Systane Ultra PF Vs. Hydration PF: Better Eye Drops For Dry Eyes

Dry eye disease is a common condition that affects millions of people. Symptoms include eye irritation, burning, stinging, watery eyes, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light. Using artificial tears is one of the main treatments recommended by eye doctors to provide relief and lubricate the eyes.

Two popular over-the-counter options for severe dry eye relief are Systane Ultra PF and Systane Hydration PF. But what exactly is the difference between these two products? And which one is better for very dry, irritated eyes?

In this comprehensive guide, we will compare Systane Ultra PF and Systane Hydration PF head-to-head on factors like key ingredients, lubrication, preservative content, dosage/usage, and more. Read on to find out the pros and cons of each and determine which advanced eye drop formula may be best for your dry eyes.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Systane Ultra PF	Systane Hydration PF
Key Ingredient	Gellan gum	Glycerin
Provides	Gel matrix lubrication	Liquid hydration
Bottle Size	10mL	15mL
Usage Frequency	Every 2 hours	Every 3 hours
Consistency	Thicker gel	Liquid gel
Comfort	Long-lasting lubrication	Instantly soothing
Price	$$	$

Overview Of Key Features

Both Systane Ultra PF and Systane Hydration PF are preservative-free, artificial tear solutions made by Alcon specifically to treat chronic dry eye. Some of the key features they have in common include:

• Formulated for moderate to severe dry eye relief
• Provide long-lasting hydration and lubrication
• Contain propylene glycol, which helps stabilize the tear film
• More viscosity than original Systane formulas for added moisture
• Designed to be gentle and non-irritating

However, there are also some differences between the two options:

• Systane Ultra PF contains gellan gum, which forms a protective matrix over the eye
• Systane Hydration PF includes glycerin and HP-Guar for enhanced hydration
• Systane Ultra comes in a 10mL bottle, Systane Hydration in a 15mL bottle
• Systane Ultra can be used up to every 2 hours, Systane Hydration up to every 3 hours

Now let’s examine each of these advanced dry eye drops in more detail.

Systane Ultra PF

Systane Ultra PF was introduced after the original Systane PF formula to provide superior lubrication through the use of gellan gum.

Here are the key features of Systane Ultra PF:

• Contains gellan gum – This natural polysaccharide helps improve tear film stability and protects the eye by forming a bioadhesive matrix over the ocular surface.
• Propylene glycol 0.6% – Works as a humectant to prevent moisture loss from the eye. Also allows Systane Ultra to remain in the eye longer.
• Hydroxypropyl guar (HP-Guar) – A gelling agent that gives Systane Ultra its increased viscosity compared to regular Systane. Provides long-lasting wettability.
• Preservative-free – Does not contain any preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which can irritate some people’s eyes. Safe for sensitive eyes.
• 10mL bottle – Comes in a 10mL bottle which provides about a 1 month supply when used 4 times daily per eye as directed. Portable and easy to carry.
• Can be used every 2 hours – The bottle label recommends using 1 drop in each eye up to every 2 hours as needed. Provides frequent lubrication.

According to Alcon, the gellan gum and propylene glycol in the formula allow the artificial tears to be retained up to 90 minutes longer compared to Systane Balance. The drop forms a gel-like matrix that coats the eye, lubricates, and locks in hydration. The HP-guar also gives the drop enhanced viscosity to cling to the ocular surface longer.

Overall, Systane Ultra PF is ideal for people with moderate to severe dry eyes who need advanced, gel-like lubrication and moisture retention over an extended period. The gellan gum matrix provides an added layer of protection while propylene glycol prevents tear evaporation.

Systane Hydration PF

Systane Hydration PF is another newer preservative-free formula by Alcon designed to provide hydration and relieve dry eye symptoms. Here are the key details about Systane Hydration PF drops:

• Contains glycerin 1% – Glycerin is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the eye. Provides hydration.
• Propylene glycol 0.6% – Like Systane Ultra, has propylene glycol to prevent tear evaporation.
• Hydroxypropyl guar (HP-Guar) – Gives Systane Hydration its increased viscosity compared to regular Systane for longer lasting wettability and lubrication.
• No gellan gum – Does not contain the gellan gum matrix found in Systane Ultra. Relies more on liquid hydration technology.
• Preservative-free – Does not contain preservatives that can irritate some people’s eyes. Gentle formula.
• 15mL bottle – Comes in a larger 15mL bottle providing about a 1.5 month supply when used 4 times a day per eye.
• Can be used every 3 hours – The recommended usage is 1 drop in each eye up to every 3 hours as needed.

The combination of glycerin, propylene glycol, and HP-guar aims to keep eyes moisturized while smoothing and protecting the ocular surface. The larger 15mL bottle provides extra eye drop solution.

