About GenTeal Gel (GenTeal Tears Lubricant Eye Gel)
- Viscous but non-greasy eye gel
- Contains preservative (sodium perborate)
- 10g tube
Description (by Rebecca)
Sorry, Alcon, but no matter what any of you keep renaming this product, I will always call it GenTeal Gel. Period. (And I might or might not always remember to capitalize the T.)
The distinguishing feature of GenTeal Gel, which has made it a longtime favorite for night use by people with moderate to severe dry eye, is that it is viscous without being greasy. It is simply a polymer gel, as opposed to a "lubricating eye ointment", i.e. anything with PM in its name and made of petrolatum and mineral oil. Polymer gels dissolve without leaving greasy residue.
Finally, a note about preservatives. It is worth noting that GenTeal Gel is one of a very short list of lubricants with preservatives that are popular amongst the severe dry eye crowd despite being preserved. GenTeal's preservative is sodium perborate, an oxidative type preservative which rapidly decomposes into hydrogen peroxide and thence to salt and water. Toxicity of this type of preservative is substantially lower than traditional chemical preservatives (here's an excellent study about preservatives). But it's still a preservative, and all preservatives have some toxicity. Once again, dry eye patients are faced with tradeoffs trying to find the right risk/benefit profile!
One more note: In the context of ointment shortages, Genteal Gel is more popular than ever - but also scarcer than ever. We look forward to when this product will be fully stocked everywhere again.
Description (from the manufacturer's literature)
Delivers long-lasting relief of dry eye symptoms.
Drug Facts
Active ingredient
Hypromellose 0.3%
Purpose
Lubricant
Uses
- relieves dryness of the eye
- temporarily discomfort due to minor irritations of the eye to exposure to wind or
- as a protectant against further irritation
Warnings
For external use only
Do not use
- if gel changes color or becomes cloudy
- if you are sensitive to any ingredient in this product
When using this product
- do not touch of container to any surface
- replace cap after using
Stop and ask a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- eye pain
- changes in vision
- continued redness or irritation of the eye
- condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours
Keep out of the reach of children
Directions
put 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed
Other information
store between 15°-25°C (59°-77°F)
Inactive Ingredients
980, phosphoric acid, purified water, sodium hydroxide, sodium perborate, and sorbitol
Questions?
In the U.S., call toll-free 1-800-757-9195 (Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM CST). alcon.medinfo@alcon.com
