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.
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.
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).
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.
- 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
