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don't have to suffer any longer with Dry Eye Syndrome - DES. |
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What
causes Dry Eye
Syndrome?
DES has many causes, which explains why millions are affected. The
most common causes include:
- THE AGING PROCESS
Tear flow normally decreases with age. In fact, approximately
75% of individuals over age 65 suffer from DES symptoms.
- CONTACT LENS WEAR
Contact lens wear can dramatically increase tear evaporation,
causing discomfort, infection, and/or increased protein
deposits. Research show that DES is the leading cause of
contact lens intolerance.
- HORMONAL CHANGES IN
WOMEN
Various
hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, oral contraceptives and
menopause can contribute to DES.
- ENVIRONMENTAL
FACTORS
People who are exposed to smoke, air pollution, high altitude,
sunny, windy, cold or dry air conditions are at risk for DES.
- SIDE EFFECTS OF
DISEASE/MEDICATIONS
There are several diseases and medications which can lower your
ability to produce tears. Be sure to give your doctor a complete
medical history.
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What is Dry Eye
Syndrome?
Your tears function
to keep the eyes lubricated and comfortable. Dry Eye Syndrome is caused
when the tear glands in the upper and lower eyelids do not produce enough tears
and/or the tear ducts drain too much tears off the eye surface. The
phenomenon causes the eyes to feel irritated, scratchy, burning, red, and
uncomfortable. Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is the most common of all eye
disorders, affection approximately 20% of our population.
The complexity of
tears.
Your eyes are
moistened by two different types of tears: lubricating tears and reflex
tears.
Lubrication tears
are produced continuously to moisturize the eye and contain natural
infection-fighting antibiotics.
Reflex tears
are produced in response to sudden irritation (smoke, onions, foreign
particles), injury or emotion. Ironically, the irritation from dry eyes
can trigger reflex tears, which flood the eye. But because reflex tears do
not have the proper lubrication composition, the discomfort persists.
Thus, "watery eyes" can actually be a symptom of DES.
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What Treatments
Are Available?
Depending
on the intensity of the condition, treatment may be as simple as using
artificial tears a few times a day. In more persistent cases, however, a
simple non-surgical procedure is available that provides long-term relief of DES
through the use of tiny plugs called "punctal occluders."
The
Parasol™
Punctal Occluder
The Parasol
Punctal Occluder from Odyssey Medical is one of the most advanced occluders
available. Its unique, patented shape is easy to insert because it
automatically adjusts to the
patient's tear duct opening.
In addition, the
Parasol's advanced design provides a truly custom fit which, in turn, means
greater patient comfort.
The Parasol Punctal
Occluder can also reduce or eliminate the major cause of discomfort for many
contact lens wearers, or those who are unable to tolerate contact lenses.
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Punctal
Occluders
As the name
suggests, these devices occlude (block) the punctum, or tear duct which
is the drainage duct that carries tears away from the surface of the
eye. There are upper and lower punctum ducts in the inner corner
of each eye. Blocking these drainage ducts prevents tears from
draining away too quickly. Punctal occlusion can be compared to
putting a stopper in a sink drain. This widely performed procedure
is safe, quick, painless, and totally reversible.
Punctal
occluders are made of a very soft flexible silicone, similar to that
used in contact lenses. Though they are barely visible to the
naked eye, they are carefully manufactured into an extremely smooth and
precise design.
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Dry
Eye Checklist
- Red eyes
- Itching
- Burning
- Watery eyes
- Sandy or
gritty feeling
- Tired eyes
- Seasonal
allergies
- Arthritis/Joint
Pain
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- Constant
tearing
- Foreign
body sensation
- Light
sensitivity
- Occasional
tearing
- Contact
lens discomfort
- Dry throat
or mouth
- Pain or
soreness in or around eyes
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If you experience the symptoms
above, you may be be suffering from DES. Left, untreated, your symptoms
will most likely intensify, making your daily life unpleasant, or worse,
deteriorate your visual acuity. If in doubt, ask your eye care
specialist if the Parasol™ Punctal Occluder can help you.
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- Odyssey
Medical Inc., Registered Trademark