Dry Eye
What is it?
This is an extremely common condition in which the tear film overlaying the front of the eye dries out causing symptoms. The normal tear film has 3 layers – the outer oily layer, which prevents the evaporation of tears; the middle layer which consists of water and keeps the eye moist; and the mucus layer, which coats the front surface of the eye and keeps it smooth. Patients who suffer from dry eye don’t produce the right balance of the 3 layers of the tears, or don’t produce enough tears.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms can include: Discomfort, Dryness, Tired Eyes, Light Sensitivity, Heavy Eyes, Variable & Blurring Vision, Red Eyes.
These symptoms will vary from patient to patient so not all of them may necessarily occur. They will also vary in severity.
What are the Treatments?
Dry Eye cannot be cured but it can be treated. You may find it easier on your eyes if you try and avoid hot climates, central heating and windy days. If you do use central heating, try placing a cup of water on the radiator to keep the air moist.
If you wear contact lenses, you may find it more comfortable to use comfort drops or to reduce or cease contact lens wear.
You may find that the use of artificial “tears”or comfort drops beneficial. There are numerous preparations available. Some are ointments, which may blur your vision, but last longer. Others are liquids, which you drop into your eye.
We recommend the following:
1, Clinitas Soothe is a gentle preservative-free eye drop in easy to use daily re-sealable droppers. Once opened, the cap can be inverted to re-seal the dropper for use throughout the day up to 12 hours. It is ideal for:
- Contact lens wearers
- Dry or sore eyes caused by working at a computer, reading and other close work
- Watching TV, driving and other activities using concentration (i.e. reduces blink rate)
- Modern living – air conditioning, heating, air travel and pollution
- Tired eyes
- Dry Eyes following laser surgery
- Dry or sore eyes associated with the menopause
- Dry Eye sufferers with sensitivity to preservatives
2, Clinitas Hydrate is a gel drop used to relieve the symptoms of Dry Eye (which includes watering eyes) caused when there is insufficient tear volume and in conditions where tears evaporate quicker than normal for example in wind, sun or dry atmospheres or to relieve the symptoms of Dry Eye as a side effect of taking medications (e.g. HRT, antihistamines). Clinitas Hydrate lubricates and comforts the eye for up to 6 hours. It is ideal for:
- Overnight use and on wakening
- Use before putting in contact lenses (use 15 minutes before putting in lenses)
- Dryness caused by wind, sun, dry atmospheres or as a side effect of taking other medications
It can be used safely with either Clinitas Soothe or Clinitas Ultra 3 during the day. Clinitas Hydrate is preserved with cetrimide. Once opened, the tube should be discarded within four weeks.
3, Clinitas Ultra 3 is a new technology eye drop for persistent or chronic dry eye. It has components to help all three layers of the tear film. It gives sufficient moisture to hold the tear film as well as adding to the outer layer to delay tear break up time making it ideal for people with evaporative Dry Eye. Clinitas Ultra 3 is ideal for people with regular or persistant dry, sore or watery eyes with symptoms that last throughout the day. It is ideal for
- Continuous watering eyes
- Continuous everyday eye discomfort
- Any Dry Eye symptoms (including watering eyes) experienced on a regular basis
4, Systane Eye Drops come in bottles and also preservative-free minim form.
If you notice any pain, redness, discharge or unusual blurring of vision, contact an Eye Specialist Immediately. 