range includes Hycosan Original (0.1% sodium hyaluronate), Hycosan Extra (0.2% sodium hyaluronate for more persistent symptoms), and Hycosan Plus (0.1% sodium hyaluronate with dexpanthenol for helping eye recover). All Hycosan products use a multi-dose bottle with a patented preservative-free dispensing technology, making them both convenient and suitable for sensitive eyes.

Sodium hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the human body. Its ability to retain water, which spreads smoothly with each blink, allows for longer-lasting lubrication than simpler formulations. This makes sodium hyaluronate drops like Hycosan particularly useful for dry eye syndrome, providing sustained relief without blurring vision or leaving a greasy residue. 

Yes. Hycosan Original and Hycosan Extra are both suitable for use with soft contact lenses in situ. Their preservative-free formula means there is no risk of preservative uptake by the lens material, making them safe to apply during lens wear. They are a practical choice for contact lens wearers who experience dryness or discomfort during wear. Hycosan Plus should be checked against the product label before use with lenses in. If dryness during lens wear is persistent, speak to your optician; they may recommend a different lens material or wearing schedule.

Hycosan's key distinction is its patented multi-dose bottle technology, which maintains sterility without the need for preservatives, unlike conventional multi-dose bottles, which require preservatives to prevent contamination once opened. Most preservative-free eye drops come in single-use unit-dose vials, which are convenient but generate more waste and can be less economical for frequent users. Hycosan's multi-dose preservative-free format combines the safety of preservative-free drops with the economy and convenience of a refillable bottle. This makes it particularly well suited to wearers who need drops multiple times per day over extended periods.

The Hycosan variants differ by sodium hyaluronate concentration. Hycosan Original (0.1%) is suitable for mild, occasional dry eye. Hycosan Extra (0.2%) provides more sustained relief for moderate symptoms and is one of the most popular formulations for contact lens wearers. Hycosan Intense (0.2%) and 2% Ectoin deliver extended relief suited to more persistent dry eye. Hycosan Night is a thicker gel formulation for overnight use or severe dry eye, and should only be used when lenses are not being worn.