This is similar to what happens naturally when lipids are secreted from the meibomian glands (see figure 3) on to the lid margins where they form a reservoir. Blinking puts pressure on the meibomian glands, resulting in a small amount of oil being expressed onto the lid margins, and the lipids that were part of the tear film mix once again with the lipid reservoir on the lid margin. During the opening of the lids, some of the lipids from this reservoir spread onto the tear film, forming a lipid layer [1] Despite this, a 2016 survey of pharmacists*, showed that two out of three respondents were unaware that there are different types of dry eye condition, which have different aetiology, and therefore required different management. Authority to prescribe an Authority medicine is granted for specific indications and/or for certain patient circumstances. Authority may be obtained by telephone to Medicare Australia (known as "phone approval") or in writing from an authorised delegate of the Minister for Health.

while another concludes that treatment with phospholipid liposomes shows statistically significant clinical advantages with better results in the lid parallel conjunctival fold (LIPCOF) test, tear film break-up time (BUT), Schirmer-I test, tear meniscus measurement, inflammation of the lid margins, and visual acuity, compared to conventional artificial tears treatment [1] Three main layers make up the normal tear film. In 80% of people with dry eye, the cause is deficiency or instability of the lipid layer

PHARMACIST ONLY MEDICINE

The sprayed-on phospholipid liposomes reach the lid margins via the same effect and mix with the endogenous lipids to help repair the tear film lipid layer Some PBS medications are restricted and require prior approval from Medicare before a doctor is able to prescribe them on the PBS. This prior approval to prescribe grants the doctor the Authority to prescribe the desired medicine and have it funded under the PBS. Around 40% of community pharmacies see at least one patient a day* who has a concern about their eyes and studies show that up to 30 per cent of the population over the age of 50 experience dry eye symptoms on a regular basis [5] Suitable For: Adults 16 years and over. For dry eyes due to disturbed lipid layer of the tear film.

Liposomal sprays, like Optrex TM ActiMist TM, contain soy lecithin, a phospholipid, which is encapsulated within microscopic spherical liposomal vesicles. Soy lecithin is an emulsifier, which due to its bipolar nature enables the water and oil layers of the eye to work together. How do liposomal sprays work? contains: 10mg Lecithin, 8mg Sodium Chloride, 8mg Ethanol, 0.25mg Vitamin A Palmitate, 0.02mg Vitamin E, Purified water.

Drug Interactions

Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops, for the relief and treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, contains sodium cromoglicate

Optrex Bloodshot Eye Drops, for temporary relief of redness of the eye due to minor eye irritations, contains witch hazel and naphazoline hydrochloride

Check store stock

After applying the spray to the closed eyelid, blinking distributes liposomes evenly over the aqueous layer of the tear film Evidence of the mechanism of action In evaporative dry eye, the meibomian gland (pictured inset) fails to secrete enough oil to maintain the lipid layer of the tear film By recommending liposomal spray for the treatment of EDE, explaining how to use it and importantly, how it works when sprayed on closed eyes, pharmacists can help contribute to ensuring patients receive a treatment that is appropriate, acceptable and will help relieve the symptoms of dry eye. Optrex Infected Eye Drops, for treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis, contains chloramphenicol