SYSTANE® ULTRA
What is SYSTANE® ULTRA?
The new standard in high-performance dry eye relief, SYSTANE® ULTRA contains a unique intelligent delivery system designed to create a loosely cross-linked network consisting of HP-Guar, borate and sorbitol to help lubricate and protect the ocular surface. This network provides retention of the active demulcents, polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, on the eye, offering long-lasting relief from the symptoms of dry eye.
Upon instillation, the delivery system activates at the first blink, forming a thin coating over the ocular surface. This coating acts like a bandage over damaged cells on the ocular surface, prolonging ocular surface protection by enhancing the integrity of the tear film and allowing a healthy environment for damaged cells to be replaced.
Back to the TopSYSTANE® ULTRA Lubricant Eye Drops Multiphase Mechanism of Action1 with Dynamic Structure
SYSTANE® ULTRA utilizes a unique high performance mechanism of action to provide the ultimate in dry eye therapy: the speed and ease of a drop with the power and lasting protection of a gel.
You see, SYSTANE® ULTRA contains dynamic cross-links between borate-bound HP-Guar segments. These cross-links, dependent on specific formulation excipients and tear components, actually optimize the viscosity of SYSTANE® ULTRA.
With the unique ability to adjust its viscosity, SYSTANE® ULTRA offers an effective delivery system that, when applied to the eye, will interact with the tear film, first to spread rapidly across the surface of the eye, and then to produce a stable interlocking gel network that will adhere to the eye for prolonged periods of time. This viscoelastic network offers the benefits of a drop AND a gel, all in one.
In the bottle
SYSTANE® ULTRA contains an intelligent polymer delivery system designed to create a loosely cross-linked network that consists of HP-Guar, borate and sorbitol.
Upon instillation
The SYSTANE® ULTRA Lubricant Eye Drops delivery system starts to work during the first blink to form a thin, structured shield over the ocular surface, providing immediate protection and comfort.
Rebuilding the tear film system
SYSTANE® ULTRA quickly spreads over the ocular surface, coating damaged areas. After the initial coating forms, SYSTANE® ULTRA releases the sorbitol and interacts with the ions of the tear film.
As sorbitol is released from the eye, the structured network strengthens to form an enhanced protective elastic shield on the ocular surface.
This intelligent polymer system allows for retention of proven demulcents to provide long-lasting lubrication and extended protection.
Back to the TopHow SYSTANE® ULTRA is Different
SYSTANE® ULTRA relies on the same proven system - and many of the same ingredients - as the original SYSTANE®, to help provide comfort and protection. Both include the active demulcents polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, and HP-Guar to bind to the surface of the eye and provide soothing moisture. The difference, however, can be found in two new ingredients: AMP, which keeps SYSTANE® ULTRA at a pH of 7.9 (close to that of most dry eye patients2), and sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that affects cross-linking.
Comparison of the ingredients in SYSTANE® and SYSTANE® ULTRA Lubricant Eye Drops
You see, the ability of borate ions to cross-link with HP-Guar typically results in the formation of a network. This allows SYSTANE® ULTRA to properly bind to the water-repellent surface of the eye. But, HP-Guar shouldn't gel too quickly - in the bottle, or before it's been properly spread across the eye. That's why SYSTANE® ULTRA now contains the crystalline alcohol sorbitol.
Sorbitol competes for bonding to borate and prevents excessive crosslinking between borate and HP-Guar. This creates a unique intelligent system that actually adjusts its viscosity for optimal delivery. This combination of viscosity and elasticity (or viscoelasticity) benefits the patient in several respects:
In the bottle: The high performance delivery system consisting of HP-Guar, borate and sorbitol interact, forming a stable gel-like network designed to lubricate and protect the ocular surface.
Greater comfort at instillation: As this intelligent delivery system mixes with the tear film, the pH adjusts to the natural pH of the eye, optimizing the viscosity of the solution. This allows for a comfortable instillation by improved spreading of the drop over the ocular surface with less blur.
Protective ocular grid: After the initial coating forms, SYSTANE® ULTRA interacts with the divalent ions in the tear film, releasing the sorbitol and allowing stronger cross-linking between borate and HP-Guar. The result is a tightly structured protective grid over damaged areas of the ocular surface.
Rebuilding the tear film: By working with the tear film chemistry and eyelid mechanics, this highly structured protective grid provides retention of proven demulcents (polyethylene glycol/propylene glycol) to allow for long-lasting lubrication and surface protection.
Building on the power of the original SYSTANE®, SYSTANE® ULTRA Lubricant Eye Drops truly extend protection beyond conventional tear relief, to offer the ultimate in dry eye therapy. With its high performance mechanism of action, SYSTANE® ULTRA delivers the exceptional moisture and lubrication of SYSTANE® with long-term performance and retention.
SYSTANE® ULTRA provides the soothing comfort that allows patients to continue daily activities with less interruption from dry eye symptoms. Make SYSTANE® ULTRA Lubricant Eye Drops your choice for first-line dry eye relief.
Back to the TopA Focus on pH
SYSTANE® ULTRA pH in the bottle and in the eye
The tear film of most dry eye patients has been shown to be at a pH level of at least 7.82. SYSTANE® ULTRA has been specially formulated at a pH of 7.9, making it comfortable for both normal and dry eye patients.
SYSTANE® ULTRA has been designed to adjust its pH to that of the tear film upon instillation, leading to optimum comfort and viscosity. That said, SYSTANE® ULTRA has been formulated to be largely pH independent, meaning it will provide a protective shield over the ocular surface, regardless of tear film pH. Indeed, the higher pH found in some dry eye patients actually increases borate availability, resulting in greater elastic protection of the damaged ocular surface.
The unique SYSTANE® ULTRA mechanism of action rebuilds the tear film and allows for surface cell healing
Back to the TopSYSTANE® ULTRA Concomitant Use
A study has shown that the original SYSTANE® Lubricant Eye Drops are effective with Restasis* Ophthalmic Emulsion as an adjunct treatment for moderate to severe cases of dry eye.
To date, no study has been conducted comparing the compatibility of SYSTANE® ULTRA and Restasis*. That said, the active ingredients and preservatives in SYSTANE® ULTRA are the same as those found in the original SYSTANE®. Additionally, the Restasis* package insert states, "Restasis* can be used concomitantly with artificial tears, allowing a 15 minute interval between products."
Back to the Top- Ketelson HA, Davis J, Meadows DL. Characterization of a Novel Polymeric Artificial Tear Delivery System. Poster #A139 presented at ARVO 2008.
- Maurice DM. The Charles Prentice Award Lecture 1989: The Physiology of Tears. Optometry & Vision Science 1990;67(6):391-399.
* Trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
