Not only against wrinkles! In fact, hyaluronic acid, when added to artificial tears, eye drops and contact lenses, is a valid ingredient for treating dry eye and increasing eye hydration and comfort. This is what emerges from a very recent review published in the Molecules journal by a team of Taiwanese scientists (Chang et al, Molecules, 2021).
Hyaluronic acid, what is it and what are its properties
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in our body. We can find it in the skin, in the synovial fluid, which is a lubricating fluid present between the joints, and in the vitreous body, which is the gelatinous mass inside the eye. When hyaluronic acid comes into contact with water, it swells and takes on a spiral shape that gives it a unique elasticity. This is why hyaluronic acid is the precious ingredient in many skin cosmetics but also in eye products.
Hyaluronic acid in eye drops
In fact, hyaluronic acid is beneficial for eye health, as highlighted in the review we are talking about today. By comparing previous data and studies, scientists were able to show that hyaluronic acid is a valid ally against dry eye. When hyaluronic acid is added to artificial tears and eye drops, in fact, it increases their hydration power and extends the action duration. Hyaluronic acid, when added to these eye products, is able to stabilize the tear film as well as to perform an anti-inflammatory action. It has been observed that hyaluronic acid in eye drops helps reduce the symptoms of dry eye syndrome, such as irritation, redness, tired eyes and blurred vision.
Hyaluronic acid and contact lenses
Hyaluronic acid can also be used in contact lenses. In this case, in fact, hyaluronic acid can reduce the roughness of the lens, decreases the accumulation of proteins, which, when deposited on the lens, can cause irritation and blurry vision, and helps to maintain the right degree of hydration by preventing dryness of the eyes. All this improves the comfort of the eye in contact with the lens. Even soaking the lenses overnight in a solution that contains hyaluronic acid has been shown to be useful for the well-being of the eye. In fact, some hyaluronic acid remains on the lens and can be beneficial once the lenses are worn.
