Honey in your eyes? It might sound unusual, but medical-grade Manuka honey is increasingly being explored as a treatment for dry eye disease, particularly when inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) are involved.
While most people are familiar with lubricating eye drops, which help supplement the natural tear film and improve comfort, Manuka honey eye drops offer a different approach.
Products such as OptiMel use specially formulated, medical-grade Manuka honey, which has antimicrobial properties and may help improve several signs and symptoms associated with dry eye disease.
But how does it work? Is there good clinical evidence behind it? And are Manuka honey eye drops right for everyone?
Let's take a closer look.
Why Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is produced by bees collecting nectar from the Manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium), native to New Zealand.
It's well known for its antimicrobial properties, partly associated with a naturally occurring compound called methylglyoxal (MGO).
Medical-grade Manuka honey has attracted attention in wound care and, more recently, ocular surface management because of its potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Importantly, medical-grade Manuka honey eye drops are not the same as ordinary honey. Products such as OptiMel are manufactured specifically for ophthalmic use, with controlled formulations and appropriate sterility standards.
You should never put ordinary household honey directly into your eyes.
How Can Manuka Honey Help Dry Eyes?
Dry eye disease isn't always simply a lack of tears.
In fact, one of the most common contributing factors is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the tiny oil-producing glands along the eyelid margins become obstructed or produce poor-quality oils.
These oils normally form the outer layer of the tear film, helping to slow evaporation and maintain stable, comfortable vision.
When the glands aren't functioning properly, tears evaporate more quickly, potentially leading to:
- Burning, stinging or gritty sensations
- Redness and irritation
- Fluctuating or blurry vision
- Watery eyes
- Increased sensitivity to wind, air conditioning or prolonged screen use
- Sore or inflamed eyelid margins
Learn more about Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
What makes Manuka honey different from conventional lubricating drops?
Lubricating eye drops primarily help supplement and stabilise the tear film, providing moisture and reducing friction on the ocular surface.
Manuka honey formulations are different. Their potential benefits appear to relate to several mechanisms:
1. Antimicrobial activity
Manuka honey has antimicrobial properties and may help reduce some of the bacterial burden associated with eyelid margin disease.
Changes in eyelid bacteria can contribute to inflammation and disruption of the tear film, particularly in patients with blepharitis and MGD.
2. Potential anti-inflammatory effects
Research suggests Manuka honey formulations may help improve certain markers and clinical signs associated with ocular surface inflammation.
3. Improvements in meibomian gland function
Clinical trials have reported improvements in the quality and expressibility of meibomian gland secretions following treatment with Manuka honey products.
4. Improved tear film stability and ocular comfort
Some studies have demonstrated improvements in dry eye symptoms, ocular surface staining and tear film stability.
These benefits are promising, although the evidence is not yet strong enough to suggest Manuka honey should replace established treatments for dry eye disease.
What Does the Clinical Evidence Say?
At Illume, we believe in understanding the research behind the products we recommend. There have been several clinical studies investigating medical-grade Manuka honey for dry eye disease and MGD. Two randomised trials involving OptiMel are particularly relevant.
The 2017 Clinical Trial: Manuka Honey as an Additional Treatment for MGD
Albietz and Schmid (2017) published a randomised controlled trial in Clinical and Experimental Optometry involving 114 participants with moderate to advanced MGD.
Participants were allocated to one of three groups:
- Conventional treatment with warm compresses, lid massage and preservative-free lubricants
- Conventional treatment plus OptiMel Manuka honey eye drops (16%)
- Conventional treatment plus OptiMel Manuka Forte Eye Gel (98%)
Following eight weeks of treatment, improvements in dry eye symptoms and clinical signs were recorded across the treatment groups.
Importantly, the Manuka honey groups demonstrated additional improvements in several measures of meibomian gland function and ocular surface inflammation.
The study also found:
- Greater improvement in ocular surface staining with the Manuka honey drops
- Improvements in meibomian gland expressibility with both honey formulations
- Reduced eyelid bacterial counts with certain formulations
- Reduced reliance on lubricating drops in the Manuka honey groups
What does this mean?
This study suggests Manuka honey may offer additional benefits when used alongside conventional treatment for MGD, rather than replacing regular eyelid care and lubrication.
