Tears Again® HYDRATE™... Improves Absorption!

Proprietary Liposome Process Using Peer-Reviewed Ingredients Clinical Research Suggests These Ingredients Offer Anti-Inflammatory Properties - a Component in Dry Eye Syndrome Sustained Release Activity for Better Absorption

- A Nutritional Supplement Targeting Dry Eyes

Recent reports have linked dietary Flaxseed Oil, an omega-3 fatty acid, to increased comfort when used to manage Dry Eye Syndrome. 1 It is also believed that inflammation is a key component in Dry Eye conditions. Accordingly, Evening Primrose Oil, also an essential fatty acid (EFA), is believed to provide anti-inflammatory properties and has been added to the Tears Again® HYDRATE™ formula. Such therapy may also benefit other systems such as skin, mucosa, cardiovascular and the central nervous system. Tears Again® HYDRATE™ combines not only Flaxseed Oil and Evening Primrose Oil, but also Bilberry Extract, all of which are micro-encapsulated in a proprietary liposome process to specifically target Dry Eye Syndrome. The result is improved absorption and sustained release activity for better bioavailability.

The Liposome Process

Liposomes are microscopic vesicles composed of a membrane-like lipid layer with an aqueous center. Liposomes may be used alone or to encapsulate active ingredients. The unique properties of liposomes also provide for improved tissue penetration and/or absorption.

What is Flaxseed Oil and how is it beneficial?

Flaxseed Oil is an edible oil derived from the seeds of the flax plant and is one of the best sources of the omega-3 fatty acid, Alpha-Linolenic Acid. Flaxseed oil also provides the most concentrated vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids found in nature. Essential fatty acids are particularly valuable because the body needs them to function properly but can't manufacture them on its own. Essential fatty acids work throughout the body to protect cell membranes. There are several possible ways in which omega-3 fatty acids support Dry Eye health. Dry Eye Syndrome is accompanied by an inflammatory condition on the ocular surface. 2 With this in mind, n-3 EFA (omega-3) has a competitive inhibitory effect on the arachidonic acid (omega-6 derivate) inflammatory cascade and a modular effect on immune cells. 3,4 This anti-inflammatory effect explains why omega-3 acids can be beneficial to Dry Eye patients. It is also important to note that, omega-3 supplementation can improve meibomian gland secretion by increasing its fluidity, thereby ‘unplugging' the gland orifices. A recent study demonstrated that increased intake of n-3 EFA improved the profile of the polar lipid fraction of meibomian secretions in patients with Dry Eye Syndrome. By enhancing the lipid fraction of the tear film, evaporative loss will decrease. 5

Evening Primrose Oil - Another Essential Fatty Acid

Evening Primrose Oil is extracted from the seeds of Oenothera biennis (part of the Willow herb family) and contains gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid. Gamma-linolenic acid and its metabolite are precursors for the compound called Prostaglandin E1 which controls cell regeneration, skin condition, the menstrual cycle, blood pressure, and is a necessary component for tear production by the lacrimal gland. Research shows that patients with Sjogren's syndrome that were treated with Evening Primrose Oil (gamma-linolenic acid) showed significant improvement in Dry Eye symptoms. 6,7,8 Additional research suggests that supplementation with gamma-linolenic acid may offer a method to bypass the disturbance in omega-6 essential fatty acid metabolism associated with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. 9

Flaxseed Oil and Evening Primrose Oil In Combination

There are many functions of essential fatty acids. In particular, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids regulate membrane fluidity and membrane function, serve as precursors to eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes), exhibit enzyme activities, and may be cofactors for enzymes, helping to support healthy tear ducts. 6,7,8 The body also converts both types of essential fatty acids into prostaglandins whose functions include helping the eye's aqueous humor to drain and regulating intraocular pressure. Research suggests that combining omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids results in increased Prostaglandin E1, which both stimulates aqueous tear secretion and reduces the production of Prostaglandin E2, which acts as an inflammatory agent. 10

Bilberry Extract Shows Positive Effect On Eye Health

Bilberries (vaccinium myrtillus: myrtilli fructus) are, in essence, the European version of the American blueberry. Bilberry Extract, now used in an array of vision care formulas, has been shown to have positive effects on eye health, in part, due to their high levels of tannic acid, cinnamic acids, flavonols, anthocyanidins, and isoflavones. Some of these conditions include: pigmentary retinitis, diabetic retinopathy, retinal inflammation, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Bilberry Extract's anthocyanoside composition possess potent antioxidant properties which can protect the capillaries from free radical damage.

References:

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The authors have no affiliation with or financial interest in CYNACON/OCuSOFT® nor have they evaluated Tears Again® HYDRATE™. CYNACON/OCuSOFT® does not represent or intend to represent that the authors have approved or considered the effectiveness of Tears Again® HYDRATE™ or the choice of ingredients therein.