An eyelid gel is a gel made for the eyelids. ZocuShield and NuLids Revitalize go along the lash line. Optimel Manuka Forte goes along the lower lid margin or into the inner corner of the eye. ZocuShield and Optimel Manuka Forte are usually used at night. None of them is a lubricating eye drop. Drops go onto the eye itself to top up the tear film.
Here’s how the three eyelid gels differ, and how to pick one.
Where an eyelid gel fits in dry eye care
The Cambridge University Hospitals eye service explains that the small oil glands along the lid edge help protect the tears, and that when they are inflamed this does not work properly. Its advice for inflamed lid margins is everyday lid hygiene: warm compresses, lid massage and cleaning along the lashes, kept up for as long as symptoms last.
An eyelid gel is not part of that hospital advice. It is an extra step that goes on after the lids are clean. A gel doesn’t replace a visit to your optometrist if your eyes are sore or your vision changes.
The three types of eyelid gel we stock
A leave-on okra eyelid gel: ZocuShield
ZocuShield Eyelid Gel is made by Zocular, built on their Zokrex okra technology with aloe vera. It comes in a 10mL syringe. You press one drop onto your fingertip and massage it along the lash line until it begins to dry. There is nothing to rinse off. One Australian stockist describes it as an overnight gel, and Australian sellers say one syringe lasts two to three months.
A botanical eyelid gel for the NuLids device: NuLids Revitalize
NuLids Revitalize Eyelid Gel is the gel made for the NuLids Dry Eye System, a handheld device with a soft tip that you run along the lash line. The gel goes on the tip, and a 10ml Revitalize gel comes in the NuLids starter kit. Its key ingredients are argan oil, pomegranate extract, Norway spruce sap and jojoba esters. You can also apply it to your eyelids with clean fingertips.
One Australian optometry shop describes it as part of a daily eyelid hygiene routine, and says you can leave it on or rinse it off.
A manuka honey gel for the lower eyelid: Optimel Manuka Forte
Optimel Manuka Forte Gel from Melcare is a manuka honey gel in a 10g tube. It works differently from the other two. It goes along the lower lid margin or into the inner corner of the eye rather than on the lashes, and Melcare suggest using it before bed.
Expect some stinging and redness when you first put it in. Melcare say that is normal, and that any other reaction means you stop and see an eye care professional. Throw the tube out two months after opening, and skip it if you are allergic to bee products or food gums.
The three eyelid gels side by side
| ZocuShield | NuLids Revitalize | Optimel Manuka Forte | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Okra complex (Zokrex), aloe vera | Argan oil, pomegranate, Norway spruce sap, jojoba esters | Manuka honey |
| Where it goes | Along the lash line | On the NuLids soft tip, or the lash line with fingertips | Lower lid margin or inner corner of the eye |
| Pack | 10mL syringe | Refill gel for the NuLids device | 10g tube |
| How long it lasts | About two to three months of use | See the pack | Throw out two months after opening |
| Good to know | Contains soy protein | Made for the NuLids device | Stings at first; not for bee product or food gum allergies |
How to choose an eyelid gel
- If you own a NuLids device: NuLids Revitalize is the refill made for it.
- If you want a gel you leave on: ZocuShield is one drop from a syringe, with no rinsing.
- If you already clean your lids with ZocuFoam or ZocuWipe: ZocuShield is the leave-on step from the same Zocular range.
- If you want a honey gel: Optimel Manuka Forte goes along the lower lid, and it stings at first.
- If you are allergic to bee products or food gums: leave Optimel out. If you are allergic to soy, note that ZocuShield contains hydrolysed soy protein.
Not sure which suits your eyes? Your optometrist can look at your lids and tell you which kind of lid care to start with.
How ZocuShield eyelid gel differs from ZocuFoam and ZocuWipe
All three Zocular products are built on the same Zokrex okra technology, so it is easy to mix them up. ZocuFoam is a foaming cleanser. Zocular’s Australian distributor says to leave it on the lids for 30 to 40 seconds and then rinse it off. ZocuWipe is a pre-moistened pad you use once a day, with no rinsing. ZocuShield is the gel you leave on after cleaning with either one.
How to use an eyelid gel in your lid care routine
Wash your hands before you start. Then work in this order.
- Warm: a heated eye mask or warm compress over closed eyes. The Cambridge eye service suggests five to ten minutes, morning and evening. See our eye masks and compresses.
- Clean: a lid cleanser, foam or wipe along the lash line. See our lid care range.
- Gel: last, on clean lids, following the directions on the pack.
How long does an eyelid gel last?
Here is what we could find for each one.
- ZocuShield: Australian sellers say a syringe lasts two to three months.
- NuLids Revitalize: check the pack, as we couldn’t find an opened shelf life from an Australian source.
- Optimel Manuka Forte: throw it out two months after opening, even if there is some left.
Can you use an eyelid gel and eye drops together?
Yes. Lubricating drops such as Hylo-Forte are made to top up the tears through the day, and the gels are a lid care step. If you use drops and a gel at the same time of day, ask your optometrist how far apart to space them.
Can you use an eyelid gel with contact lenses?
Take your lenses out first. Melcare say not to use Optimel Manuka Forte with lenses in, and to wait at least 30 minutes before putting them back. For ZocuShield, the Australian distributor says to remove contact lenses before you start. We couldn’t find contact lens directions for NuLids Revitalize, so ask your optometrist if you wear lenses every day.
Can children use an eyelid gel?
Check with your optometrist or GP first. We couldn’t find age guidance for any of these three gels from an Australian source.
Eyelid gel or sleep mask: what to put on your eyelids overnight
A leave-on eyelid gel is one option, because you put it on clean lids at bedtime and leave it there. One Australian stockist describes ZocuShield as an overnight gel, and Melcare suggest Optimel Manuka Forte before bed.
A moisture chamber sleep mask is another option. EyeSeals 4.0 sits over closed eyes overnight and blocks dry air. Ask your optometrist whether a gel, a mask or both suit you.
Is an eyelid gel better than an eye cream?
They are made for different places. An eyelid gel is made for the lid edge and lashes. Eye creams vary a lot, so check the label to see what a cream is made for before you use it near your lashes.
When to see your optometrist instead of buying an eyelid gel
An eyelid gel is for everyday lid care. See your optometrist or GP if your eye is painful, very red or sensitive to light, if your vision changes, or if a lump on your eyelid doesn’t settle.
You’ll find all three eyelid gels, plus cleansers and wipes, in our lid care range.