Reference: Albietz JM, Schmid KL. Randomised controlled trial of topical antibacterial Manuka honey for evaporative dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction. Clinical and Experimental Optometry. 2017;100(6):603–615.
The 2022 Clinical Trial: OptiMel Eye Drops Compared with Lubricants
A second randomised, assessor-masked clinical trial by Li and colleagues, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology in 2022, investigated 59 patients with MGD. The researchers compared conventional lubricating eye drops with OptiMel 16% Manuka honey eye drops over three weeks.
Patients using OptiMel demonstrated statistically significant improvements in dry eye symptom scores and several clinical measures, including:
- Eyelid margin redness
- Conjunctival redness
- Corneal staining
- Meibomian gland secretion quality
- Meibomian gland expressibility
The conventional lubricant group also experienced improvements in several objective measures, but did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in symptom scores over the same period.
What does this mean?
These findings suggest Manuka honey eye drops may be a useful alternative or adjunct to conventional lubricating eye drops in selected patients with MGD.
However, this was a relatively small study with only three weeks of follow-up, so longer-term research is still needed.
Reference: Li ALW, Li SL, Kam KW, Young AL. Randomised assessor-masked trial evaluating topical Manuka honey (OptiMel) in treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2022;106(6):777–780.
What Do Recent Reviews Tell Us?
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis examined five randomised controlled trials involving 288 adults with dry eye disease. The review found promising improvements in patient-reported symptoms and several clinical indicators of dry eye.
However, the authors emphasised that limitations in study design and methodology meant the findings should be interpreted cautiously.
More recently, a 2026 review of treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction, authored by researchers associated with the University of Auckland, examined the evidence for both established and emerging therapies, including Manuka honey. The review identified encouraging findings from clinical trials but noted that the overall evidence for topical Manuka honey in MGD remains limited.
It also highlighted that the concentration and method of application may influence treatment outcomes, while temporary stinging can affect patient tolerability.
Our interpretation at Illume: Medical-grade Manuka honey is a promising addition to dry eye management, particularly for patients with MGD and we've seen this in clinic with many patients finding this a key part of their dry eye management. However, it should be viewed as one potential treatment within a broader, individualised management plan, rather than a universal solution.
OptiMel Eye Drops vs OptiMel Manuka Forte Eye Gel: What's the Difference?
OptiMel is available in two different formulations, and choosing between them depends on your eyes, symptoms and treatment goals.
| OptiMel Manuka+ Eye Drops | OptiMel Manuka Forte Eye Gel | |
|---|---|---|
| Manuka honey concentration | 16.5% | 98% |
| Formulation | Liquid eye drops | Thicker gel |
| Preservative | Contains sodium benzoate | Preservative-free |
| Typical use | May be easier to incorporate into daytime care | A more concentrated option for selected patients |
| Initial stinging | Common | Common, potentially more intense |
| Vision immediately after use | Temporary blurring possible | Temporary blurring can be more noticeable |
Which is better?
Neither formulation is automatically the better choice.
The gel provides a higher concentration of Manuka honey without a preservative, whereas the drops may be easier for some patients to tolerate or incorporate into their routine.
In the 2017 trial, the gel produced greater improvements in certain measures of meibomian gland function, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is the most appropriate option for every patient.
Explore the products:
Both are available through the Illume Eye Care online store, with delivery throughout New Zealand.
Why We Use OptiMel at Illume Eye Care
At Illume, we consider OptiMel when ocular surface inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction are contributing to persistent dry eye symptoms.
It's not necessarily the first eye drop we'd recommend for everyone, but it can be a useful addition to a targeted treatment plan.
One of the challenges with dry eye disease is that the same symptoms can have very different underlying causes.
For some people, the primary issue is poor tear production. For others, it's blocked meibomian glands, eyelid inflammation, incomplete blinking or a combination of factors.
That's why our approach to dry eye management starts with understanding what's actually happening on the ocular surface.
Our advanced dry eye clinic in Ponsonby, Auckland, offers comprehensive assessments of tear film stability, meibomian gland function, inflammation and ocular surface health.
Depending on your findings, we may recommend a combination of home care, lubricating drops, prescription treatments or professional therapies such as IPL, Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), LipiFlow or other targeted treatments.
OptiMel can play a role for selected patients, but it doesn't replace the need to identify and manage the underlying cause.
Frequently Asked Questions About Manuka Honey Eye Drops
Are Manuka honey eye drops good for dry eyes?
