Biosyntrx

(800) 688-6815

For Healthy Eyes and Body

BioTears

BioTears

BioTears

Supplement Facts
 
Product Video
 
Relief for Dry Eyes: BioTears First
  • 60-day full money back guarantee
  • Tens of millions of doses safely used by satisfied repeat customers
  • Addresses the root cause of dry eye disease
  • Addresses dry eye pain and discomfort
  • Addresses the three layer tear film  necessary for optimal visual clarity
  • Systemically targets inflammatory processes associated with mucosal tissues
  • Systemically targets dryness in eyes, nose, mouth and vagina
  • Recommended for LASIK, cataract and cosmetic surgically induced dry eye
  • 120 capsule count per bottle
  • Recommended dosage: 4 capsules a day, 2 with breakfast and 2 with dinner
  • Made in the U.S.A. to FDA Good Manufacturing Practice standards.
  • Patent Protected
  • Free Shipping on 3 bottles or more.
Add to Cart

BioTears First - the healthy tear film standard of care.

Designed by a woman-led research team that opened the doors for dry eye nutritional therapy in 1998. BioTears systemically address the root inflammatory cause and effects of dry eyes and is  methodically redesigned when sufficient nutrition science dictates. 

It's suggested in peer-reviewed literature that these specific nutrients support normal production of lubricants in other affected parts of the body, such as mucous membranes of the mouth and vagina, and interior body surfaces such as joints and synovial membranes.

A biochemically intact tear film is necessary for optimal visual acuity. 

BioTears Oral GelCaps contain the optimal blend of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essentials fatty acids, plus all the nutrient co-factors suggested in peer-reviewed clinical studies to enhance the enzymatic metabolic conversion associated with the tear-specific series one anti-inflammatory prostaglandin, PGE1.

BioTears Oral GelCaps include nutrients that are suggested in peer-reviewed clinical studies to appropriately inhibit the essential fatty acid arachidonic acid production of the COX2 enzyme, the pro-inflammatory prostaglandin PGE2, and Interleukin Il-6.

BioTears Oral GelCaps include nutrients that are suggested to modulate goblet cell/mucin production in both the stimulated and unstimulated tear, the lacrimal gland aqueous output, as well as the meibomian gland oil output, which is vital to the prevention of evaporative dry eyes.

BioTears Oral GelCaps also contain APO-Lactoferrin, which is suggested to inhibit the growth of both viral and bacterial pathogens and biofilms in the three-layer tear film, as well as modulate osmolarity and ocular surface tension. 

We recommend you scroll up and visit the BioTears Scientific Rationale link for more information. The manufacturing link is at the bottom of every page.

Recommended dosage: Four oral capsules per-day; two with each morning and evening meal.

Precautions: Coumadin patients should consult their primary care physician when taking this formulation. Pregnant or lactating women, or individuals with medical conditions should also consult a physician before using. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, or treat any disease.

Condition Overview

Dry eyes, often referred to as Dry Eye Syndrome or Dry Eye Disease, is the most frequent patient complaint to eye doctors. Lack of successful treatment is the primary reason patients change eye doctors.
 
On Living With Dry Eyes: From the English teacher's blog

Who threw the sand in my face?
What streetfight
Was I in last night?
I remember a book
 
I am waiting for the forty-four days of rain.
I am waiting for my trial in the desert to end.
Who gave the nameless their names?

Pathology of the three-layer tear film:

The Mucus Layer - the closest layer to the corneal epithelium. It is produced by the conjunctival goblet cells, and is absorbed by the corneal surface glycoproteins, creating a hydrophilic surface. Mucin deficiency, or mucopolysaccharide abnormalities, can lead to poor wetting or glycation of the corneal surface with subsequent desiccation and epithelial damage, even in the presence of adequate aqueous tear production.

The Aqueous Layer - the layer between the mucous and lipid layers. It is secreted by the lacrimal gland and incorporates all water-soluble components of the tear film. It also comprises 90% of the tear thickness. The aqueous layer provides moisture and supplies oxygen and important nutrients to the cornea.

The Lipid Layer - the most superficial layer. It is produced by the Meibomiam glands with contributions from the glands of Zeis and Moll of the eye lids. The secretion is an oily material, which is fluid at body temperature and retards evaporation of the aqueous layer and lowers surface tension, thereby allowing the tear-film to adhere to the eye's surface. Androgen receptors are located in both the lacrimal and meibomian glands. A decrease in circulating androgen hormones can result in loss of the oil laye, exacerbating the evaporative tear loss.

