Why Manuka Honey Is a Game-Changer for Dry Eyes

Dry eyes got you feeling uncomfortable? You will be surprised to learn that Manuka Honey can do wonders for red, tired or irritated eyes. Honey isn’t just for toast, it has antibacterial and healing powers that are now being harnessed in eye care products made locally in Australia. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how Manuka Honey can soothe dry eye and blepharitis, and spotlight three Optimel products — Optimel Manuka+ Dry Eye Drops, Optimel Manuka Forte Eye Gel, and Optimel Manuka+ Eyelid Cream.

Why Manuka Honey for Eyes?

Manuka honey is known for its unique antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Research shows that applying Manuka Honey to the eye area can improve dry eye symptoms, help stabilise the tear film, and reduce inflammation.

Simply, Manuka Honey helps fight bacteria around the eyelids, soothes irritation, and helps your eyes stay comfortable and moist.

Optimel Eye Drops

When dryness strikes, Optimel Manuka+ Dry Eye Drops can be a game-changer. These drops blend premium Manuka honey to hydrate and protect your eyes.

Why people love them: The Manuka honey helps keep lid-margin bacteria under control — a big deal if you suffer from blepharitis. Some users feel a sting when applied (I did too — not going to lie!), but that quickly fades, and the relief is worth it. After a week of using them, my eyes felt clearer and way less gritty. 

Optimel Eye Gel

Optimel Manuka Forte Eye Gel is packed with a higher concentration of Manuka Honey and is designed to be applied along the eyelids before bed or during the day. The honey works to control bacteria, calm inflammation, and lock in moisture.

What makes it special: It’s preservative-free and thick enough to stay put overnight — so you wake up with lids that feel calmer and less crusty. For anyone dealing with stubborn blepharitis or chronic dry eye, this gel can make a real difference. Yes, it might tingle or sting a bit at first — but that’s the honey working its magic. 

Optimel Eyelid Cream

Don’t forget the skin around your eyes — it deserves TLC too. Optimel Manuka+ Eyelid Cream combines Manuka honey, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, jojoba oil and chamomile to moisturise, protect, and soothe dry, flaky eyelids.

Why it’s great: This cream is gentle and fragrance-free — ideal for sensitive skin. It helps reduce flakiness, redness, and irritation. I once woke up with puffy eyes that felt heavy and sore thanks to allergies — a dab of this cream morning and night was a game changer. The skin around my eyes felt softer, less red and much more comfortable.

Why Research Backs It Up

Studies have found that Manuka honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help manage dry eye and blepharitis by reducing bacteria on the lid margins and supporting better tear film stability.

Clinical trials with Manuka honey-based drops & gels have shown significant improvements in eye redness, irritation and overall comfort.

Summary

Manuka honey might sound like a fad, but it’s a natural powerhouse for your eyes. Optimel’s Manuka Honey range is a gentle, effective way to manage dry eyes, blepharitis, and irritated eyelids — with a little help from nature.