Could Honey be the Answer?

Could Honey be an option to manage your Dry Eye?? Actually yes….

Honey, specifically Manuka Honey, has many therapeutic properties and can be beneficial for management of dry eyes, blepharitis, and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Manuka Honey, a native form of honey from New Zealand honey developed from Leptospermum, contains an antibacterial substance known as methylglyoxal, as well as over 2,000 other natural healing compounds and phenols.

These compounds have antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Clinical studies have shown that Manuka Honey can:

• Improve eye surface health

• Reduce inflammation

• Positively impacts the bacterial flora on the eyelids and ocular surface… think out with the bad and in with the good

• Assist with wound healing

Are there any downsides?? The drops and gels can sting a little on installation. My in practice experience with a lot of patients is that the mild sting on installation is worth the improvements that are seen and felt.

A great preservative free, product range is Melcare’s Optimel Manuka+ Forte Eye Gel and Drops. If you’re bothered by symptoms of dry eyes, blepharitis or MGD these could be a great option.

OptiMel™ is a unique honey-based eye drop shown to be an effective treatment for chronic dry eye, MGD and anterior blepharitis. It reduces the bacterial load on the lid margin and it has been shown to be anti-inflammatory improving signs of redness; as well as improving tear osmolarity, tear break up times, staining and meibum quality. It comes in two forms and can sting a little on instillation but can be a natural way to control inflammation.

We’d recommend you see an eye care professional to discuss if this could be a good option for you.

Disclaimer: The author has no financial interest in any products mentioned. All are opinions are their own.