Systane Hydration PF may be preferred by those whose dry eyes are caused more by lack of adequate hydration and moisture rather than tear film instability. The liquid consistency can provide a soothing feeling without leaving a gel-like coating over the eye.

Comparing Lubrication And Comfort

When it comes to lubrication and comfort, Systane Ultra PF and Systane Hydration PF work in slightly different ways:

• Gellan gum matrix (Ultra) – The gellan gum in Systane Ultra forms a gel-like matrix that covers the eye and lubricates while locking in moisture. Provides very long-lasting wettability.
• Liquid hydration (Hydration) – Systane Hydration relies more on glycerin and propylene glycol for liquid hydration technology to keep eyes moist. Feels more liquid.
• Equal viscosity (Both) – Both contain HP-Guar to provide higher viscosity and longer clinging to the eye than regular Systane drops. Smooth gel-like feeling.
• Preservative-free (Both) – The lack of preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK) makes both options gentler on sensitive eyes compared to many other eye drops.

For those whose eyes feel irritated by thinner, watery drops, Systane Ultra’s gellan gum matrix helps coat the eyes and provides a thicker layer of lubrication that lasts up to 90 minutes longer. The trade-off is you may temporarily have more blurred vision after using until the gel dissolves.

Those who prefer a liquid drop may find Systane Hydration more comfortable, as it relies on hydrating ingredients like glycerin rather than a gel matrix. The HP-Guar still provides viscosity for lubrication but it goes on with a liquid consistency.

So in summary, Systane Ultra PF may provide the most long-lasting wettability while Systane Hydration PF may feel more soothing upon application.

Also Read: Is Biotrue Eye Drops Better Than Systane?

Preservative Content

Both Systane Ultra PF and Systane Hydration PF are completely preservative-free.

Preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK) are commonly added to many artificial tear solutions to prevent bacterial growth. However, they can also cause eye irritation, especially with frequent, long-term use.

By being preservative-free, both Systane Ultra PF and Systane Hydration PF avoid this potential eye irritation. Their bottles are designed to prevent contamination once opened.

So people with sensitive eyes and those who use eye drops frequently can feel comfortable using either Systane Ultra or Hydration without worrying about preservatives.

Dosage And Usage

Systane Ultra PF and Systane Hydration have slightly different recommended usage:

• Systane Ultra – Use 1 drop in each eye every 2 hours as needed.
• Systane Hydration – Use 1 drop in each eye up to every 3 hours as needed.
• Bottle size – Systane Ultra comes in a 10mL bottle while Systane Hydration comes in a 15mL bottle.

So while Systane Ultra can be used more frequently (up to every 2 hours), the Hydration formula comes in a larger bottle size that will last about 1.5 months when used as directed 4 times per day.

Those with very dry, irritated eyes may prefer using Systane Ultra more frequently during the day. But for overnight relief, either product can be used before bedtime to lubricate and hydrate while sleeping.

Speak to your eye doctor about how often to use each eye drop product based on the severity of your dry eyes. More frequent application usually provides greater dry eye relief.

Cost Comparison

Both Systane Ultra PF and Systane Hydration PF are branded prescription eye drops, so they tend to cost more than generic store brand artificial tears. However, Systane Ultra is typically a little more expensive.

Systane Ultra PF – Approximately $25-35 for a 10mL bottle.

Systane Hydration PF – Approximately $15-25 for a 15mL bottle.

Keep in mind that prices can vary based on the pharmacy/retailer. Online stores may offer discounted rates. Coupons are also sometimes available directly from the Systane website.

While Systane Ultra costs more per bottle, the recommended usage is up to every 2 hours compared to every 3 hours for Systane Hydration. So both options end up costing about the same per eye drop used.

Choosing between the two products will come down more to their ingredient benefits and how well they relieve your dry eyes rather than cost considerations.

Also Read: Comparison Between Plexaderm and Peter Thomas Roth Eye Products

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Also Read: Differences Between Systane Nighttime Gel And Ointment.

The Bottom Line

Overall, both Systane Ultra PF and Systane Hydration PF are excellent options for relieving moderate to severe dry eyes. They go beyond old regular Systane formulas to provide advanced lubrication and hydration.

Those with particularly irritated, dry eyes may favor Systane Ultra PF for its gellan gum matrix that coats the eyes and locks in moisture for up to 90 minutes longer relief. But some may find Systane Hydration PF more instantly soothing with its liquid gel consistency.

In the end, you can’t go wrong choosing either of these advanced dry eye drops over most standard artificial tears. Just pick the Systane product that sounds most appealing in terms of ingredients and how often you want to apply drops. Your eyes will thank you!