The Blink Reflex renews the tear film by delivering aqueous and lipid to the tear film and sweeping away debris. The normal blink interval is about 5 seconds under normal conditions. The tear film is typically stable for about 10 seconds. Tears are normally evaporated or forced out through the nasolacrimal ducts in the inner corner of the eyes on blinking.

The Root Causes of Dry Eye Disease:

Many different things cause dry eye syndrome. The normal aging of tear glands, as well as extended use of contact lens, environmental pollutants, prescription drugs, refractive surgery, auto immune diseases, nutrient deficiencies and other disorders can cause disruption in the tear production and retention process.

Symptoms:

The typical symptoms of the dry eye syndrome include dryness, grittiness, irritation, difficulty reading for long periods of time, burning and even the apparent contradiction of excessive tearing or watering. In extreme cases of dry eye, patients may become unusually sensitive to light, experience severe eye pain, and start to notice diminished vision. Successful treatment may be needed to avoid permanent damage.

Blepharitis can often cause dry eye symptoms due to inflammation of the eyelid margins, which is caused by a bacterial infection (Staphylococci). This condition can compromise the quality of the tear film causing tears to evaporate more quickly. The bacteria produce waste material that can cause a mild toxic reaction leading to chronic red, irritated eyes.

Extended Contact Lens Wear can result in dry eye from corneal oxygen and nutrient deficiency. Protein build-up on contact lens can produce a breeding ground for bacterial growth and surface roughness, further contributing to inflammatory changes. Some contact lens solutions contain preservatives that can also cause chemical irritation of the corneal surface and result in dry eye symptoms.

LASIK Surgery temporarily disrupts the ocular surface/lacrimal gland unit. Also, during LASIK, roughly 60-70% of the superficial nerve fibers in the cornea are severed, which reduces sensation and affects aqueous tear production and delays wound healing. With compromised sensation, the blink rate can slow to the point that the tear film breaks up before the next blink can reconstitute. Though this condition usually clears up after a few months, it may result in mild to severe dry eye syndrome for several months after surgery.

Diseases that may be associated with dry eyes include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogrens Syndrome, Diabetes, Asthma, Thyroid disease, Lupus, and possibly Glaucoma.

Age - Dry eye syndrome affects 75% of people over age 65. Tear volume decreases from age 18 as much as 60% by age 65.

Hormonal changes cause decreased tear production brought on by pregnancy, lactation, menstruation, and menopause.

Medications that can cause dry eyes are antibiotics, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, diuretics, over-the-counter vasoconstrictors such as Visine, antihistamines, birth control pills, appetite suppressants, and ulcer medications.

Computer Use causes most people to blink less frequently (about 7 times per minute vs. a normal rate of around 22 times/minute). This leads to increased evaporation along with the fatigue and eye-strain associated with staring at a computer monitor. Any task requiring a great deal of concentration can result in decreased blink rate.

The conventional treatment for dry eyes is to treat the symptoms not the cause:

Artificial Tears: Some form of over-the-counter artificial tears is usually recommended. Although they may provide temporary relief, they merely palliate the symptoms. Worse, the preservatives can aggravate the condition, and can even kill corneal cells. Tears that promise 'get the red out'

Punctal Occlusion: Punctal occlusion is a procedure used to help dry eye patients by closing the tear drainage canals with silicone plugs, which keep most of the fluid from leaving the surface of the eye. This may provide long-term relief.

BioTears Scientific Rationale

Artificial tears flush out debris, dilute substances trapped in the tear film, and increase tear clearance. They do not, however, provide all the factors critical for the maintenance and repair of the ocular surface, nor do they optomize tear film structure and function, which is necessary for improved visual acuity.

