Biocompatibility assessment of lubricating ophthalmic agents in the context of their physicochemical characteristics

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14739/2409-2932.2026.2.353713

Keywords:

dry eye syndrome, lubricating eye drops, physicochemical properties, surface tension, viscosity, biocompatibility

Abstract

The paper analyzes the impact of key physicochemical properties of lubricating eye drops (viscosity, pH, and surface tension) on their biocompatibility with ocular surface tissues. The necessity of a strict correlation between the quantitative characteristics of the preparations and the physiological parameters of the tear fluid is substantiated to ensure a long-term therapeutic effect in dry eye syndrome. The results obtained are of practical importance for improving production technologies and enhancing the quality of modern ophthalmic agents.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the physicochemical properties of lubricating eye drops on their biocompatibility and ocular surface tolerance.

Materials and methods. The study involved samples of lubricating eye drops: “Optinol 0.4 %”, “Aritear”, “Vial Sleza”, “Artelac Hypromellose”, and “Oftolik Ultra”. Density and pH were determined according to the methods of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine. Surface tension was measured using the stalagmometric method and viscosity was determined by capillary viscometry. All measurements were performed at a physiological temperature of 35 °C. Statistical analysis of the results was carried out using standard statistical methods.

Results. The physicochemical parameters of the lubricating eye drops “Optinol 0.4 %” and “Artelac Hypromellose” were found to optimally meet biorelevant criteria. Artelac Hypromellose was the only sample whose surface tension, both in pure form and upon model dilution, corresponds to the physiological norm, ensuring optimal spreading. While other preparations significantly lost their surface activity upon dilution, “Oftolik Ultra” and “Optinol 0.4 %” demonstrated the most stable and comfortable viscosity.

Conclusions. A comparative analysis of the physicochemical properties (density, pH, surface tension, and viscosity) of five lubricating eye drop samples with different chemical natures of their active components was conducted. It was established that according to the complex of biorelevant criteria, the parameters of “Optinol 0.4 %” and “Artelac Hypromellose” are the closest to the physiological norm. It has been proven that stalagmometric and viscometric methods are effective tools for rapid quality control and predicting the biocompatibility of liquid ophthalmic agents.

Author Biographies

L. M. Ivanets, Ivan Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine

PhD, Associate Professor of Department of General Chemistry

M. V. Vlasyuk, Ivan Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine

Student

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Published

2026-06-26

How to Cite

1.
Ivanets LM, Vlasyuk MV. Biocompatibility assessment of lubricating ophthalmic agents in the context of their physicochemical characteristics. Current issues in pharmacy and medicine: science and practice [Internet]. 2026Jun.26 [cited 2026Jun.26];19(2):179-83. Available from: https://pharmed.zsmu.edu.ua/article/view/353713

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 2 (2026)

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Original research

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Copyright (c) 2026 L. M. Ivanets, M. V. Vlasyuk

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