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About FreshKote PF
- Patented polymer blend
- Designed to support all layers of the tear film
- Box of 30 0.3mL single-use vials
Description (by Rebecca)
Update 7/21/2021: Freshkote is now available in PF vials!
Freshkote is the last available of "Dr. Holly's Drops", as we used to call them in the 'old' days. Dr Holly's Drops were the first thing to get me comfortable after I got dry eye from LASIK in 2001. Dr. Holly is a brilliant scientist and he used to participate so helpfully and kindly in the online forums where so many of us folks congregated desperately looking for solutions in those days. The timeframe of his main work and research on dry eye dates to an era I think of as having been more about the science and less about the commerce than either the 90's or the Restasis era that followed. Thankfully we are once again heading back into 'real science' but we had a lot of dark years in between, in terms of lack of differential diagnosis and useful therapeutics.
Back in the day, there were actually four drops. Dwelle was the original. I will always consider that Dwelle was the finest drop ever made for severe symptoms - both for folks with severe dry eye and with recurrent corneal erosions. Then there were two variations on the theme. Dwelle plus Vitamin A was called Dakrina (both drops, now, sadly, long since off the market), and Dwelle plus a lipid ingredient was called FreshKote. There was also in those days a wonderful little pink drop called NutraTear, much lighter weight, my favorite drop ever for daily use and the only drop I ever liked for use over scleral gas perm lenses. Sigh. (As a matter of fact, when I first started The Dry Eye Company, it was partly to resurrect these drops, which were not on the market at the time. That worked, for some years, till the $ ran out. Long story.)
So FreshKote is the only one of Dr. Holly's drops on the market today. Not having ever been marketed by one of the huge ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, it's not as well known as the brands commanding most of the shelf space at the drugstore. I wish it had the full recognition in the medical community that it deserves, but I'm grateful there are so many doctors who have recognized its outstanding efficacy and continue to support it.
In all its long life, this is the first time FreshKote has been available in a preservative free version. You may wonder how I could befriend a preserved drop all that time! But it was a unique preservative, not used in any other eyedrops to my knowledge, and had a really long strong history of not causing issues. Thankfully though, it's just not even an issue or question anymore.
You may also wonder what's 'special' about the ingredients. At a superficial reading, nothing. So much of this polymer and so much of that, big deal. Actually there are details of grades of polymers and other substances that aren't reflected in standard FDA product labeling that can play a really important role. With this product, it is the blending of particular grades of the polymers (not used in any other drops you have tried) that makes the difference to how it works and what it achieves.
Limitations
Stinging, and residue. Freshkote has a high concentration of polymers and for that reason, when it goes on a very dry eye it can sting. As long as there is no other issue going on (such as an ingredient allergy or sensitivity), motivated users can prevent this like any other drop that stings, by wetting the eye 5-10 minutes before application. As for residue, the drop will tend to crystallize on and around the base of the lashes especially if you apply a lot (like Celluvisc). Use small drops and wipe the lashes after application if this is a problem.
Description (manufacturer's)
FRESHKOTE® Preservative Free is the clear solution for the temporary relief of dry eye symptoms.
- Temporary relief from dry eye symptoms
- Gentle, preservative-free drops can be used with contact lenses
- Exclusive patented formulation
- Unique phospholipid blend combats tear evaporation
- Safe to use as needed
How to use
- Remove one vial from strip prior to use.
- To open vial, twist off tab completely.
- Instill drop in the affected eye(s) as needed.
- Discard vial after use.
Drug Facts
Active Ingredients
- Polyvinyl Alcohol 2.7% (Lubricant)
- Povidone 2.0% (Lubricant)
Uses
- For use as a lubricant to prevent further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye.
- For the temporary relief of discomfort due to minor irritations of the eye or to exposure to wind or .
Warnings
For external use only.
Do not use
- if solution changes color or becomes cloudy
- if you are sensitive to any ingredient in this product
- tab on vial is torn, broken or missing
When using this product
- do not touch of container to any surface to avoid contamination
- do not reuse
- once opened, discard
Stop use and ask a doctor if
- you experience eye pain
- you experience in vision
- you experience continue redness or irritation
- condition worsens
- symptoms last more than 72 hours
Keep out of reach of children.
If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Directions
Instill 1 or 2 drop(s) in the affected eye(s) as needed.
Other Information
- Use before expiration date marked on container
- Store at 20-25 C (68-77F)
- Retain this carton for future reference
Inactive Ingredients
Boric acid, Edetate disodium, Ethanol, Glycerin, Lecithin, Phospholipids, Polysorbate-80, Potassium chloride, Purified water, Sodium chloride. May contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.
Questions
Call toll-free 1-866-752-6006.
