Why Nigerians’ eyes need extra love right now
Between harmattan’s dust, urban pollution, long screen hours, and air-conditioned offices, our eyes fight a daily battle. Studies from Nigeria consistently report meaningful rates of dry-eye symptoms among adults, with local research in Southwest Nigeria confirming a “fairly high prevalence” using standard diagnostic tools like OSDI, Schirmer and TBUT. During harmattan specifically, low humidity and wind-blown dust increase irritation, tearing, and that classic gritty, burning feel.
(Lippincott Journals, IOSR Journals, megavisioneyeclinic.com)
Meet Ivy Aqua Products: a portfolio built for common Nigerian eye complaints
Ivy Aqua Products (Marketed by Dortemag and listed by pharmacies as Ivysine, Ivymoicell, Ivytimol, Ivycrom, etc.) is manufactured by Ivee Aqua EPZ Ltd, distributed by Dortemag Ventures Ltd and registered with NAFDAC—so you’re not dealing with mystery bottles. The range appears widely across Nigerian e-pharmacies and pharmacy marketplaces, a practical assurance that supply is accessible nationwide. (Green Book, rxalldelivered.com, emedicstore.org)
Below are the two everyday workhorses most relevant for routine relief. (Prescription items like timolol belong under an eye-care professional’s supervision.)
1) Ivymoicell (Hypromellose/HPMC): for dry, irritated eyes
Think “artificial tears.” Ivymoicell lubricates the ocular surface, stabilizes the tear film, and reduces friction with each blink—useful for screen-related strain, AC dryness, and dusty commutes. Multiple Nigerian pharmacy listings specify hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the active lubricant. (OneHealth, Medecify, sanlivepharmacy.com)
When it helps: burning, grittiness, dryness, light irritation—especially in harmattan or after long device use.
Good habits to pair with it: the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds), blink consciously, and hydrate.
2) Ivysine (Tetrahydrozoline 0.05%): for short-term redness and itching
Ivysine is a vasoconstrictor eye drop that temporarily shrinks superficial blood vessels to reduce redness, often used for minor irritations (smoke, dust). The official NAFDAC Summary of Product Characteristics confirms tetrahydrozoline 0.05% and gives clear guidance on when and how to use it.
Important safety notes (from NAFDAC):
Not for prolonged, unsupervised use—rebound redness can occur. If symptoms don’t improve in 48 hours, see a clinician.
Avoid in narrow-angle glaucoma and with contact lenses, and use caution with certain cardiovascular, endocrine, or MAOI-related conditions (see the SMPC).
Discard after opening as directed (Ivysine’s SMPC notes a 28-day opened shelf life).
NAFDAC
Why this combo matters in Nigeria
Harmattan defense: Lubrication counters the dry, dusty air that strips moisture from the tear film and aggravates the ocular surface.
(IOSR Journals, megavisioneyeclinic.com)
City living & screens: Artificial tears mitigate evaporative dryness from AC and digital work.
Fast cosmetic relief (used wisely): A short course of a redness reliever can make you meeting-ready—while you address root causes with better hygiene and lubrication.
How to use eye drops like a pro (and not waste them)
Wash hands. Tilt head back.
Look up, pull down the lower lid, and instill one drop into the pocket—don’t touch the tip to eye or lashes.
Close gently (don’t squeeze) and press the inner corner of the eyelid for 1 minute to reduce drainage.
Using more than one product? Separate by 5–10 minutes; lubrication first, vasoconstrictor last (if prescribed/needed).
Keep caps clean and follow the after-opening discard guidance (e.g., 28 days for Ivysine per NAFDAC).
Who should speak to a professional first?
Anyone with moderate–severe pain, light sensitivity, discharge, trauma, or sudden vision changes.
Contact-lens wearers with redness or pain.
People with glaucoma, serious heart conditions, thyroid disease, diabetes, or those on MAOIs—especially before using vasoconstrictors like Ivysine.
The forward view: beyond drops
Nigeria’s dry-eye burden will likely grow with more screen time and urbanization. Expect to see:
Smarter routines at work (mandatory “blink breaks,” humidifying indoor air).
Tele-optometry triage for minor complaints, guiding when to self-care vs. clinic.
Better public education each harmattan season—think eye-safe commuting tips and workplace posters.
Drops like Ivymoicell and Ivysine fit into this future as first-line, accessible tools—relief today, plus protection while healthier habits kick in. (Lippincott Journals, megavisioneyeclinic.com)
Quick FAQs
Are Ivy Aqua products legit in Nigeria?
Yes—Ivee Aqua EPZ Ltd. products (e.g., Ivysine, Ivytimol, Ivycrom) appear in NAFDAC’s Green Book and SMPCs, indicating formal market authorization and marketed by Dortemag Ventures Ltd..
Where can I find them?
Many Nigerian e-pharmacies and pharmacies/marketplaces list Ivymoicell and Ivysine; your local community pharmacy can advise on stock and proper use.
Can I use Ivysine every day?
Not advisable. It’s for short-term redness relief only; overuse may worsen redness (rebound). If you need it beyond 2 days, see an eye-care professional.
References (selected, accessible)
Betiku, A.O. et al. (2022) ‘Prevalence and risk factors associated with dry eye disease in Southwest Nigeria’, Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice. (Full text).
Lippincott Journals
Megavision Eye Clinic (2024) ‘How Harmattan Season in Nigeria Impacts Eye Health’.
megavisioneyeclinic.com
NAFDAC (2020, rev.) ‘Tetrahydrozoline 0.05% (Ivysine) Eye Drops: Summary of Product Characteristics’.
NAFDAC
NAFDAC Green Book (2025) ‘Products of Ivee Aqua EPZ Ltd.’ and ‘Ivytimol 0.5% entry’.
Green Book
+1
Nigerian e-pharmacy listings confirming Ivymoicell (HPMC) availability/indication.