  • BioTears Oral Gel Caps has been clinically suggested to improve the tear chemistry and the health of the ocular surface on over 75% of the dry eye patients studied.
  • BioTears Oral Gel Caps has been clinically suggested, through slit lamp observation, rose bengal staining, and lisemine green staining to improve the health of the ocular surface.
  • BioTears Oral Gel Caps has been clinically suggested to extend tear break-up time (TBUT).
  • BioTears Oral Gel Caps has been clinically suggested to increase aqueous output through the use of both ZoneQucik and Schrimers tests.
  • BioTears Oral Gel Caps has been clinically suggested to increase tear lactoferrin levels with the Touch Tear MicroAssay System.
  • BioTears has been clinically suggested to decrease tear film inflammatory markers, IL-1 and IL-6.
  • Thousands of satisfied BioTears customers strongly suggest, with every monthly repeat order, the very real subjective data that further proves product efficacy.
The scientists at Biosyntrx have discovered a unique way to address many of the underlying inflammatory processes associated with dry eye syndrome. Oral administration of specific omega 6 essential fatty acids that contain sufficient amounts of gamma-linolenic-acid (GLA) are suggested to stimulate the natural production of tear-specific anti-inflammatory series one prostaglandins (PGE1). We use Black Currant Seed Oil as our source of omega 6 GLA because it is more stable than either Borage Oil or Evening Primrose Oil. We do not use Flax Seed Oil because it is the most unstable of the essential fatty acid oils, and the small amount of Omega-6 fatty acids it includes does not easily convert to GLA and the ocular surface specific anti-inflammatory PGE-1. (1-3)

Clinical studies have suggested that the nutrient co-factors included in BioTears Oral Gel Caps may restore normal production of lubricants in the eyes and other affected parts of the body, such as mucous membranes of the mouth and vagina, and interior body surfaces such as joints and synovial membranes. (4)

In developing a tear-specific formula for oral administration, Biosyntrx included the nutrient co-factors suggested necessary to address dry eye syndrome by physiologic rather than pharmacological means. These ingredients are designed to work synergistically rather than individually, and are suggested in published scientific literature to effectively address the inflammatory process responsible for most dry eye syndrome, as well as enhancing and restoring function to the glands involved in all three layers of the tear film. (5-11)

Mechanism of Action:

Omega 6 fatty acids are suggested to metabolize to the site-specific anti-inflammatory ecosinoid, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). These particular prostaglandins are suggested in peer-reviewed published literature to reduce ocular surface inflammation, as well as reduce the inflammatory process associated with meibomitis and reduced lacrimal gland aqueous output.

Omega 6 fatty acids convert to PGE1 via the linoleic-acid (LA) to gamma-linolenic-acid (GLA) to dihomo-gamma-linolenic-acid (DGLA) to the series one prostaglandins (PGE1). To help ensure this conversion, we included the nutrient co-factors, vitamins A, C, B6, and magnesium. The delta-six-desaturase (D6D) enzyme necessary for this conversion is too easily disrupted by alcohol, aging, smoking, elevated cholesterol levels, and environmental factors without these additional nutrient co-factors, which are also suggested to modulate goblet cell production and neurotransmitter blink response.



Pharmaceutical grade cod liver oil, as a source of Omega 3 EPA/DHA is germane to the formulation. It serves as a metabolic gateway boost to the downstream conversion of the Omega 3 to the anti-inflammatory PGE3, while also preventing inappropriate Omega 6 arachidonic acid cleavage via the delta-5-destaurase enzyme (D5D). (12-13)

Vitamin E, specifically gamma tocopherols, is suggested in peer-reviewed literature to prevent oxidation by stabilizing the EFAs, and inhibiting COX2 enzyme activity that promotes inflammatory response. (14)

Curcumin is suggested in peer-reviewed literature to appropriately block Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids from metabolizing to the pro-inflammatory PGE2 and IL1. (15)

Background: Curcumin is a natural COX2 inhibitor with similar chemical properties to ibuprofens Motrin and Advil (NSAIDS). The difference is Curcumin does not inhibit production of the COX1 enzyme that is necessary to protect the stomach lining. NASIDS can cause hemorrhage and have been responsible for a number of deaths. The first sign of an adverse response can be severe gastric bleeding.

Vitamin C, as ascorbic acid and fat-soluble absorbyl palmitate, is suggested to best modulate prostaglandin (PGE1) synthesis due to the extended half-life of the fat-soluble vitamin C over water-soluble ascorbic acid. This Vitamin C combination is also suggested in peer-reviewed literature to enhance the production of IgE concentrates in tears, the first line of basophil and mast cell defense against invading pathogens and allergens that frequently cause dry eye symptoms. (16)

Lactoferrin is suggested in peer-reviewed literature to increase the level of iron binding proteins to better inhibit viral and bacterial infections and to balance other tear lipocalins (family of proteins that transport small hydrophobic molecules), which modulate the surface tension of the tear film and affect the comfort of the contact lens wearer. Lactoferrin taken orally appears to survive absorption in the stomach by converting to a very small molecule called lactoferricin which can easily find its way into secretory tissue including the eyes. (17-24)

Background: Lactoferrin is produced in the tear film by neutrophils that constitute the "first line of defense" against infection. Neutrophil apoptosis (programmed cell death) signals the macrophage to clean up debris from wound sites, including surgically induced wounds (LASIK).

