|
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) is the result of
an inflammatory process affecting both the lacrimal gland (the
gland that produces tears) and the surface of the eye. As a result,
people who suffer from dry eye syndrome have either reduced tear
production or excessive tear drainage. This causes discomfort
and can damage the surface of the eye. Symptoms may include dryness,
stinging, burning, itching, scratchiness, excessive tearing, blurry
vision, and sensitivity to light.
More than 10 million people in the U.S.A. suffer from moderate
to severe dry eye syndrome, and an estimated 15 to 20 million
have a milder form of the condition. Nearly 5 million people are
unable to wear contact lenses because of dry eye.
Who is at risk?
Dry eye can affect men and women of any age. At particular risk
are those who:
| • |
Wear contact lenses |
 |
• |
Are pregnant |
| • |
Are on specific types of medication |
|
• |
Are post menopausal |
•
•
|
Have suffered external
eye diseases
Computer Users
|
|
• |
Have Sjogren's syndrome |
| |
•
•
|
Have had PRK or LASIK
Have Scleroderma
|
What are the treatments?
Although there is currently no cure for dry eye, treatments include:
| • |
Lubricating eye drops |
| • |
Ointments |
| • |
Which are Medications that must be administered on a daily
basis
|
•
• |
Punctum Plugs
Cautery
|
A new solution
An alternative solution is to occlude the "punctum,"
or tear duct, in order to conserve tears. SmartPLUG™
from Medennium is the first flexible thermodynamic punctum plug
designed to fit and stay in a range of punctum sizes. It is designed
to increase tear retention and alleviate dry eye symptoms while
providing maximum patient comfort. SmartPLUG
is intended to be a long-term solution that will decrease or eliminate
dry eye symptoms and restore comfortable vision.
For more detailed information click SmartPLUG.
|
