Refresh Optive MEGA-3 (30 PF vials)

This is the latest in the Refresh - slash - Optive branded line. First we had Optive (actives: glycerin and carboxymethylcellulose), then Optive Advanced (those, plus polysorbate 80), and now Optive MEGA-3 (all of the above plus flaxseed and castor oils, tucked quietly into the inactive ingredients list like all lipids. I will leave all discussion of fancy schmancy ingredients like trehalose to the manufacturer (below).

The trend in artificial tears in general for several years now has been to offer a variant with a lipid, now that the dry eye world is gradually becoming so much more meibomian gland savvy. I must say, Dr Holly was way, way ahead of that trend, with FreshKote (which I was using, albeit under a different name, more than 15 years ago). And some of you will remember Refresh Endura which had castor oil but was discontinued some years back. Then came Soothe XP, Systane Balance, Retaine MGD and so on. 

Refresh Optive MEGA-3 is quite new and I've had very little feedback on it though I'm quite prepared for the usual I-love-it and I-hate-it. Bottom line is, if you need to try something new and want something with lipids, might be worth a whirl.

It's rather amusing to me that the manufacturer takes a dig at Retaine MGD in their description. If someone finds a drop that works for them, are they actually going to care that they have to waste a millisecond shaking the tube before opening it? Ah well.

Our most advanced formula – REFRESH OPTIVE® Mega-3.

Preservative-free, low blur formula fortifies and restores the lipid layer. Its unique blend of natural oils helps prevent tear evaporation.

Treats Dry Eye signs and symptoms associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

Nourishes all three layers of the tear film damaged by Dry Eye for immediate, long-lasting relief.

This lipid-enhanced lubricant eye drop is clinically proven to treat the signs and symptoms of Dry Eye. Mega-3 does not require shaking prior to use, unlike Retaine® MGD.

REFRESH OPTIVE® Mega-3 Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops come in sterile, single-use vials you can take with you anywhere and are safe to use as often as needed.

It is the only artificial tear that delivers a blend of flaxseed and castor oils to the tear film, in a stable nano-emulsion formula.

Nano-emulsion technology delivers flaxseed and castor oil, fortifying the lipid layer and helping prevent tear evaporation without compromising patient comfort.

Polysorbate 80 keeps the nano-emulsion from separating, providing consistent stability—no shaking required.

CMC, a water-loving polymer, binds to epithelial cellsto maintain moisture on the ocular surface for rapid on-eye comfort and long-lasting relief.

All OPTIVE® formulas include the patented osmoprotectant property that comes from the three compatible solutes—glycerin, l-carnitine and erythritol—all of which deliver added protection to the corneal epithelial cells against hypertonic stress.

MEGA-3 contains a fourth osmoprotectant, trehalose, for an advanced approach to treating Dry Eye symptoms. 

Drug Facts (from manufacturer's site):

Active Ingredients

Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5% (eye lubricant)
Glycerin 1% (eye lubricant)
Polysorbate 80 0.5% (eye lubricant)

Uses

• For the temporary relief of burning, irritation, and discomfort due to dryness of the eye or exposure to wind or sun.
• May be used as a protectant against further irritation.

Warnings 

For external use only.

• To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to any surface. Do not reuse. Once opened, discard.
• Do not touch unit-dose tip to eye. 
• If solution changes color, do not use.

Stop use and ask a doctor if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if the condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours.

Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Directions

To open, TWIST AND PULL TAB TO REMOVE. Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed and discard container.

Other Information

• Use only if single-use container is intact.
• Use before expiration date marked on container.
• Store at 59°-86°F (15°-30°C).
• Store vials in the pouch until use.
• RETAIN THIS CART FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Inactive Ingredients

BORIC ACID; BUTYLATED HYDROXYL TOLUENE; CASTOR OIL; ERYTHRITOL; FLAXSEED OIL; LEVOCARNITINE; PEMULEN TR-2; POLYOXYL 40 STEARATE; PURIFIED WATER; TREHALOSE. MAY CONTAIN SODIUM HYDROXIDE AND/OR HYDROCHLORIC ACID TO ADJUST PH.