Optimel Antibacterial Manuka+ Eye Gel

I used to suffer from recurrent corneal erosion - a condition where the top surface of the eye would be torn, usually after opening my eyes upon awakening in the morning. This would happen almost every morning, and it was aggravated by my eyes severely drying out overnight (as a result of meibomian gland dysfunction). To be honest, this was the most painful thing I'd ever experienced.

Anyway, I'd been through almost all the usual treatments both over-the-counter (lubricating drops/gels/ointments etc) and numerous visits to the ophthalmologist who also tried various options including antibiotics (Doxycycline & Azithromycin) and finally wanted to resort to various surgical techniques which I was reluctant to do. So I went and saw a (Wellington-based) optometrist. She suggested trying Optimel Eye Gel and within a few weeks the (almost daily) corneal erosions had stopped and within a month, my dry eye condition had also significantly improved to the point where it's not really an issue anymore.

I found there aren't too many stockists of Optimel Eye Gel & Drops in NZ, but fortunately Highbury Optometrists do stock it and I've been purchasing both the Gel and the Drops from them for the last 18 months or so.

The product comes in both gel form and drops (the gel is almost 100% Manuka Honey, while the drops are a more diluted form). Personally I found the gel was more effective for me in the early stages, but these days I tend to use the drops instead of the gel since things are under-control now. Be mindful, I found the gel does sting/burn for several minutes after putting it in, but my eyes feel very comfortable afterwards. The drops on the other hand, seemed to sting for only a few seconds.

Thank you so much for stocking this product.