Dry Eye Syndrome
The tears your eyes produce are necessary for overall eye health and clear vision. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), means that your eyes do not produce enough tears or that you produce tears which do not have the proper chemical composition. Often, dry eye is part of the natural aging process. It can also be caused by blinking or eyelid problems, medications like antihistamines, oral contraceptives and antidepressants, a dry climate, wind and dust, general health problems like arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome and chemical or thermal burns to your eyes.
If you have dry eye, your symptoms may include irritated, scratchy, dry, uncomfortable or red eyes, a burning sensation or feeling of something foreign in your eyes and blurred vision. Excessive dry eyes may damage eye tissue, scar your cornea (the front covering of your eyes) and impair vision and make contact lens wear difficult.
If you have symptoms of dry eye, see your eye care specialist for a comprehensive examination. Dry eye cannot be cured, but your eye care specialist can prescribe treatment so your eyes remain healthy and your vision is unaffected. Some treatments that your eye care specialist might prescribe include blinking more frequently, increasing humidity at home or work, using artificial tears and using a moisturizing ointment, especially at bedtime. In some cases, small plugs are inserted in the corner of the eyes to slow tear drainage. Sometimes, surgical closure of the drainage ducts may be recommended.
Which dry eye solution is right for you? This chart provides some guidance as to which product might be most suitable for your condition.
Click on the product name for more information.
Non-preserved - the healthiest solution |
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Product |
Description |
Mild |
Moderate |
Severe |
| Blink Activated Viscoadaptive 0.15% hyaluronan, eye drop for everyday use and with contact lenses | X |
X |
X |
|
| Blink Activated Viscoadaptive 0.3% hyaluronan, for the most severe cases and night-time use | X |
X |
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| Sterile isotonic saline, multi-dose non-preserved | X |
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Preserved - the convinient, economical solution |
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Product |
Description |
Mild |
Moderate |
Severe |
| The first fluid gel in a bottle | X |
X |
X |
|
Daily Hygiene |
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Product |
Description |
Mild |
Moderate |
Severe |
| eyelid & lash cleansing gel | X |
X |
X |
|
Punctum Plugs |
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Product |
Description |
Mild |
Moderate |
Severe |
| thermodynamic acrylic plug | X |
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| Parasol® | silicone plugs | X |
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| UltraPlug® | silicone plugs | X |
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| UltraPlug® E-Plug | extended Wear plugs (last for 2-6 months) | X |
X |
|