Melcare's Antibacterial Optimel™ Manuka+ Forte Gel contains a standardised antibacterial Manuka honey developed from Leptospermum sp. and is preservative free. Contains 98% Manuka Honey specially formulated for eyes and are used morning and evening.

Suitable for:

• Aqueous tear deficiency
• Meibomian disease
• Corneal erosion
• Colonised ocular surface

Optimel Antibacterial Manuka+ Forte Gel Drops helps improve eye surface health and reduce inflammation.

Optimel Antibacterial Manuka Eye Drops assist the surface health of the eye by creating a microenvironment that supports healing and prevents further damage. When applied to the surface of the eye, Optimel Antibacterial Manuka Eye Drops provide a barrier that through low pH, acts on bacteria that may potentially colonise the traumatised surface. 

Patients with tear deficiency and meibomian gland disease have an overgrowth of ocular flora. This overgrowth is thought to contribute to the tear film instability and ocular surface damage. Both topical and systemic antibiotics can significantly reduce the Colony Forming Units (CFUs) in eyes with chronic lid disease. With the increase of resistance among ocular pathogens (Cernak et al 2011) ,the efficacy of antibiotic therapeutic regimens is being reduced. 

Application of Optimel Antibacterial Manuka Eye Drops 3 times daily to the inferior conjunctival fornix and lower lid margins can significantly reduce CFUs from baseline at month 1 and month 3 in the eyelids and conjunctiva of patients with dry eye caused by tear deficiency and/or meibomian gland disease (Albietz and Lenton 2006). 

Reduction of CFUs reduces the potential susceptibility of the dry eye patient to bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis. The reduction in CFUs may also assist in improving the clinical symptoms of dry eye disease by reducing the production of certain bacterial lipases that are thought to hydrolyse meibomian gland lipids. 

Albietz and Lenton also reported that the application of antibacterial Leptospermum sp honey (Manuka) was associated with signficant clinical improvements in dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction. The only adverse effects noted with the use of Optimel Antibacterial Manuka Eye Drops in the eye are stinging and redness. No serious adverse effects are noted. It is recommended that the use of the Optimel Antibacterial Manuka Eye Drops be initially managed under the supervision of an eye care practitioner. 

1. Cernak M, Majtanova N, Cernak A, and Majtan J. (2011) Honey Prophylaxis Reduces the Risk of Endophthalmitis During Perioperative Period of Eye Surgery. Phytother. Res. 26: 613–616. 

2. Albietz, J.M. and Lenton, L.M. (2006) Effect of antibacterial honey on the ocular flora in tear deficiency and meibomian gland disease. Cornea. 25. (9): 1012-1019 

3. Al-Waili NS. Investigating the antimicrobial activity of natural honey and its effects on the pathogenic bacterial infections of surgical wounds and conjunctiva"; J Medicinal Food 2004; 7(2): 210-222 

4. Mansour AM. Epithelial corneal oedema treated with honey. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology 2002; 30: 149-150 

PRECAUTIONS 

• Single patient use only
• Use should be managed under the supervision of an eye care professional.
• For any reaction other than the transient stinging and redness, cease use and contact your eye care professional.
• DO NOT use if hypersensitive to bee products or food gums.
• Do not instil whilst wearing contact lenses. Wait atleast 30 minutes before inserting lenses.
• Replace cap after use.
• Make sure tamper seal on the box is in place before first use. The tube itself is not sealed as the box is.
• Discard tube 2 months after opening - write the date on the tube with a felt tipped pen