To support eyecare professionals (ECPs) and patients with dry eyes and sensitive periocular skin, Scope Health (Scope) is rolling out the latest addition to its OPTASE LIFE range of preservative-free (PF) eyecare beauty solutions: the OPTASE LIFE Sensitive Eye Daily Renewal Cream.
And in light of this launch, Glance President Jaclyn Garlich, OD, FAAO, spoke with two dry eye experts—Cory Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO, of The Dry Eye Center of Ohio in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lisa Hornick, OD, FAAO, of Stanford Ranch Optometry in Rocklin, California—on their approach to ensuring overall eye health and recommending solutions for all patients.
Let’s stick with this topic of eye health and care.
Dr. Hornick typically recommends that her patients practice daily lid hygiene, use artificial tears (check out this OPTASE brand that protects the ocular surface), and, if need be, apply cool compresses to the eyes.
Do these recommendations differ for male versus female patients and doctors?
Regardless of whether speaking to a male or female patient, Dr. Lappin noted that eyelid hygiene is crucial for all—though an optometrist’s approach may be different depending on the gender.
“Females tend to be more comfortable about using products around their eyes and thinking about proper hygiene, whereas male patients just don’t think about it as much,” he said.
- As a result: Male patients are typically more prone to having debris on their lashes or red and irritated eyes—so the conversation may be geared more toward ensuring they’re cleaning not just their face and hair but their eyes as well.
And how does this generally compare to a conversation with female patients?
Definitely different. And the more common usage of cosmetic products—as well as insufficient makeup removal—among this patient base also translates to an even greater need for proper lid hygiene, according to Dr. Hornick.
“Bacteria and Demodex just love to hang out in the lid and lash area, and if they don’t remove their makeup at the end of the day, it’s actually contributing to their OSD,” she said.
Dr. Hornick recommends asking two questions for these cosmetic wearers:
- Are you removing your eye makeup at night?
- How are you removing your eye makeup?
With respect to that last question: Selecting a product that is specifically formulated for sensitive eyes and won’t exaggerate or make dry eye worse is crucial.
- For example: The OPTASE LIFE Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover is her tried and true solution, Dr. Hornick said.
Give me a brief rundown on that.
As the first of two OPTASE LIFE products, the eye makeup remover is specially formulated for use on skin around sensitive and dry eyes.
It gently cleanses and soothes while effectively removing eye makeup, including waterproof mascara, and is safe to use with false eyelashes.
Its composition: Involves a patented PF ionized water formula (more on that later) that acts as a magnet to “lift away makeup” and contains just six other ingredients (including hyaluronic acid, pro-Vitamin B5, and Manuka honey) to be effective and extra gentle.
- Check it out in detail—and see here for purchasing options.
Nice! So, in general, can both men and women be treated with the same product?
Indeed they can. And when it comes to recommending such products, it all comes down to the phrasing, according to Dr. Lappin.
- “For male patients, you’d recommend an eyelid cleanser—which is different from saying ‘makeup remover’ for female patients,” he said.
In essence: Same product, just different delivery in their introductions to the patient.
- “Too often there’s a false dichotomy between health and function, where patients will say, ‘I don’t want to be vain,’” Dr. Lappin said. “But this isn’t being vain—everyone wants to look their best.”
Noted. Now what other products are the experts recommending?
When it comes to a product that’s designed to treat “everyone,” both Drs. Hornick and Lappin also noted the newly-launched OPTASE LIFE Sensitive Eye Daily Renewal Cream for dry skin in the periocular region as well as patients with dry and sensitive eyes.
First, let’s backtrack and get a refresher on OPTASE.
Launched in 2016, the OPTASE brand features a product lineup of dry eye management solutions, from eye drops and moist heat masks to eyelid wipes and gels, and dry eye spray. OPTASE LIFE, a subline of OPTASE, offers an eye makeup remover—and now an eye cream.
- OPTASE’s purpose: To advance eye health and comfort—with a particular focus on dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and blepharitis.
What makes these products unique?
To start, all OPTASE products are 100% PF.
- Plus: According to Scope, this full range of dry eye products is intended to cater to all types of patients—from first-time diagnosis to long-term symptoms in need of 24 hours of management relief.
Alrighty, let’s discuss this new eye cream.
Marketed as clinically tested as well as eye doctor and dermatologist approved, the OPTASE LIFE Sensitive Eye Daily Renewal Cream is intended to keep the periocular skin healthy and hydrated as well as protect against dryness, itchiness, and redness for 48 hours.
Why develop this eye cream: Scope noted that it’s intended to keep the periocular skin healthy and hydrated, as the eyelid is key in protecting the eyeball.
- To note: Dry and sensitive eyelids can cause ocular discomfort and irritation for a patient, leading to them rubbing their eyes and, as a result, an increased risk for infection.
Talk about its formulation.
The cream includes 13 ingredients, including that patented ionized water technology ( first developed for use in the OPTASE LIFE Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover) that hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier—and contains no alcohol, preservatives, or fragrance.
- Plus: The cream is formulated to:
- Actively boost the skin’s hydration
- Fortify its natural protective barrier
- Replenish essential skin lipids
- Provide gentle care of the eye area
- Smooth fine lines
What other ingredients are included?
A few notable callouts—all of which support hydration and protect against dryness.
Glycerin→ This moisturizing agent pulls water into the outer layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) to improve its water-holding capacity for more effective skin moisturization.
Vitamin E → As a potent antioxidant, this plays a key role in supporting the skin’s “natural revitalizing properties” by moisturizing and providing protective benefits—potentially reducing signs of aging.
Mineral salts → These act as natural exfoliants to balance and promote hydration, improve skin texture, and reduce inflammation.
So how often should patients use the cream?
Twice a day. Scope recommends patients (of all ages):
- First: Apply a small amount of the cream onto the top of their finger
- Then: Gently pat around the eye contour area and eyelids until fully absorbed
Check out its instruction leaflet for more information.
And what type of ocular and skin conditions can this help?
The OPTASE LIFE eye cream is recommended to be used for:
- Dry eyelids and periocular skin
- Irritable skin (prone to sensitivity to other products)
- Red and itchy periocular skin
- Sensitive skin with fine lines and lacking hydration
- Daily skin hydration to repair and protect
- Regular dry eye regimen
Nice! Now back to those experts—what’s their take on it?
In speaking with Glance’s Dr. Garlich, Drs. Lappin and Hornick shared their experience recommending eye cream to dry eye patients—both men and women.
Even further: Dr. Hornick, a user of the cream herself, offered her thoughts on the product and her patients’ feedback so far.
And lastly, where can I find this cream for my patients (and myself!)?
Click here to request samples and more information on selling OPTASE products.