From the Guidelines
Gallery eye drops are artificial tears used to relieve dry eye symptoms, and I recommend using preservative-free Gallery eye drops 1-4 times daily as needed for dry eye relief. For most people, this can provide significant relief from dry eye symptoms. When using Gallery eye drops, it is essential to follow proper application techniques, such as tilting your head back, pulling down your lower eyelid to create a pocket, and placing the drop in this pocket without touching the eye or eyelid with the tip 1.
Key Considerations
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.
- To apply, close your eyes for 1-2 minutes and press gently on the inner corner of your eye to prevent drainage.
- Gallery eye drops work by lubricating the eye surface and supplementing your natural tears with ingredients like carboxymethylcellulose or hyaluronic acid.
- It is crucial to discard each single-use vial after opening to maintain sterility and prevent contamination.
Additional Recommendations
- Patients should be educated on the importance of complete blinking and blinking frequency, especially when using visual display terminals 1.
- Environmental considerations, such as avoiding excess dryness caused by wind or dry environments, should also be taken into account 1.
- A comprehensive patient assessment should be performed to identify and potentially modify or eliminate systemic and topical medications that may contribute to the patient’s condition 1.
Important Notes
- If your dry eye symptoms persist despite regular use of Gallery eye drops, consult an eye care professional as you may need prescription-strength treatments or have an underlying condition requiring different management.
- Preservative-free artificial tears are recommended for patients with poor ocular surface condition or those who frequently instill artificial tears (> 4 times/day) 1.
From the Research
Definition and Purpose of Gallery Eye Drops
- Gallery eye drops, also known as artificial tears, are used to lubricate the eyes and provide relief from dryness and irritation 2, 3, 4.
- They are often recommended for patients with mild dry eye symptoms, and can be used in conjunction with other treatments for more severe cases 2.
Types of Artificial Tears
- There are various types of artificial tears available, including lipid-containing lubricants (LCLs) which have been shown to be effective in improving symptoms and signs of dry eye 3.
- LCLs can help to improve the lipid layer structure of the tear film, reduce tear evaporation, and increase tear breakup time 3.
Treatment of Dry Eye Disease
- Artificial tears are a common treatment for dry eye disease, but may not be sufficient for moderate to severe cases, which may require anti-inflammatory drugs or other therapies 2, 4.
- The treatment of dry eye disease has evolved to include a range of options, including secretagogues, topical androgens, and new anti-inflammatory drugs 2, 4.
Importance of Ocular Surface Health
- The ocular surface can be affected by the use of eyedrops, including antiallergic eyedrops, which can potentially alter tear homeostasis and increase the risk of dry eye disease 5.
- It is essential to evaluate the safety and tolerability of eyedrops, including their impact on the ocular surface, to minimize the risk of iatrogenic diseases such as dry eye disease 5.