Understanding Dry Eye Disease and the Role of EvoTears
Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition of the eyes characterized by an unstable tear film, which can lead to inflammation and damage to the ocular surface [1.7.1]. It affects millions of people worldwide, with symptoms like burning, itching, and fluctuating vision [1.7.1, 1.7.2]. A primary cause of DED is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), where the glands that produce the oily layer of the tear film are blocked or dysfunctional. This leads to rapid evaporation of tears, a condition known as evaporative dry eye [1.4.1].
EvoTears® is a novel, water-free eye drop designed specifically to address this issue [1.8.4]. Its sole ingredient is perfluorohexyloctane [1.3.2]. This substance acts as a protective layer over the tear film, mimicking the function of the natural lipid layer to prevent evaporation [1.2.1, 1.4.5]. By doing so, it stabilizes the tear film, provides long-lasting relief from symptoms, and protects the ocular surface [1.4.1].
How Perfluorohexyloctane Works
Perfluorohexyloctane is a semifluorinated alkane that is lipophilic (oil-like) [1.2.1, 1.3.2]. When applied, it spreads rapidly across the eye's surface [1.4.5]. It forms a very thin monolayer over the aqueous part of the tear film [1.4.5]. This layer directly counters the primary problem in evaporative dry eye: the rapid evaporation of tears. Unlike traditional artificial tears that primarily add moisture, EvoTears works by preserving the existing tears [1.4.1]. Preclinical studies show that it has a long-lasting presence in the tear film and can penetrate the meibomian glands, which may act as a depot for the drug [1.4.1, 1.4.5]. It is also preservative-free, which reduces the risk of irritation that can be caused by preservatives found in many other eye drops [1.8.4].
Global Availability: Where to Purchase EvoTears
The ability to purchase EvoTears depends largely on your geographic location. It has been available in several international markets since 2015 [1.3.3, 1.5.1].
Europe and the UK
In Europe, EvoTears is widely available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product in pharmacies [1.10.1]. You can purchase it in countries such as Germany, France, the UK, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands without a prescription [1.10.2, 1.10.3]. In the UK, it is marketed under the brand name Hycosan Shield™ [1.10.2]. Many online pharmacies based in these regions also offer shipping to other countries, including the United States [1.2.3, 1.3.5]. This has become a common way for US patients to access the European formulation, often at a lower cost than its US equivalent [1.3.5].
Australia and New Zealand
In Australia and New Zealand, perfluorohexyloctane is marketed under the brand name NovaTears® [1.10.2]. It is available for purchase from pharmacies and is also listed on Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which makes it available at a government-subsidized price [1.10.2].
United States: The Introduction of Miebo
In the United States, you cannot buy EvoTears directly under that brand name. However, the exact same medication (100% perfluorohexyloctane) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2023 under the brand name Miebo™ [1.3.3, 1.5.2].
Miebo is the first and only FDA-approved treatment that directly targets tear evaporation [1.4.1, 1.5.2]. Unlike its over-the-counter status in Europe, Miebo is available by prescription only in the United States [1.4.1, 1.6.1]. The wholesale acquisition cost for a one-month supply of Miebo is approximately $771, although the final price for patients can vary significantly based on insurance coverage [1.6.1, 1.6.2]. Patients with commercial insurance may be eligible for co-pay programs that reduce the out-of-pocket cost [1.6.1].
Canada
While not officially sold directly in Canadian pharmacies under the EvoTears or Miebo brand, Canadians can import the medication for personal use from international online pharmacies, such as those in the UK [1.11.2, 1.11.3].
Comparison: EvoTears/Miebo vs. Traditional Eye Drops
To understand the unique place of EvoTears/Miebo in the dry eye market, it's helpful to compare it to conventional treatments.
| Feature | EvoTears / Miebo (Perfluorohexyloctane) | Traditional Lubricating Eye Drops (Artificial Tears) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Forms a protective lipid layer to prevent tear evaporation [1.4.1]. | Supplements the aqueous (water) layer of the tear film [1.9.4]. |
| Composition | Water-free, preservative-free, single ingredient [1.4.1]. | Water-based, may contain preservatives, lubricants, and electrolytes [1.9.4]. |
| Primary Target | Evaporative Dry Eye / Meibomian Gland Dysfunction [1.4.3]. | General dry eye, aqueous deficiency [1.9.2]. |
| Prescription Status | Prescription-only in the US (Miebo); OTC in Europe/Australia [1.5.2, 1.10.1]. | Mostly available over-the-counter (OTC) [1.9.4]. |
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
The most common side effect reported in clinical trials for Miebo was temporary blurred vision, experienced by 1-3% of patients [1.4.3]. Other less frequent side effects can include eye irritation, burning, or itching upon application [1.8.1]. It is important to note that EvoTears/Miebo should not be used while wearing contact lenses. Lenses should be removed before application and not reinserted for at least 30 minutes [1.2.1, 1.4.3].
Conclusion
In summary, if you are wondering where can I buy EvoTears?, the answer depends on your location. It is readily available over-the-counter in Europe, the UK, and Australia (as EvoTears, Hycosan Shield, or NovaTears). In the United States, the identical formulation requires a prescription and is sold under the brand name Miebo. Its unique mechanism of action, which targets tear evaporation, makes it a significant first-in-class treatment for the majority of dry eye sufferers whose condition is driven by MGD [1.3.3, 1.4.1]. Always consult with an eye care professional to determine if this medication is the right choice for your specific condition.
For more in-depth information on the clinical data behind perfluorohexyloctane, you can review materials provided by the American Academy of Ophthalmology [1.7.1].
