What is Poly Visc?
Poly Visc is a brand of lubricating eye ointment specifically designed to treat the symptoms of dry and irritated eyes. Unlike standard eye drops that provide quick but temporary relief, the thick, viscous consistency of Poly Visc forms a protective, smooth film over the surface of the eye. This prolonged coverage makes it a popular choice for overnight use, as it helps prevent the eyes from drying out while you sleep.
The Formulation: Preservative-Free Relief
One of the key features of Poly Visc is that it is preservative-free. Preservatives, while necessary for some multi-dose eye products, can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in individuals with sensitive eyes or those who use the product frequently. The absence of preservatives makes Poly Visc a suitable option for long-term management of dry eye symptoms.
What Does Poly Visc Contain?
The active ingredients in Poly Visc are pharmaceutical excipients that act as lubricants and emollients to protect the eye surface. These are not medically active compounds but provide the physical barrier necessary for relief.
Key Ingredients
- Paraffin (Liquid and White Soft): Paraffin is a petroleum-derived substance known for its occlusive properties. In eye ointments, it acts as a barrier, sealing in the eye's natural moisture and preventing it from evaporating. This prolonged lubrication is essential for managing dry eye symptoms, particularly in severe cases.
- Wool Fat (Lanolin): Sourced from sheep's wool, lanolin is a natural, waxy substance that acts as an emollient. It helps to soothe and moisturize the eye surface, complementing the protective barrier formed by the paraffin.
How to Apply Poly Visc Eye Ointment
Proper application of eye ointment is crucial for both effectiveness and hygiene. Following the correct procedure will ensure the product works as intended and minimize the risk of contamination.
Step-by-Step Application
- Wash Your Hands: Start with clean hands to prevent introducing bacteria into your eye.
- Warm the Tube: You can run the tube under warm water for 20-30 seconds to make the ointment easier to squeeze out.
- Prepare Your Eye: Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket or pouch.
- Apply a Small Amount: Squeeze a small ribbon of ointment (about 1–1.5 cm) into the inner pouch of the lower eyelid.
- Close Your Eye: Slowly close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes, rolling your eyeball in all directions to spread the ointment evenly.
- Wipe Excess: Use a clean tissue to carefully wipe away any excess ointment from around the eye.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Like any medical product, Poly Visc may cause some side effects, and it is important to be aware of precautions before use.
Common Side Effects
- Temporary Blurred Vision: This is the most common side effect due to the ointment's thick consistency. It is why the product is often recommended for bedtime use. You should not drive or operate machinery until your vision clears.
- Minor Eye Irritation: Some users may experience a mild, temporary burning or stinging sensation upon application.
- Sticky Eyelashes: The ointment can sometimes cause eyelashes to feel matted or sticky.
Important Precautions
- Consult a Doctor: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if irritation persists or increases, or if you experience eye pain, vision changes, or persistent redness.
- Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before applying Poly Visc. The ointment can damage soft contact lenses.
- Prevent Contamination: Do not touch the tube tip to your eye or any other surface.
- Expiry: Discard the tube 28 days after opening to prevent infection from potential contamination.
Poly Visc vs. Other Eye Lubricants
Eye care aisles are filled with options, but understanding the differences can help you choose the right product. Here is a comparison to illustrate the unique role of Poly Visc.
| Feature | Poly Visc Ointment | Artificial Tear Drops | Eye Gels (e.g., Systane Gel Drops) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Thick, greasy ointment | Thin, watery liquid | Thicker than drops, less viscous than ointment |
| Primary Use | Nighttime relief, severe dry eye | Quick, short-term hydration | Moderate dry eye, longer relief than drops |
| Duration of Effect | Long-lasting (hours) | Short-acting (minutes) | Longer-lasting than drops |
| Visual Impact | Causes temporary blurred vision | Minimal to no blurriness | Can cause temporary mild blurriness |
| Preservatives | Preservative-free | Can be multi-dose (with preservatives) or single-use (preservative-free) | Typically preservative-free |
| Application | Once or twice daily, often at bedtime | Multiple times throughout the day as needed | Several times daily, or as needed |
Alternatives to Poly Visc
While Poly Visc is highly effective for specific needs, other options are available depending on the severity and cause of your dry eye.
- Different Lubricant Types: This includes artificial tear drops for quick hydration or gel drops for longer-lasting relief without the significant blur of an ointment.
- Prescription Medications: For chronic or severe dry eye, a doctor might prescribe treatments like cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion (e.g., Restasis) or lifitegrast (e.g., Xiidra).
- Punctal Plugs: These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, helping to keep tears on the eye's surface for longer.
- Lifestyle Changes and Supplements: Simple measures like using a humidifier, wearing wraparound sunglasses, or taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help.
Conclusion
What is Poly Visc for? It is a powerful, preservative-free eye ointment designed to provide long-lasting lubrication and protection for dry, irritated eyes, particularly during the night. Its unique thick formula, composed of paraffin and wool fat, creates a durable protective film, offering significant relief for those whose symptoms are not adequately managed by standard eye drops. By understanding its specific use case, ingredients, and proper application, individuals with severe dry eye can effectively utilize Poly Visc to improve comfort and protect their ocular surface.
For more detailed information on medications like Poly Visc, reliable resources such as NPS MedicineWise provide comprehensive medical data. [https://www.nps.org.au/medicine-finder/poly-visc-lubricating-eye-ointment]
