MPG Eye Care

Vision Direct's eye care range includes products from leading ophthalmic and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Ursapharm makes the Hycosan range; Altacor produces Clinitas; Bausch + Lomb manufactures the Artelac and Blink eye care ranges as well as PreserVision vitamins. Thea Pharmaceuticals produces Blephasol, Blephagel, and Blephaclean; Alcon makes Systane; and Allergan (now AbbVie) produces the Refresh range. All manufacturers supply CE-marked or UKCA-marked medical devices.

Sodium hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid, a molecule naturally found in the human eye. In eye drops, it acts as a viscoelastic lubricant that retains moisture and spreads smoothly with each blink, providing longer-lasting lubrication than simpler lubricant formulations. It is the active ingredient in the Hycosan and Clinitas ranges, both stocked at Vision Direct, and is one of the most widely recommended active ingredients for moderate to severe dry eye.

Yes, some eye drops are specifically formulated for use during lens wear. Check the label: many preservative-free drops and drops marked as contact lens compatible can be used directly over soft lenses. Products such as Blink Contacts, certain Hycosan formulations, and Systane Ultra can be applied while wearing soft contact lenses. Drops containing preservatives, thick gels, or those not labelled as lens-compatible should be applied before inserting lenses or at least 15 minutes after removing them.

Most preservative-free lubricating eye drops, including Hycosan and Clinitas Soothe, can be used as often as needed throughout the day with no upper limit on frequency. Preserved drops should generally not be used more than four times per day on an ongoing basis, as preservatives can accumulate on the ocular surface and cause irritation with repeated use. If you find yourself using drops very frequently, speak to your optician to identify the underlying cause.