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Sanford G.
Feldman, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Ellie E.
Samadani, M.D.
Patricia
S. Bainter, M.D.
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"The
difference
is the time
we spend
with each
patient..."
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3737
MORAGA
AVENUE
SUITE
A-105
SAN
DIEGO
CA
92117
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858.273.0200
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Artificial Tear
Products for the
Treatment of Dry Eye
Syndrome |
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How can “Dry Eye Syndrome” cause watery
eyes?
Artificial tear products are the mainstay
treatment for patients with Dry Eye
Syndrome. There are many different types and
many different brands. These products are
all designed to lubricate the
eye when the eye itself is not producing
enough of its own lubricating tears. Dry Eye
Syndrome
can cause burning, itching, a feeling of
sand in the eyes, redness, and even
decreased vision. |
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Ironically, lack of the
“good” lubricating tears can also result in
over-production of a non-soothing tear called a “reflex
tear,” which makes the eyes seem overly watery. So,
ironically, one of the common symptoms of what we call
“Dry Eye Syndrome” is actually watery eyes caused by too
many “bad” reflex tears. In-office testing can help us
determine the combination of artificial tear products
that will be best for your condition. Call us at 858
273-0200 to schedule your appointment.
Drops
Artificial tear drops are available over the counter
without a prescription and can be used up to several
times per day to replace the good, lubricating tears
that may be missing in Dry Eye Syndrome. Some brands are
more watery. Other brands are more oily. Some have
preservatives in them. Some are made without
preservative for use in people with unusually sensitive
eyes.
Gel-Drops
Artificial tears also come in thicker form called
“gel-drops.” These last longer on the eye and may not
need to be used as often. They can sometimes blur the
vision for a time, though, because they are thick.
Gels
You can also buy artificial tear “gel” which is even
thicker than drops and gel-drops. The gel is usually
placed inside the eye at night, to provide
through-the-night protection. Gel can blur the vision
for a time.
Ointment
The longest lasting artificial tear product is
artificial tear ointment. This has the consistency of
Vaseline and typically blurs the vision much more than
drops, gel-drops, and gels. That’s why ointments are
usually recommended only for night time use, and
particularly when a dry eye problem is being aggravated
by failure of the eyelids to close completely at night. |
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