RESTASIS®

Restasis Approved by FDA for Chronic Dry Eye - you may have heard of the wonder drug for DRY EYE called Restasis. You have probably even seen the commercials on TV. The FDA has announced that the usage of this product be reserved for moderate to severe cases of dry eye syndrome. In 2002 The FDA approved Allergan’s Restasis drug (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion, 0.05%) for application by qualified eye doctors. It has been reported that Restasis® works in 2 major ways. It acts as an immune system modulator and as an anti-inflammatory drug. During the FDA trials the drug actually demonstrated increased tear production with the all familiar Schirmer’s test. According to the FDA website Restasis® actually increased tear production in 15% of the trial cases as opposed to the placebo group.

How Does RESTASIS® Actually Help Reduce Dry Eyes?
This drug increases tear production by reducing inflammation on the surface of a sufferer’s eye. It is proven to increase your natural ability to produce tears due primarily to the anti-inflammatory elements of the drug. Do not take RESTASIS® if you have eye infections, herpes or other viral eye infections.

Important Dry Eye Product Safety Information:
RESTASIS® should not be used by people with eye infections and has not been studied in patients with a history of herpes viral infections of the eye. The most common side effect is a temporary burning sensation. Other side effects include eye redness, discharge, watery eyes, eye pain, foreign body sensation, itching, stinging, and blurred vision. For more information please consult your eye doctor or visit the RESTASIS® website.

Lubricant Eye Drops by Oasis - Oasis TEARS™

This is perhaps one of the most talked about dry eye drops of 2008. This product has been recently launched by Oasis Medical from Glendora California. These recently formulated drops are a glycerin based eye drop that coats, moistens and lubricates the surface of your eye. Many people are describing the sensation of this drop as very nice and clean. These drops are preservative free can provide instant relief with long lasting effects. To completely control your dry eye condition these drops are probably not the only approach you should take. Since the topic of dry eye syndrome is a widely researched topic in the eye product industry many eye doctors will have a variety of options and might even combine different therapies. Before developing your dry eye treatment plan make sure to consult a qualified eye doctor. Although eye drops will help, they might not completely solve this chronic problem. For more information regarding dry eyes or this product contact the Oasis Medical company directly, OASIS Medical, Inc. 510-528 S. Vermont Ave. Glendora, California

Flaxseed Oil Treatment For Dry Eyes

I first heard about the flaxseed oil treatment for dry eyes at the 1999 ASCRS in Boston. Much to my surprise is discovered that there had been a significant amount of research done on this topic. The main reason that an eye doctor might suggest using flaxseed oil to treat dry eye is due to the high levels of all famous OMEGA3 fatty acids. It has been reported that the liquid version or oil is the most effective ingestion method. Cold pressed flaxseed oil is the most effective variety. Cold pressing involves removing the oil from the seeds. Recommended dosage for use of flaxseed oil is 1 tablespoon or 14 g per day of the liquid form, or 3-6 capsules per day of the capsule form. Many people like to mix this with Italian salad dressing. The impact should transpire within 2-3 weeks if you have been taking the oil regular. You may find this oil hard to drink so mixing it is suggested. Many patients can relieve dry eye with flaxseed oil and a steady diet of water. If you are a dry eye sufferer this might be a great start before taking actual drugs to solve the problem. Flaxseed oil can be very easily found at organic grocery stores.

2006 ASCRS study (American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery)

Brian S. Boxer Wachler, M.D.: 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Study results indicated that flaxseed oil was as effective as doxycycline in preventing dry eye after LASIK eye surgery.

BioTears Nutraceutical Eye Vitamin

BioTears represents the upper echelon of dry eye vitamins. This product was developed by Ellen Troyer, MT, MA Co-founder, Chief Research Officer. Her reputation spans over 30 years in medical sciences. This product stems from years of her research and is designed to address the inflammation issue we spoke about in the Restasis description. Since the inflammation is the root cause of most chronic dry eye this nutrient rich vitamin focuses on this aspect of the dry eye condition. Contact BioSyntrx directly for specific product information or to buy their product.

Please feel free to check back to this webpage frequently. We will be updating this page about new dry eye syndrome products.

Michael Dobkowski