Carbomer is a hydrophilic, high molecular weight polymer of carboxyvinylic acid. The gel forms a transparent lubricating and moistening film on the surface of the eye. The preparation has a pH similar to that found in the normal tear film and is slightly hypotonic with respect to tears. Carbomer relieves the symptoms of irritation linked with dry eye syndromes and protects the cornea against drying out.
The use of vital stains has provided objective evidence that the corneal and conjunctival epithelial lesions associated with dry eye syndromes show improvement on treatment with Carbomer. The gel remains on the surface of the eye for longer than low viscosity artificial tears and hence, less frequent application is required.
No human pharmacokinetic studies are available, however, absorption or accumulation in ocular tissues is likely to be negligible due to the high molecular weight of carbomer.
No adverse safety issues were detected during the development of this formulation. Carbomer is well established in clinical ophthalmology.
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