Artelak Balance sterile solution is designed to moisturize and lubricate the mucous membrane of the eye.
The properties of the medicine resemble natural tears.
It provides protection for the corneal epithelium from the harmful effects of extraneous factors.
There are few contraindications. Do not use if you are hypersensitive to one of the components or for burns of any origin. The medicine is available, costs about 500–600 rubles.
More information about the drug can be found here
Composition of drops and their effects
The active ingredient of Artelac is hyaluronic acid, which is found in human tears. Due to this, the drops provide natural hydration, soothe irritated mucous membranes and do not cause side effects.
Composition of Artelak drops:
| Balance | splash | |
| Active substance | 0.15% sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) | 3.2 mg hypromellose |
| Excipients | Polyethylene glycol, sodium potassium chloride, boric acid, vitamin B12, calcium chloride dihydrate, magnesium chloride hexahydrate and oxide | Edetate disodium, disodium phosphate dodecahydrate, cetrimide, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, sorbitol and distilled water |
Eye drops do not change the physiological state of the surface of the eye. They moisturize, protect and lubricate the mucous membrane. The product acts as a natural lubricant. After its use, a protective film is formed on the surface of the eye.
Electrolytes in the drops normalize metabolic processes in cells
Improvements can be noticed immediately after use, but a long-term effect occurs after 3 days. Complete cure is possible after 2-3 weeks of treatment.
Analogs
In the pharmacy chain, moisturizing drops are presented in a wide range. In terms of their therapeutic characteristics, the analogues of Artelak drops are very similar, however, prices for different drugs differ depending on the manufacturer. Among the high-quality analogues recommended for daily use, we should highlight:
- Hilo Kea
- Oftagel
- Vet-Chest
- Gipromedol-P.
Indications and contraindications
Indications for the use of Artelak eye drops:
- burns of the cornea or conjunctiva after surgery;
- keratoplasty and plastic surgery on the eyelids;
- dry mucous membranes caused by environmental factors;
- previous conjunctivitis;
- trophic changes, microtraumas, erosions, keratopathy, lagophthalmos, eyelid deformation;
- dry eye syndrome;
- fatigue, feeling of “sand”, burning, irritation and redness;
- discomfort when wearing contact lenses;
- decreased secretion of natural tears.
According to the instructions for use of the drug Artelak, it should not be used if you are individually intolerant to the components in the composition. Contraindications include the acute phase of a burn during the elimination of toxic substances. Do not combine drops with eye products that contain metal compounds.
After instillation of Artelak or Artelak Uno, at least 15 minutes must pass before using other eye drops.
Recommendations for use
Splash Uno drops are recommended to be used as needed, placing one drop in both eyes. It should be noted that patient reviews of this drug are mostly positive. Therefore, it can be safely used for everyday use.
The bottle of moisturizing solution has a special shape. It is designed in such a way that the composition remains sterile without the use of special preservatives. However, in order for the drops to remain flawless during use, some rules should be followed:
- Each time before instilling Uno drops, the protective cap must be removed carefully, without touching the pipette with your fingers.
- According to the instructions, to carry out the instillation process, you need to place your thumb and index finger on the oval plate of the dispenser, and support the bottle from below with your little finger.
- Before instilling the drug for the first time, press the dispenser 7-8 times until the first drop appears.
- Then you need to take a comfortable position with your head tilted, and holding the bottle above your eye, drop the product into your eye.
- To achieve the best therapeutic effect, you need to close your eyes and move them closed in different directions.
- To avoid contamination of the bottle, do not touch the surface of your eyes.
- After use, the bottle with Splash drops must be securely closed with the cap.
According to the instructions, Artelak Splash drops can be instilled when using contact lenses without removing them.
Differences between Artelak Balance and Artelak Splash
When purchasing eye drops, you may have a choice between Artelak Balance and Artelak Splash drops. How are these tools different? The main difference is the speed of onset of the effect and the duration of action. Balance promotes long-term hydration, thanks to the “protector” component in the composition. It should be used if there is insufficient secretion of natural tears.
The splash provides instant hydration. It should be used when symptoms of irritation and dryness occur periodically, for example, when eyes are tired at the end of the working day or when wearing contact lenses.
There are no preservatives in Splash, but despite this, the drug is suitable for months after opening the bottle.
The balance contains an oxide preservative, thanks to which the drug can be stored for 2 months after opening the bottle. When it comes into contact with the mucous membrane, the substance breaks down into water, oxygen and sodium chloride.
The prices for these two products are the same, 400-450 rubles.
Artelak is produced in Germany. They go through all stages of quality control, so they rarely have a negative impact. The drops are safe even for infants in their first days of life.
Author: Oksana Belokur, doctor, especially for Okulist.pro
Why is hyaluronate needed?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component that is normally present in many tissues of the human body. Takes a direct part in binding and transporting water, providing constant hydration. It has unique viscoelastic and hygroscopic properties. This ensures the widespread use of Artelac Balance or Splash for dry eye syndrome for moisturizing. This condition develops when:
- long periods of work at the computer;
- harmful working and production conditions;
- constantly wearing contact lenses;
- surgical intervention for myopia or farsightedness;
- previous infectious and inflammatory diseases of the eye;
- taking oral contraceptives, adrenergic blockers, antispasmodics, antiallergic and diuretics.