Green Tea is included to modulate osmolarity, one of the causative factors in dry eye, resulting in inflammation and subsequent cell damage.
 
BioTears Oral GelCaps are designed to help inhibit the LASIK induced dry eye by supporting post-surgical wound healing response, enhancing lacrimal and meibomian gland output, as well as enhance the post-op acetylcholine neurotransmitter blink response. (25-28)

References:

  • Systemic linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid therapy in dry eye syndrome with an inflammatory component. Barabino S, Rolando M, Camicione P, Ravera G, Zanardi S, Giuffrida S, Calabria G. Cornea. 2003 Mar;22(2):97-10 [abstract]  

  • Effect of dietary supplementation with black currant seed oil on the immune response of healthy elderly subjects. Wu D, Meydani M, Leka LS, Nightingale Z, Handelman GJ, Blumberg JB, Meydani SN. American Journal of Clinical Nutr. 1999 Cot;70(4):536-43. [abstract]

  • Dietary supplementation with gamma-linolenic acid alters fatty acid content and eicosanoid production in healthy humans. Johnson MM, Swan DD, Surette ME, Stegner J, Chilton T, Fonteh AN, Chilton FH. J Nutr. 1997 Aug;127(8):1435-44. [abstract]  

  • Sjogren's syndrome and the sicca syndrome: the role of prostaglandin E1 deficiency. Treatment with essential fatty acids and vitamin C. Horrobin DF, Campbell A. Med Hypotheses 1980 Mar;6(3):225-32 [abstract]

  • The immunoregulatory role of vitamins A, D and E in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. Szodoray P, Hovath IF, et al. Rheumatology 2009 Nov 27 [abstract]

  • A compositional based model for the tear film layer. McCulley JP, Shine W. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 1997;95:79-88; discussion 88-93. [abstract]  

  • Impact of antiandrogen treatment on the fatty acid profile of neutral lipids in human meibomian gland secretions. Sullivan BD, Evans JE, Krenzer KL, Reza Dana M, Sullivan DA J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000 Dec;85(12):4866-73. [abstract]  

  • Identification by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols from hamster meibomian glands using picolinyl and nicotinate derivatives. Harvey DJ. Biomed Chromatogr. 1989 Nov;3(6):251-4 [abstract]

      
  • Vitamin E prevents changes in the cornea and conjunctiva due to vitamin A deficiency. Fujikawa A, Gong H, Amemiya T. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2003 Apr;241(4):287-97. [abstract]  

  • Vitamin A deficiency alters the expression of mucin genes by the rat ocular surface epithelium. Tei M, Spun-Michaid SJ, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2000 Jan;41(1):82-8. [abstract]  

  • Lacrimal gland uptake and metabolism of ascorbic acid. Dreyer R, Rose RC. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1993 Feb;202(2):212-6. [abstract]

      
  • Relationship between goblet cell density and tear function tests. Yeo AC, Carkeet A, Carney LG, Yap MK. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2003 Jan;23(1):87-94. [abstract]  

  • Pro- and Anti-inflammatory Forms of Interleukin-1 in the Tear Fluid and Conjunctiva of Patients with Dry-Eye Disease Abraham Solomon, Dilek Dursun, Zuguo Liu, Yuhuan Xie, Angelo Macri and Stephen C. Pflugfelder. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2001 Sep;42(10):2283-92. [abstract]  

  • Addition of eicosapentaenoic acid to gamma-linolenic acid-supplemented diets prevents serum arachidonic acid accumulation in humans Barham JB, Edens MB, Fonteh AN, Johnson MM, Easter L, Chilton FH. J Nutr. 2000 Aug;130(8):1925-31. [abstract]  