Medical-grade Manuka honey eye drops may help improve symptoms of dry eye disease, especially when MGD is contributing to tear film instability.
Clinical trials have reported improvements in dry eye symptoms and several measures of ocular surface health. However, the evidence remains limited, and not everyone will benefit equally.
Why do OptiMel eye drops sting?
OptiMel contains Manuka honey, which has a naturally acidic pH. This can cause a temporary stinging or burning sensation when the drops are applied.
This is a known and relatively common effect, rather than necessarily indicating an adverse reaction.
The sensation generally settles quickly, although some people find it uncomfortable. Persistent pain, worsening redness or reduced vision should not be dismissed as normal.
Can Manuka honey eye drops help with MGD?
Potentially, yes.
Clinical trials have demonstrated improvements in meibomian gland secretion quality and expressibility in patients using medical-grade Manuka honey formulations.
However, if your meibomian glands are significantly obstructed, eye drops alone may not be enough. Warm compresses, lid hygiene or professional treatments may also be appropriate.
Read our guide to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Do OptiMel eye drops contain preservatives?
Yes. OptiMel Manuka+ Eye Drops contain sodium benzoate as a preservative.
OptiMel Manuka Forte Eye Gel is preservative-free and may be an alternative for patients where avoiding preservatives is important. However, the higher honey concentration and thicker formulation mean it is not necessarily more comfortable.
Can I use OptiMel with contact lenses?
OptiMel should not be applied while contact lenses are in your eyes.
Remove your lenses before applying the product and follow the manufacturer's instructions for when you can reinsert them.
For contact lens wearers experiencing persistent discomfort, it's also important to assess whether dry eye, MGD, lens fit or lens material is contributing to symptoms.
How long does OptiMel take to work?
Some patients may notice improvements within the first few weeks, but responses vary. Clinical trials have evaluated treatment outcomes over approximately three to eight weeks.
OptiMel is not intended to provide the same immediate soothing sensation as a conventional lubricating drop, and its potential benefits should be assessed over time.
Can I use OptiMel alongside other dry eye treatments?
Yes, OptiMel may be used alongside other treatments, including lubricating eye drops, warm compresses and eyelid hygiene.
If you use multiple eye medications, follow your optometrist's advice regarding the order and timing of application. OptiMel should not replace prescribed anti-inflammatory or other ocular medication without professional advice.
Is it safe to put ordinary Manuka honey in my eyes?
No. Only use sterile, medical-grade products specifically formulated for ophthalmic use.
Ordinary honey, including supermarket Manuka honey, is not a suitable substitute and may introduce contaminants or cause significant irritation.
The Bottom Line: Are Manuka Honey Eye Drops Worth Trying?
Manuka honey eye drops are an interesting example of how naturally derived ingredients can have a place in evidence-informed eye care.
Research suggests products such as OptiMel may offer benefits for some patients with dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction, particularly when eyelid inflammation and tear film instability are contributing to symptoms.
However, they aren't a miracle treatment, and they won't address every cause of dry eye.
The most effective approach is always to understand the underlying problem and choose treatment accordingly.
At Illume Eye Care, we combine clinical expertise, diagnostic technology and a wide range of treatment options to help patients find the most appropriate approach for their eyes.
Interested in trying OptiMel? Explore our range of medical-grade Manuka honey eye care products, available for delivery throughout New Zealand.
Still struggling with dry eyes? Book a Dry Eye & Ocular Surface Assessment at our advanced dry eye clinic in Ponsonby, Auckland, for personalised advice and treatment.
References
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Albietz JM, Schmid KL. Randomised controlled trial of topical antibacterial Manuka (Leptospermum species) honey for evaporative dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction. Clinical and Experimental Optometry. 2017;100(6):603–615. PubMed.
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Li ALW, Li SL, Kam KW, Young AL. Randomised assessor-masked trial evaluating topical Manuka honey (OptiMel) in treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2022;106(6):777–780. PubMed.
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Efficacy and safety of Manuka honey for dry eye: A systematic review and meta-analysis. 2022. PubMed.
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Cooper JM, Mahmoud R, Jennings CJ, Bandamwar K, Wang MTM, Craig JP. Pharmacological, Natural and Emerging Therapies for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Review. Drugs. 2026;86:675–718. Full-text article on PubMed Central.