Eyes to see, ears to hear

Of the five senses, sight and hearing are perhaps the most vulnerable to both common mishaps and chronic conditions - making eye and ear care important over-the-counter (OTC) categories.

A recent Chain Drug Marketing Association blog post noted that these purchases are important because they tend to be planned rather than impulse buys. "Shoppers are purchasing these products to relieve or prevent complications. These categories are flagged as traffic drivers. If a retailer fails to have a desired item at the time of purchase, the shopper is going to go elsewhere."

Here are several new and repackaged products, as well as online information your patients may be seeking.

Health Enterprises will soon introduce the TheraCALM Sleep Eye Mask, containing two-in-one, soothing, hot-and-cold gel in a zebra-print pattern. Not only will the sleep mask shield those sleepy eyes from light; the cold compress also reduces puffy eyes and provides relief from migraines and sinus headaches the natural way. The soft mesh inner lining makes it comfortable to sleep with.

Clear Eyes Cooling Comfort is available in two formulations – Redness Relief and Itchy Eye Relief. Cooling Comfort contains Occuthol, a proprietary ingredient for prolonged cooling that cools eye irritations on contact. The eye drops are available in 0.5-oz bottles.

Allergan recently introduced Refresh Optive Advanced Lubricant Eyes. Optive Advanced is a lipid-enhanced eyedrop with the low blur and comfort of an aqueous tear. The triple-action formulation works on all three layers of the tear film to provide reduced evaporation, hydration, and advanced lubrication for dry-eye symptoms.

*These statements have not been evaluated by FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.