  • Gamma-tocopherol and its major metabolite, in contrast to alpha-tocopherol, inhibit cyclooxygenase activity in macrophages and epithelial cells Jiang Q, Elson-Schwab, Courtemanche C, Ames BN Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2000 Oct 10; 97(21):11494-9. [abstract]

      
  • Safety and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Curcumin: A Component of Turmeric (Curcuma longa). Chainani-Wu N. Altern Complement Med 2003 Feb;9 (1): 161-8 [abstract]

     
  • Pseudokeratoconus caused by rosacea. Dursun D, Piniella AM, Pflugfelder SC. Cornea 2001 Aug;20(6):668-9 [abstract]

      
  • Tear lipocalins: potential lipid scavengers for the corneal surface. Glasgow BJ, Marshall G, Gasymov OK, Abduragimov AR, Yusifov TN, Knobler CM Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1999 Dec;40(13):3100-7 [abstract]  

  • The inhibition of mast cell activation by neutrophil lactoferrin: uptake by mast cells and interaction with tryptase, chymase and cathepsin G. HeS, McEven AR, blewell SA. Biochem Pharmacol 2003 Mar 15; 65 (6): 1007-15 [abstract]

      
  • Components responsible for the surface tension of human tears. Nagyova B, Tiffany JM. Curr Eye Res 1999 Jul;19(1):4-11 [abstract]

      
  • Lactoferrin down-regulates the LPS-induced cytokine production in monocytic cells via NFkappa B. Haversend L, Ohlsson BG, Hahn-Sone M. et al. Cell Immunol. 2002 Dec; 220 (2); 83-95 [abstract]  

  • Bovine lactoferrin stimulates the phagocytic activity of human neutrophils: identification of its active domain. Miyacchi H, Hashimoto S, et al. Cell Immunol. 1998 Jul 10;187(1):34-7. [abstract]  

  • What is dry eye and what does it mean to the contact lens wearer? Foulks, GN. Eye Contact Lens. 2003 Jan;29(1 Suppl):S96-100; discussion S115-8, S192-4. [abstract]

      
  • A multi-centre study of lapsed contact lens wearers. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2002 Nov;22(6):516-27. [abstract]

      
  • Lipid, lipase and lipocalin differences between tolerant and intolerant contact lens wearers. Glassom M, Stapleton F. Willcox M Curr Eye Res. 2002 Oct; 25 (4); 227-35 [abstract]  

  • Effect of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid on tear production, tear clearance and on the ocular surface after photorefractive keratectomy. Macri A, Giuffrida S, et al. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2003 May 27 [epub ahead of print] [abstract]

  • Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate in human corneal epithelial cells. Cavet M, Harrington K, et al. Molecular Vision 2011: 17:533-542 [abstract]

  • Influence of corneal refractive surgery on the lacrymal film. Pisella PJ, Godon C, Auzerie O, Baudouin C. Fr Ophtalmol 2002 Apr;25(4):416-22 [abstract]  

  • Diagnosis and therapy of LASIK-induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy. Breil P, Frisch L, Dick HB. Ophthalmologe 2002 Jan;99(1):53-7 [abstract]  

  • Dry eye after refractive surgery. Ang RT, Dartt DA, Tsubota K. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2001 Aug;12(4):318-22 [abstract]


  • QShould I take fish oil capsules if I take BioTears?

    BioTears is specifically designed to address mucosal tissue health. It has been suggested in clinical studies and case reports to be effective on a large percentage of dry eye sufferers. However, in a few cases, additional EPA /DHA from one or two daily capsules of fish oil, such as Biosyntrx ZoOmega-3, has improved effectivness.

  • QAre there health benefits other than Dry Eye Syndrome relief that I might expect to experience when taking BioTears Oral GelCaps?

    Interestingly, studies have shown that, in addition to restoring normal production of lubricants in the eyes, normal lubrication has been restored in other affected parts of the body, as mucous membranes of the mouth and vagina (LadyParts), and interior body surfaces such as joints and synovial membranes.

  • QAre Biosyntrx formulations FDA approved, and has the formulation been clinically studied?

    By law (Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act, Oct 1994) the FDA does not approve or disapprove dietary supplements. They do however, closely monitor dietary supplement label claims. Biosyntrx formulations do not contain nutrients that exceed the Institute of Medicines (IOM) published upper-limit safety levels. For further information on Biosyntrx manufacturing standards and quality control, click the manufacturing link found on the bottom of this and all pages! BioTears has been clinically studied by thought leading ophthalmologists and optometrists using all of the subjective and objective clinical markers avaible. This includes: tear break up time (TBUT), Schrimers, ZoneQuick, ocular surface staining, and lactoferrin assay. The outcomes strongly suggest improvement in tear film chemistry, as well as improved ocular surfa

  • QWill I need to use eye drops if I take Bio Tears Oral GelCaps?

