Understanding Thealoz Preservative-Free Relief from Dry Eye
Product Overview: Thealoz (Trehalose 3%)
Manufacturer: Labtician Thea
Country of Origin: France
Active Ingredient: Trehalose 3% (3g/100mL)
Thealoz® is a preservative-free, pH neutral aqueous solution, produced by Labtician Thea®. This eye drop is used by optometrist and ophthalmologists to treat mild, moderate, or severe cases of dry eye syndrome and is only sold in doctors' offices at this time.
Thealoz works by stabilizing the cell membranes of the exterior epithelial or skin layer of the cornea.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when people produce fewer or poorer quality tears and thus are unable to maintain the normal lubrication of their ocular surface. The majority of dry eye-related symptoms do not spontaneously occur overnight but are a chronic deficiency in tear quality that builds to a breaking point.
10 Most Common Sing & Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome We See in the Clinic
They Just Feel Dry
Burning and Stinging
Sandy or Gritty
Itchiness
Red Eyes
Visual Fluctuations
Headaches
Eyes Feel Tiredness
Mild Light Sensitivity
Watery Eyes
People are often shocked or dismissive that watery eyes can actually be a sign of dry eyes because it seems counterintuitive. Itchiness secondary to dry eyes can also be easily confused with seasonal allergies, resulting in an inappropriate or ineffective treatment being prescribed.
Who Gets Dry Eye
Really anyone can develop a temporary or chronic dry eye. Clinically, however, optometrists tend to see more cases of dry eye in patients wearing contact lenses, or patients using medicated eye drops on a chronic basis such as in the treatment of glaucoma. We also tend to see an increase in dry eye-related symptoms throughout the drier winter months and patients who spend long hours on computer screens or doing concentrated work. Dry eyes may also develop after undergoing vision correction surgeries such as LASIK or PRK.
Dry eye can also develop secondary to some common medications people take, such as:
Allergy Medications (Antihistamines & Decongestants)
Blood Pressure Meds (Hypertension)
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Antidepressants
Ibuprofen
Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy Medications)
How are eye drops used to treat dry eyes?
Eye drops can be prescribed to help with both the signs and symptoms of dry eyes. In the initial stages, non-prescription lubricating drops or gels may be prescribed. These drops typically focus on increasing the aqueous or water layer of your tears, or by stabilizing the lipid or oil layer of the tears. New eye drops like Thealoz® by Labtician Thea® though are starting to focus on restoring and healing the surface skin layer of the eye.
Although it’s important to talk to your optometrist or ophthalmologist about which eye drops are best suited for your type of dry eye. Almost all patients with subjective symptoms secondary to dryness, also show signs of epithelial (skin) damage on their corneas. Using a product such a Thealoz® to help restore this surface membrane helps provide success when other aqueous or lipid based solutions for maintenance.
What is the active ingredient in Thealoz®?
The primary ingredient in Thealoz® is Trehalose. Trehalose is a naturally occurring sugar molecule made up of 2 glucose-molecules. It can be found in bacteria, fungus, plants and invertebrate animals, and is used as an energy source. Trehalose allows these plants and animals to survive freezing and extreme prolonged drought. Its tremendous water retention properties are what make Trehalose well suited for treating dry eyes.
One such plant where Trehalose can be found is the Rose of Jericho, a plant which is almost impossible to kill. Trehalose allows this plant to survive extreme dehydration, freezing, and UV radiation damage.
Dr. Lyndon Jones from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in Canada showed in the DEWS II Management and Therapy Report that Trehalose was clinically proven to play a role in 3 key areas.
Protecting eye cells from drying out
Reduction of eye inflammation
Restoration of the tear film.
Does Preservative-Free Matter?
Preserved eye drops used on a chronic basis in high frequency have been shown to cause irritation, inflammation and damage to the surface of the eye. The opposite result that patients and eye doctors are looking for when trying to treat dry eyes. As such, optometrist and ophthalmologists like cornea specialists will often recommend a preservative-free eye care product in the initial stages of dry eye treatment.
What is the Recommended Dosage of Thealoz®
Depending on the type of dry eye you have, we usually recommend 1 drop of Thealoz® in each eye, 2-6 times per day for at least 4-12 weeks. It’s important to be consistent with the product. Starting and stopping any dry eye treatment prescribed by your eye doctor will lead to frustration and less than desirable clinical outcomes.
It’s important to be proactive with your treatment. Never wait until your eyes feel dry and irritated. Instead, we suggest that patients use their eye drops at the same time every day. Try setting up a recurring reminder on your cell phone if you find that helps.
Recommended Dosage: (please consult your eye doctor)
1 Drop-in each eye
2-6 x per day
4-12 weeks minimum
Can Thealoz be used with contact lenses?
Yes. Thealoz® is approved to be used with or without contact lenses. In fact, we find that Thealoz® is an excellent lubricating eye drop to be used in contact lens wearers every night after removing their lenses. As this drop is formulated to help heal the outer layer of the eye, we’ve seen good results in patients looking to restore irritation from their contact lenses.
8 Reasons we Prescribe Thealoz® Eye Drops to our Patients:
Preservative-Free & Phosphate Free
pH neutral – well-tolerated, less stinging upon usage
Easy to use bottle and as small as a single dose unit
Compatible with hard and soft contact lenses
Adapted for frequent daily use and chronic treatment of dry eye
300 drops per bottle (4 drops per day in each eye ≈ 4 week supply)
Can be used for up to 2 months after opening
Minimal blurring of vision after installation
If you’re interested in Thealoz eye drops you can pick them up in our clinic, or purchase them through our online store and get convenient home delivery.