In these conditions, increased evaporation of tear fluid occurs, resulting in discomfort and the eye becoming vulnerable to injury and infection. The main group of consumers of these drugs are young people from 20 to 45 years old. In ophthalmological practice in the elderly, solutions are used for endocrinological pathologies that affect tear formation.
Differences from analogues
The advantage of the solutions is the high degree of purification of hyaluronate, which minimizes the likelihood of developing allergies. An important advantage of drops is the ability to instill them without removing contact lenses. Vitamin B12 in the “Balance” solution protects the surface of the eye from the effects of free radicals formed during inflammation due to trauma or an infectious process.
A systematic review compared sodium hyaluronate (SH) with other (non-SH-containing) artificial tears for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. A literature search for clinical trials was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register and Scopus databases for the first half of 2021. The majority of the 18 studies selected for review showed superiority of GN in symptom management (1).
Which is better to choose?
Artelak Splash and Balance ophthalmic drops, the difference of which lies in the composition and amount of hyaluronic acid. Can be used for increased eye strain in modern working conditions or certain pathological conditions.
Due to the higher concentration of the active component, Splash drops are better suited for severe discomfort from contact lenses; systemic health problems and the use of medications that pose a risk to the eyes.
Balance solution will cope with the prevention and treatment of “dry eyes” when working at the computer, fatigue and redness. Additional fortification with cyanocobalamin will help protect the surface of the eye from the harmful effects of strong light sources, providing an antioxidant effect.
Office workers will find Uno tools convenient, as they are easier to use without being distracted from work or other matters. One-time use eliminates microbial contamination of the medicinal solution, and the absence of preservatives in the composition allows it to be used if you are prone to allergies.
Splash drops in any bottle size will cost about 15% less than Balance.
If pain, burning and foreign body sensation in the eyes persist when using drops, you should consult an ophthalmologist. The symptoms described may be a sign of infection or other eye pathology.
Analogues of the drug
The main analogues of Artelac, containing a similar active substance and having a droplet form of release, include medications from the table below:
| Name of analogue, manufacturer | Active ingredients | Main properties of the drug | Current cost in pharmacies |
| Optiv, USA | Carmellose, glycerol | Protects the corneal epithelium, increases the stability of the tear film. | 430 rub. for 10 ml |
| Lakrisin, Czech Republic | Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose | Keratoprotective effect, protection of the cornea from the effects of negative factors | 230 rub. per bottle of 10 ml. |
| Defislez, Russia | Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose | Protection of the corneal epithelium, softening and moisturizing in case of insufficient tear production | 45 rub. for 10 ml of solution |
| Hypromelose-P, Slovak Republic | Hypromellose | Moisturizes, softens, protects and lubricates the cornea. Relieving hyperemia, reducing foci of inflammation, accelerating epithelization processes. | From 150 rub. for a container with 10 ml. |
| Artificial tear, Russia | Hypromellose | Keratoprotection, lubrication and protection of ocular structures, stabilization of the optical properties of the tear film, increasing the effectiveness of other ophthalmic agents. | 100–150 rub. |
| Slesin, Romania | Hypromellose, dextran | Moisturizing and protecting the anterior part of the eyeball, replenishing the deficiency of tear secretion. | 212 or more rubles. |
Other medications that can compensate for the lack of the original are Oksial, Hilo-Komod, Visomitin, Vizin, Oftalmoferon, Lakropos, Oftolik, Systein-Ultra, Vet-Komod. Cheap analogues of Artelak include such pharmacological products as Vixipin (175 rubles), Taurine (from 20 rubles).
The use of any Artelac analogues is permitted after consultation with the treating specialist. It is strictly not recommended to use any substitutes for the original product yourself, without the approval of a doctor.
Cheap analogues
Most similar drugs are 200–300 rubles cheaper. If it is not possible to buy an expensive patented medicine, buy a cheap substitute with the same effect.
Avizor Comfort Drops
The composition of the medicine is similar to human tears. Works similarly to Artelak Balance. Avizor Comfort Drops is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the components.
To prevent infections, do not touch the tip of the bottle with dirty hands, a table or other untreated surfaces.
The ophthalmic product cannot be used for more than 60 days from the date the bottle is opened.
Cost - 300 rubles.
Vial tear
Used daily to naturally moisturize the mucous membrane. The vial helps maintain protective functions even in extremely dry conditions.
It is recommended for those who like to read books, during activities associated with increased visual stress and to cleanse the mucous membranes of dust and allergens.
Cost - 150 rubles.
View-Chest of drawers
Effective for dry eyes caused by mucin deficiency. Vid-Komod eliminates burning sensation and hyperemia.
Contraindicated for use in pediatric cataracts. Allowed during pregnancy and lactation.
Price - 206 rub.
