KimaCell®HPMC E4M Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, commonly known as hypromellose, is inexpensive and readily available in preserved and non-preserved formulations. However, this treatment may need to be done very frequently in order to achieve adequate relief, so a thicker product is often required.
There are a variety of over-the-counter treatments that can help people with mild dry eye. Over-the-counter treatments for dry eye come in several different formulations, including drops, gels, creams, ointments, and sprays. Some of these formulations are called "artificial tears."
HPMC E4M ( 9004 65 3 ) Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) | |
Physical Analysis | |
Appearance | White to slightly off-white fibrous or granular powder. |
Identification A to E | Conform |
Solution appearance | Conform |
Methoxy | 28.0-30.0% |
Hydroxypropoxy | 7.0-12.0% |
Loss on drying | 5.0% Max |
Residue on ignition | 1.5% Max |
pH | 5.0-8.0 |
Apparent viscosity | 3200-4800cps |
Particle size | Min. 98% pass through 100 mesh |
Heavy Metals | |
Heavy Metal | ≤10ppm |
Arsenic | ≤3ppm |
Lead | ≤3ppm |
Mercury | ≤1ppm |
Cadmium | ≤1ppm |
Micro bacteria | |
Total plate count | ≤1000cfu/g |
Yeast and Mould | ≤100cfu/g |
Coli form | Absent/g |
Salmonella | Absent/g |
KimaCell® HPMC E4M( 9004 65 3 ) is widely used in eyedrops. The most commonly prescribed artificial tear is hypromellose.
Carbomer 980 binds moisture to the eye surface, increasing water retention time. This is great for overnight use or when you need extended protection during the day.
Patients are advised not to drive if their vision is blurred from the use of gels, ointments, or creams. Some formulations may cause blurred vision when used, so patients are advised to test new products before having to drive. Blurring usually disappears after a few minutes.
Inform patients that carbomer-based gels tend to cause less blurring than ointments. The viscosity of carbomer decreases when it comes in contact with the eyes.
If a patient's blurred vision is an issue, they are advised to try a different formulation. There are many different formulations, including drops, gels, creams, ointments, and sprays.
If dry eye is severe, or if symptoms persist (chronic), a lubricant with increased viscosity, such as sodium hyaluronate, may be needed. Sodium hyaluronate stays on the surface of the eye longer than other artificial tears such as hypromellose. Studies have shown that sodium hyaluronate is more effective than other formulations, such as hypromellose, carbomer, or carboxymethylcellulose, in relieving symptoms, especially in more severe cases of dry eye. If dry eye is severe or chronic, it can cause corneal pain, ulceration, or scarring. In some rare cases, vision loss can result.