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Comparisons / Eye Drops
Two preservative-free lubricant eye drops made for sensitive eyes and frequent use. They look similar on the shelf, but the active ingredient and the way each one is positioned are different. Here is a plain, balanced comparison to help you and your eye doctor choose.
Key takeaways
Quick answer
Both are preservative-free lubricant drops for sensitive eyes and frequent use, and both add sodium hyaluronate. The main difference is the active lubricant: iVIZIA uses povidone, while Optase Intense uses glycerin. iVIZIA is labeled contact lens friendly, and Optase Intense is positioned for moderate to severe dryness. The best fit depends on your symptoms and what your eye doctor recommends.
What they have in common
iVIZIA and Optase Intense are both artificial tears, also called lubricant eye drops. Their job is to add moisture to the surface of the eye and help relieve dryness and irritation. Both come in a multidose bottle that stays preservative-free, which is meant for people with sensitive eyes or anyone who needs drops more than a few times a day. Both formulas also include sodium hyaluronate, a moisture-holding ingredient found in many modern dry eye drops.
Expert guidance recommends preservative-free drops for people who use artificial tears frequently, because preservatives can irritate the ocular surface with repeated use. Source: TFOS DEWS II Management and Therapy Report (2017). Full citation at the end of this page.
The details below come from each product's Drug Facts label. The clearest difference is the active lubricant.
A note on the active ingredient
Povidone and glycerin are both well established eye lubricants that coat and protect the surface of the eye. Sodium hyaluronate appears in both formulas as an added ingredient that helps hold moisture. Drug labels list povidone as the active ingredient in iVIZIA and glycerin as the active ingredient in Optase Intense.
These are organized by fit, not ranked. Many people try one, then adjust with their eye doctor based on how their eyes respond.
The two products this comparison covers. Descriptions are the manufacturer's own.
About the ProductA 10 mL multi-dose bottle of sterile lubricant eye drops. The active ingredient...
About the ProductOptase Intense Preservative Free Eye Drops are a preservative free over the counter...
The full iVIZIA range of preservative-free drops, gel and lid care.
The full Optase range of drops, ointments, masks and lid care.
Every preservative-free drop we carry, in one place.
Dry Eye Rescue Tip
If you are using drops more than a few times a day, a preservative-free formula like either of these is the safer long-term choice. If your eyes still feel dry after using drops regularly, that is a good reason to see an eye care professional, since frequent dryness can point to a cause that drops alone do not fix.
Not sure which drop fits your eyes? Dry Eye Rescue works with a network of over 5,000 eye care professionals. Use the Doctor Locator to find a specialist near you.
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Read the guideThe active lubricant. iVIZIA uses povidone 0.5 percent, and Optase Intense uses glycerin 0.2 percent. Both also include sodium hyaluronate, and both are preservative-free.
Yes. Both come in multidose bottles designed to stay preservative-free, which makes them suitable for sensitive eyes and for use several times a day.
iVIZIA is labeled contact lens friendly, with instructions to remove lenses, apply the drop, and wait 10 minutes before reinserting. For Optase Intense, check the carton or ask your eye doctor before using it with lenses.
Optase Intense is positioned by the manufacturer for moderate to severe dryness. That said, severity is best judged by an eye care professional, and some people do well on either drop.
Both are designed for comfortable, frequent use. Any drop can briefly blur vision right after you put it in. If a drop stings or stays blurry, stop and ask your eye doctor.
iVIZIA is labeled for use within about 90 days of opening. Optase Intense is labeled to stay sterile for about 3 months after opening. Always follow the carton.
Preservative-free drops are the type recommended when you need drops frequently, because they avoid the irritation that preservatives can cause with repeated use. Follow the label and your doctor's advice.
Both are available at Dry Eye Rescue, a specialty dry eye retailer, as well as from the manufacturers and major retailers. You can shop both brands using the links above.
An eye care professional can match a drop to your type of dry eye. Use the Dry Eye Rescue Doctor Locator to find one near you.
Sources
This page is educational and does not replace medical advice from your eye care professional or healthcare provider. Ingredient details reflect each product's Drug Facts label at the time of writing and can change, so always read the current carton. iVIZIA is a trademark of Thea. OPTASE is a trademark of Scope. Product and brand names referenced on this site are trademarks of their respective owners. Dry Eye Rescue carries both brands. Talk with your doctor before changing your dry eye routine, especially if you have a health condition or wear contact lenses.
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