    Many people do not need to use eye drops after a few weeks on BioTears Oral GelCaps. However, some folks find they are more comfortable if they continue to insert drops just before bed. Most women continue to insert drops before applying eye make-up - this may be habit or a belief that eye drops make our eyes sparkle.

  • QAre BioTears safe for people who take blood thinners like Coumadin?

    Yes they are safe. However, we recommend that Coumadin patients have their clotting time checked on on a regular basis. Essential Fatty Acids, fish oil and vitamin E have been reported to reduce clotting time - therefore, it may be necessary to slightly lower the amount of prescription Coumadin taken on a daily basis. We do recomment that patients never reduce the amount of Coumadin they take without physician knowledge.

  • QAre BioTears Oral GelCaps appropriate for the Keratoconus Dry Eye?

    BioTears Oral GelCaps stimulate healthy production of all three layers of the tear film. Healthy meibomian gland output (oily layer) increases tear-break-up-time, which tends to be decreased in Keratoconus patients.

  • QShould I take BioTears with food?

    Concentrated essential fatty acids can cause slight gastric upset, or loose stools, in some people if they are taken on an empty stomach - therefore, we recommend that you take BioTears with food.

  • QAre BioTears Oral GelCaps appropriate for children with dry eyes?

    BioTears Oral GelCaps have been successfully recommended for pediactric use. We recommend one half dose (one gelcap in the morning and one at night) for children who weigh over 50 pounds and can swallow gelcaps. Some physicians have recommended that Mom's break the gelcap and mix the contents with food. This has not been terribly successful because most children can't abide the smell of the cod liver oil.

  • QCan I use BioTears Oral GelCaps if I have had my eyes plugged?

    BioTears and plugs are now recommended by many eye professionals for specific dry eye symptoms. It is important to have the healthest tears possible, if they are not draining off the ocular surface.

  • QMy doctor recommended that I take BioTears along with the new prescription drops, Restasis. Is that appropriate? I have very severe dry eyes.

    Based on improved diagnostics, many doctors are now recommending severe dry eye patients use both treatments to interrupt the inflammatroy loop associated with very severe dry eye syndrome. A common recommendation is "BioTears Oral GelCaps for three weeks to calm the ocular surface, then adding Restasis to further interrupt the dry eye inflammatory loop." This combination allows for quicker Restasis weaning and less chance of recurrent dry eye symtomology.

  • QHow many calories in BioTears Oral GelCaps?

    The good news is that the colorie count in BioTears is very small. The primary source of calories is from black currant seed and fish oils. 1604 mg (four gelcaps per day) of this oil combination equals less than 18 calories. The vitamin and mineral co-factors have no caloric count assigned to them.

  • QWhat is the difference between BioTears Oral GelCaps and TheraTears Nutritionals?

    Night and Day. TheraTears Nutritionals are designed around the metabolic conversion of plant and fish based Omega 3 fatty acids, which, primarily, convert downstream to the series three prostaglandin (PGE3). Simply said; the Omega 6 GLA series one prostaglandins (PGE1) produced by BioTears Oral GelCaps are far more tear and mucous gland specific than the series three prostaglandins in TheraTears Nutritionals. Thera Tears Nutritionals does not include Omega 6 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic-acid (GLA), which is required to produce tear specific PGE1. BioTears includes the best quality available Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids to address the inflammatory process frequently associated with all three layers of the tear film.

  • QWhat are neutrophils?

    Neutrophils are tough little leukocytes that act like big phagocytes. The process of eating cellular debris from allergies, infections, wounds, including surgical wounds (think LASIK) and even cellular free radical damage, is called phagocytosis. Many cells in our body are capable of phagocytosis, but only two are good enough to be considered professional: neutrophil leukocytes and monocyte macrophages. When tear-film neutrophils are stimulated by cytokine cascades and prostaglandins, they produce proteins that bind iron (lactoferrin) to protect corneal tissue and to inhibit the growth of iron dependent viral and bacterial pathogens.

