What is Xailin Night and How Does It Work?
Dry eye is a common and often uncomfortable condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including soreness, irritation, and a gritty feeling. These symptoms can be particularly bothersome at night or immediately upon waking, which is where specialized nocturnal treatments like Xailin Night are most effective.
What does Xailin Night do? It serves as a protective, lubricating shield for the eye's surface. Unlike eye drops that can quickly wash away, this ointment has a thick, viscous consistency that ensures it remains on the eye throughout the night. It effectively creates a barrier against moisture loss, giving the eye tissues a chance to recover and become more hydrated while you sleep. This prolonged contact is key to providing sustained relief and preventing the discomfort often experienced in the morning.
The Role of Active Ingredients
To achieve its lubricating and protective effects, Xailin Night is formulated with a specific blend of emollients. The key active ingredients include:
- White soft paraffin: A highly viscous lubricant that coats the eye's surface, creating a protective barrier to reduce moisture evaporation.
- White mineral oil: Works in conjunction with the paraffin to form a stable film, providing a smooth and soothing texture.
- Lanolin alcohols: Helps the ointment spread evenly across the eye, ensuring comprehensive coverage and lubrication.
This preservative-free formulation is particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive eyes, who may experience irritation from preservatives found in other eye drops or ointments.
How to Use Xailin Night for Maximum Benefit
For the best results, Xailin Night should be applied just before bedtime. Following the correct procedure is important to ensure both effectiveness and hygiene.
Here are the steps for proper application:
- Wash your hands: Thoroughly wash and dry your hands before beginning to prevent the introduction of bacteria to your eyes.
- Prepare the eye: Tilt your head back slightly and use one finger to gently pull down your lower eyelid, creating a small pocket.
- Apply the ointment: Hold the tube above your eye without letting the tip touch the eye's surface. Squeeze a thin ribbon of ointment, approximately 1 cm long, into the pocket created by the lower eyelid.
- Blink to distribute: Release your lower eyelid and gently close your eye. Blink a few times to spread the ointment evenly across the surface of your eye.
- Repeat if necessary: If you need to treat both eyes, repeat the process for the other eye.
- Manage excess: Gently wipe away any excess ointment from around the eyelid with a clean tissue.
Warnings and Considerations
- Temporary blurred vision: Due to its thick consistency, Xailin Night will cause temporary blurred vision after application. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision has returned to normal.
- Contact lenses: Always remove contact lenses before applying Xailin Night. The oily formula can damage lenses. Wait at least 30 minutes before reinserting them.
- Allergies: If you have a known allergy or sensitivity to any of the ingredients, such as lanolin, avoid using this product.
- Eye infections: Do not use Xailin Night if you have an active eye infection.
- Storage: Store the ointment at the recommended temperature (between 1°C and 25°C) and discard it 28 to 60 days after first opening, depending on specific manufacturer instructions.
Xailin Night vs. Other Eye Lubricants
Eye care comes in many forms, from thin eye drops to thicker gels and ointments. The choice of product often depends on the severity of symptoms and the time of day. Here is a comparison of Xailin Night with some common alternatives.
| Feature | Xailin Night (Ointment) | Standard Eye Drops | Hylo-Night (Ointment) | Carbomer Eye Gel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Nighttime relief | Daytime relief | Nighttime relief | Extended daytime/nighttime relief |
| Consistency | Thick, greasy | Thin, watery | Thick, preservative-free | Gel-like, thicker than drops |
| Duration of Action | Very long-lasting | Short-lived | Very long-lasting | Long-lasting |
| Impact on Vision | Significant temporary blurring | Minimal temporary blurring | Temporary blurring | Temporary blurring |
| Preservative Status | Preservative-free | Varies (some contain) | Preservative-free | Varies |
| Key Ingredients | Paraffin, mineral oil, lanolin | Varies (e.g., Hypromellose, etc.) | Retinol palmitate (Vitamin A), liquid paraffin | Carbomer |
Conclusion
For those suffering from dry eye, particularly those who experience discomfort that disrupts their sleep or greets them in the morning, Xailin Night is a highly effective, preservative-free ointment solution. It works by creating a protective, moisture-retaining barrier with its thick, emollient-based formula, providing long-lasting, soothing relief. While it causes temporary blurred vision, this is a minor trade-off for a full night of protected eye comfort. By understanding what does Xailin Night do and following proper application guidelines, users can significantly improve their dry eye symptoms and overall quality of life. Always remember to consult an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. For further general information on dry eye conditions, the NHS website offers reliable guidance.
