Evolve is an exciting new range of products to relieve dry eye symptoms. The Evolve range consists out of four different formulations, each with different active ingredients.  The Evolve range was developed using Generation 2 technology and is a preservative free delivery system which combines the benefits of unit dose preservative free eye drops with the convenience of a standard eye drop bottle. It has a soft, squeezable bottle to improve ease of use offering the blue tip technology designed to improve accuracy of dispensing a drop (so it ends up in the eye and not on your cheek!) and maintaining a preservative free environment. All the drops in the Evolve range is preservative and phosphate free and can be used while wearing contact lenses. The bottle must be discarded three months after first opening.

How does it work?

Each of the formulations have a different active ingredient, targeting dry eye problems in different ways.

Evolve HA 0.2 %

Contains Sodium Hyaluronate 0.2 % as the active ingredient. Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring, biocompatible material with unique viscoelastic and hygroscopic (can absorb and hold water molecules from the surrounding environment) properties. It is found in significant amounts in synovial fluid in joints and in the vitreous humour inside the eye. Owing to the large number of negative charges on the molecule, sodium hyaluronate is capable of holding large quantities of water, and thus lubricating surrounding structures. It stays on the eye for a long time and it has been shown to have protective effects on the corneal epithelium.

Evolve Carmellose 0.5 %

Contains Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) 0.5 %. This increases the retention time of tears on the eye surface as well as increase the viscosity of tears, making it slightly thicker. It is a high-molecular weight polysaccharide and is one of the most common viscous polymers used in artificial tears. CMC is well-known for its mucoadhesive and viscous properties. It binds to corneal epithelial cells and remains bound for at least several hours.  It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of aqueous tear-deficient dry eye symptoms and ocular surface staining.

CMC is widely used after vision correction laser surgery (LASIK) to accelerate post-operative ocular surface recovery and to minimize dry eye symptoms. It has been reported to be effective in reducing the incidence of epithelial defects during LASIK. It also has cytoprotective properties on the ocular surface when used before contact lens insertion. Contact lenses preconditioned with Carboxymethylcellulose before insertion produces less corneal staining and limbal and conjunctival redness and are more comfortable to wear than nonconditioned lenses. This is ideal for patients wearing ortho-k lenses.

Evolve Hypromellose 0.3 %

Hypromellose is a soothing emollient solution with properties and uses similar to those of methylcellulose. The advantage over methylcellulose are that mucilages of hypromellose have greater clarity and fewer undispersed fibres are usually present. It was patented as a semisynthetic substitute for the tear film. It is highly water-soluble and as a result aid in visual clarity. When applied, a hypromellose solution acts to swell and absorb water, thereby expanding the thickness and increasing the stability of the tear film. It prolongs the action of medicated eye drops and is used as artificial tears to prevent damage to the cornea in dry eye syndromes.

It may be used to moisten hard and soft contact lenses and artificial eyes.

Evolve Eyelid Wipes

Preservative free, detergent free wipes for daily eyelid cleansing. It is ideal to wipe away debris and crusting from the eyelids which can occur in patients who suffer from blepharitis. Patients who suffer from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction can use the wipes as part of their daily eyelid hygiene routine. After applying a hot compress (wheat bag) for a few minutes, massage the eyelids to express the thickened oil and gently wipe away the oil and debris for the lid margins.

It can also be used to remove any sticky discharge in conjunctivitis. It is recommended that a clean wipe is used for each eye to avoid the spread of the infection.

The wipes are gentle enough for sensitive skin, babies and adults.