Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes: A Detailed Review of Hylo-Forte
Hey everyone, welcome back! Today, I have an exciting video lined up because we're diving into my favorite eye drops for dry eyes. If you're new here, welcome! I'm Antonio, an optometrist. When I'm not in the clinic seeing patients, I'm here making videos all about eye care. So, if you haven't subscribed yet, consider hitting that button—you'll definitely learn something valuable. But if you’re just here to hang out, that’s awesome too!
I've wanted to make this video for a while because I get tons of questions about the best eye drops for dry eyes. As an optometrist who deals with irritated eyes daily, recommending the right eye drop is crucial. That’s why I’ve made it a point to try out every eye drop available, so I can give you the best advice for your situation. And just to be clear—this isn’t a sponsored video. I have no affiliation with the manufacturers. I’m simply sharing a product that works great for me, and I carry it everywhere—one in my bag, one at work, and even one in my pocket for when my eyes get dry.
Let’s Talk About the Product
The eye drop I’m talking about today is called Hylo-Forte. It’s been a favorite among optometrists for a long time. Manufactured by Ursapharm, a primarily European company, this product has a strong reputation. A fun fact: the German version has a sleeker design and is called "Hylo-Gel." I wish that design and name would catch on in Australia and New Zealand, where I practice, because "Hylo-Forte" can be a bit confusing for patients. I sometimes even wonder if I’m pronouncing it correctly—is it “Hylo-Forte” or “Hylo-Fort”? I usually go with what everyone else says, but “Hylo-Gel” would be much simpler!
What’s Inside?
The active ingredient in Hylo-Forte is sodium hyaluronate. This might sound like a mouthful—and honestly, I’m not sure if I’m pronouncing it correctly—but it’s a salt derived from hyaluronic acid. You might recognize hyaluronic acid from skincare products. It’s a natural lubricant in our body, helping tissues and joints move smoothly. Think of it as WD-40, but for your eyes (and no, don’t actually put WD-40 in your eyes—Hylo-Forte is what you need).
Research shows that sodium hyaluronate can improve dry eye symptoms by reducing friction and irritation. Since it’s naturally present in our bodies, it typically doesn’t cause major side effects, which is a huge plus. Also, Hylo-Forte is preservative-free, making it a great option for those allergic to preservatives in other eye drops.
The Benefits and Drawbacks
Hylo-Forte isn’t a miracle cure for dry eyes—dry eye is a complex condition that requires a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from an optometrist. However, for general use, Hylo-Forte is a fantastic option. It’s preservative-free, safe to use with contact lenses, and features a user-friendly design.
Speaking of design, Ursapharm has nailed it with their "COMOD" (Continuous Mono Dose) technology. With just one pump, the bottle dispenses exactly one drop, making it easy to use even for someone like me who struggles with eye drops. You can even apply it horizontally, which is a game changer!
What Could Be Better?
Now, a couple of things I’d love to see improved. First, the labeling. The similarity between Hylo-Forte and Hylo-Fresh, another product from the same company, is confusing for patients. They’re basically the same product, just in different concentrations. I often have patients coming back with the wrong product because they look so similar.
Secondly, the price. Hylo-Forte is one of the most expensive eye drops available, which can be a barrier for price-conscious patients. Luckily, other brands like Murine are offering similar products at a lower cost. I haven’t tried the Murine drops yet, but I plan to review them soon. If you don’t want to miss that, be sure to subscribe!
Final Thoughts
So, is Hylo-Forte worth it? Absolutely. If you suffer from dry eyes and want a reliable solution with minimal side effects, Hylo-Forte is a top choice. However, remember that dry eyes can have many causes, so it’s essential to see an optometrist for a full diagnosis. Hylo-Forte might be great, but it might not be the perfect solution for your specific condition.
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