Recommended by Dr Dee, optometrist, 20+ years experience
Optimel Dry Eye Drops are Australian made manuka honey eye drops, formulated with pharmaceutical grade Leptospermum honey for daytime dry eye comfort.
✅ Eye Friendly Rating: Silver, essential oil free
✅ Pharmaceutical grade manuka honey as the active
✅ Simple five ingredient formulation, no added fragrance
✅ Developed and manufactured in Australia by Melcare
✅ Use through the day, pair with gel overnight
Most lubricating drops add moisture to the surface and stop there. They do nothing about the bacterial balance sitting on the lid margin, which is often what keeps the irritation returning. Optimel works differently. It combines light lubrication from glycerin with manuka honey, an ingredient long researched for its natural antibacterial properties. A brief tingle on the first few applications is normal and settles quickly. For overnight support, pair these drops with the Optimel Eye Gel, which uses a thicker, more concentrated format designed for use before sleep.
The Irritation That Keeps Coming Back
Manuka Honey, Not Just Moisture
Drops Through The Day, Gel At Night
What To Expect When You Use It
Optimel Manuka eye drops, your questions answered
Q1. Do Optimel Manuka eye drops sting?
Yes, and you should expect it. A short stinging sensation and some mild redness on application is normal and usually settles within five to ten seconds.
That happens because manuka honey is naturally acidic. The organic acids responsible for the sting are the same ones behind the honey's antibacterial properties. Most people find the sensation eases as they get used to it over the first week or two.
Q2. Are Optimel Manuka eye drops preservative free?
No. The drops contain benzoic acid as a preservative, which appears on the label as sodium benzoate.
It was chosen because it occurs naturally in manuka honey and has a long history of safe use. If you are sensitive to preservatives, the Optimel gel is the better option because it is almost pure honey and does not need one.
Q3. What is the difference between the Optimel drops and the Optimel gel?
Concentration and thickness. The drops contain around 16.5 percent manuka honey. The gel contains 98 percent.
The drops suit daytime use and are easier to carry. The gel is thicker, more concentrated, and generally suits more persistent symptoms or overnight use. Plenty of my patients use both, drops through the day and gel at night.
Q4. Can I use Optimel drops while wearing contact lenses?
No. Take your lenses out first, then wait at least 30 minutes after using the drops before putting them back in.
This is not a case of being overly cautious. The honey formulation is not designed to sit under a lens.
Q5. How often should I use Optimel Manuka eye drops?
One drop into the inner corner of the affected eye, up to three times a day.
They are designed to be used alongside your regular lubricating drops rather than instead of them. The two do different jobs.
Q6. How long do Optimel drops last after opening?
Discard two months after opening. Write the date on the box when you first use it, because two months goes quickly.
Q7. Can I use Optimel if I react to honey or bee products?
Not without speaking to your optometrist or doctor first. The same applies if you have a known sensitivity to food gums or benzoate preservatives.
If you get anything beyond brief stinging and redness, stop using it and get in touch with your eye care professional.
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