Dry Eye

• What is Dry Eye?

• What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

• Why do I get Dry Eye?

• What is Tear Film?

• What is the Dry Eye Cycle?

• How do I break the Dry Eye Cycle?

What is Dry Eye?

Dry Eye results from the lack of a healthy and stable tear film that normally coats your eyes providing essential lubrication, protection and clear, comfortable vision.

 

What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Typical symptoms include: stinging, itching, burning, excessive tearing, foreign body sensation, stickiness and grittiness. Your eyes may also appear red and inflamed, your vision may become blurred and you may notice stringy mucous in or around your eye.

 

Why do I get Dry Eye?

Dry Eye can be a chronic condition that is often categorized as mild, moderate or severe. A number of factors can trigger it: age, hormonal changes (menopause, HRT, pregnancy etc.), diseases such as asthma, diabetes, blepharitis or auto-immune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome), environmental (allergens, smoke, wind, air conditioning, excessive computer time, etc.), medications (antihistamines, antibiotics, anti-diarrheals, decongestants, diuretics, anti-hypertensives), contact lens wear.

 

What is Tear Film?

Normal tear film has three distinct layers that are bound to each other:

1. Mucin Layer- closest to the eye.
2. Aqueous Layer- a “watery” tear layer that sits on top of the mucin.
3. Lipid Layer- oily exterior layer.

The three layers of the tear film act together to protect and lubricate your eyes. When something interferes with the normal production or quality of one or more of these layers, the tear film can no longer perform its essential functions, leaving the surface of the eye exposed and unprotected.

 

What is the Dry Eye Cycle?

Dry Eye can lead to inflammation, which can lead to ocular surface damage, more severe Dry Eye, and more inflammation- a vicious cycle. In some cases, this may trigger the production of an excessive amount of the aqueous layer resulting in abnormal tears that actually contribute to further irritation.

While dry eyes may be “watery”, these excessive tears are salty and contribute to further irritation and inflammation. Inflamed eyes can also increase the risk of infection, which could lead to permanent scarring and vision loss in severe cases. Without treatment, symptoms progressively get worse and the cycle continues.

 

How do I break the Dry Eye Cycle?

Proper treatment with artificial tears can usually provide symptomatic relief while helping to break the Dry Eye Cycle. The artificial tears act as a tear substitute, taking the place of the natural tear film.

The type of artificial tears and their frequency of use are key to breaking the Dry Eye Cycle. If you find that your artificial tears do no give you sustained relief from your Dry Eye symptoms, you could be making your Dry Eye worse.

Speak with your eye doctor and select a product that:

• Is convenient to use.
• Provides effective, long-lasting relief.
• Has a manageable dosing schedule.
• Is safe to use as needed.

Also ask your doctor about preservatives and whether you should be using a product that contains a disappearing preservative or one that is preservative free.

GenTeal* GelDrops can help break the Dry Eye Cycle by producing a unique lubricating and protective seal on the eye that gives immediate, long-lasting relief and protection.

Additional GenTeal* benefits:

• 4 applications daily are usually all that’s needed for moderate to severe Dry Eye
• Can be safely used as needed
• Contains a disappearing preservative
• No risk of long-term preservative related side effects

Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions when using any Dry Eye product.

 

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