  • QWhat is lactoferrin?

    Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein found in tears, saliva and mucosal secretions. it is beautifully activated by the inflammation response (the cause of most dry eyes). Early investigators believed that lactoferrin acts primarily by binding iron (as do most antibiotics), thus preventing bacteria from dividing and multiplying (this is very important to the contact lens wearer). however, new research has demonstrated that lactoferrin actually does much more than merely steal iron away from pathogenic bacteria. For more information on lactoferrin, view the lactoferrin Friday Pearl, which you will find in the Library file on the left side of this page.

  • QAre BioTears recommended for multifocal intraocular lens patients?

    A healthy tear film structure is important for optimal visual function and refractin, particularly for the multifocal lens patient. A good initial refracting surface helps to prevent high order aberrations. A large number of eye surgeons recommend BioTears to their dry eye and surgical patients.

  • QAre BioTears Oral GelCaps appropriate for chronic blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)?

    Blepharitis can often cause dry eye symptoms due to inflammation of the eyelid margins, which is most frequently caused by bacterial infection. This condition can compromise the quality of the tear film causing tears to evaporate more quickly. The bacteria produce waste material that can cause a mild toxic reaction leading to chronic red, irritated eyes. The fatty acids in BioTears have been proven in clinical trials to improve the viscosity of the tear film lipid layer. The additional lactoferrin in BioTears helps to control bacterial flora associated with the eyelid. Lactoferrin also prevents these bacteria from forming bacterial biofilms, which become very difficult to treat with antibiotics - thus the chronic red eye. In addition to inflammation of the lid margins with redness and thickening, blepharitis can produce scales, crusts an

  • QAre BioTears Oral GelCaps appropriate for those suffering from computer vision syndrome (CVS) as well as those suffering from systemic inflammatory dry eye?

    Absolutely! BioTears Oral GelCaps contain sufficient amounts of potent dietary anthocyanosides and good Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids, which have both been shown in clinical studies to relieve the visual fatigue associated with computer vision syndrome.

  • QWhy doesn't Flax Oil work consistently for my dry eye problem?

    Flax does contain both Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids. Unfortunately, it is the most unstable of all the essential fatty acid vegetable oils, which causes it to oxidize and become rancid very easily. Flax does not contain Omega 6 gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is necessary for the downstream conversion to the tear specific prostaglandin, PGE1, nor does it contain any of the nutrient co-factors necessary to ensure its delicate conversion from linoleic acid (LA) to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). An important thing to remember is that Flax Omega 3 fatty acid does not contain Omega 3 DHA/EPA either. It must metabolically convert from alpha-linolinic-acid (ALA) to DHA/EPA, before it can possibly produce anti-inflammatory PGE3. The most dependable source of Omega 3 fatty acids are cold water fish and cod liver oil.

  • QAre BioTears Oral GelCaps appropriate for the Sjogren's Syndrome dry eye?

    Many Sjogren's patients have reported significient dry eye and dry mouth relief with BioTears Oral GelCaps. BioTears are designed to stimulate systemic production of the anti-inflammatory series of prostaglandins, specifically the PGE1 series, which address the mucosal tissue T and B cell inflammatory loop frequently associated with auto-immune disorders.

  • QI have ocular allergies that cause dry eyes. Are BioTears appropriate for me?

    Yes they are. BioTears produce anti-inflammatory prostaglandins that gently help to control the ocular mast cell/histamine response. You might want to request that your eye care professional run a tear lactoferrin and IgE level to further diagnose the cause of your dry eyes.

  • QWhat is the difference between HydroEye and BioTears Oral GelCaps?

    BioTears Oral GelCaps were designed by the same inventors that designed Hydro Eye. BioTears reflect the most recent dry eye science. BioTears Oral GelCaps includes anti-inflammatory Vitamin E mixed tocopherols to better stabilizes the Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids included in the formulation. The Curcumin inclusion better inhibits the formation of the inflammatory COX2 enzyme. HydroEye does not contain these ingredients, nor does it contain APO Lactoferrin, which inhibits the growth of viral and bacterial pathogens on the surface of the eye. BioTears Oral GelCaps also stimulate the systemic neutrophil production of lactoferrin.

  • QAre BioTears available at discount prices?

    BioTears are not available from discounters. However, there are a few web sites advertising Biosyntrx formulations, including BioTears. This is simply a bait and switch tactic.