Products
Dextrans are commercially available in the form of ophthalmic products.
Structure and properties
Mixture of polysaccharides. Types: Dextran 1, Dextran 40, Dextran 60 for the preparation of parenterals.
Effects
Dextran (ATC S01XA20) is a natural macromolecular polysaccharide. It forms a persistent film of moisture on the cornea, thereby counteracting the symptoms of mechanical corneal irritation (increased blinking) associated with dry eye – especially in contact lens wearers.
Indications
- In dry eye: hypofunction of the lacrimal gland.
- For wetting contact lenses: improve the comfort of wearing hard and soft contact lenses and scleral lenses.
