Refresh Optive Mega-3 Lubricant Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, Preservative-Free, 0.01 Fl Oz Single-Use Containers, 30 Count

 Refresh Optive Mega-3 Lubricant Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, Preservative-Free, 0.01 Fl Oz Single-Use Containers, 30 Count

•     Preservative-free moisture-rich formula; On-the-go single use vials
•     Designed to relieve eye dryness that may be due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
•     Delivers advanced hydration and lubrication
•     Supports all three tear film layers
•     Helps prevent tears from evaporating
•     The only eye drop in the U.S. with Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium, Glycerin, and Flaxseed Oil (an inactive ingredient)
•     Hydrocell technology enables hydration and maintains the volume of cells on the ocular surface
•     The Number 1 selling brand in preservative-free artificial tears; IRI Artificial tears preservative-free dollar and unit sales by manufacturer, 52 weeks ending 11/29/20

Dry eye

What is dry eye?
We say that we are facing a dry eye when there are no tears in sufficient quantity and quality to keep the eyes lubricated, and the problem may affect only one eye (unilateral) or, then, both eyes (bilateral). In most cases, the problem affects both eyes.

In certain occasions or circumstances, the eye may be dry without any eye problem or eye disease. Pollution, overexposure to the sun, wind, exposure to air conditioning or environments that somehow make the air drier, are factors that can act as facilitators in the evaporation of tears and, in this way, cause dryness in the eyes. .

Watching television for long periods or frequent use of a computer, mobile phone, tablets, and other digital devices also causes dry eye. This fact is related to the difference between the number of times that we “blink” our eyes in a usual way and when we use this type of devices. In addition to these, other factors may be at the root of the problem. See more information on factors that contribute to dry eye and prevention.

In some patients there may be an eye problem (pathology) that causes dry eye, as we will see below.

Dry eye syndrome
In dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease, there is not enough tears produced, or even though the tears are sufficient, they do not have the quality necessary to keep the eyes lubricated.

Tears also aim to protect the eye surface from infections and harmful effects of the environment. These contain vitamins, minerals, proteins and lipids. The presence of all these substances allows to obtain quality tears to hydrate, feed and lubricate the cornea.

Tears are produced by the tear glands, located behind the upper eyelid. With blinking, they spread and make the corneal surface shiny and transparent, forming the tear film.

The tear film consists of three layers: lipid, aqueous and mucin. The lipid layer is the outermost layer and prevents the evaporation of the tear, the innermost layer is the mucin and allows the tear film to stick to the cornea, in turn, the thickest layer is the watery layer and consists of water.

The eye can be considered dry not only due to the lack of sufficient quantity of these constituents, but also when the quality is altered. The eye may be dry not only due to the quantity of these constituents but also if the quality is altered.

Thus, if the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome is confirmed, the patient, as he has poor eye lubrication, the eye suffers a kind of aggression, even trauma, with blinking.

When dry eyes occur upon waking up, this problem is likely to be related to dry eye syndrome or disease, that is, there is a decrease in the amount of tears, essentially in the basal production, or deficiency in the quality of the same, namely, alteration of the lipid layer or the mucin of the tear film.

Dry eye symptoms
In dry eye, one of the most frequent symptoms is redness and burning or itchy eyes . The p excessive tears roduction ( " watery eyes "), al excessive eye rritação (smoke or wind) eod esconforto and complications with the use of contact lenses are also the most frequent signs and symptoms in dry eye.

Patients typically report that their eyes are dry and red, accompanied by burning. Blurred or "blurred" vision can occur , fundamentally, at the end of the day. In some situations there may be pain in the eyes that can be more severe in the most severe cases.

Patients who suffer from dry eye syndrome experience several signs and symptoms that can cause a lot of discomfort, fundamentally, in the presence of severe dry eye.

Causes of dry eye
The most frequent causes of dry eye are: age, menopause, use of a computer in a continuous or excessive way, air conditioning, use of contact lenses and some medications (diuretics, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, analgesics, contraceptives, in some eye diseases and in some systemic diseases, etc.). Dry eye can occur in people of both sexes and at any age, although the female sex is the most affected.

The diagnosis must be made by an ophthalmologist through tests that measure the quality and production of tears. The tests are quick, painless and non-invasive.

Is dry eye curable?
Dry eye syndrome has no cure . However, there are effective ways of controlling the disease that allow patients to restore their lives to a perfectly normal life. Next, learn how to treat dry eye.

Dry eye treatment
The treatment for dry eye essentially involves the use of artificial tears in drops ( eye drops ) placed in the eyes several times a day, as needed. Sometimes, the use of eye drops is not enough and it may be necessary to use anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, among others, for an effective control of the disease. In certain situations, the occlusion of the tear points is useful, avoiding the drainage of tears through the tear pathways, allowing their maintenance on the ocular surface.

The ophthalmologist, based on the observation and exams performed, will make the decision about the treatment for dry eye most appropriate for each patient.

Patients, in addition to medical treatment, should avoid contact with the risk factors mentioned above, such as prolonged and excessive use of the computer (taking breaks for example), avoiding air conditioning, etc.

Eye drops for dry eye
In the treatment of dry eye, several types of artificial tears ( eye drops ) are used , it is important to choose the best eye drops for an effective treatment. In these eye drops it is essential that no preservatives are present, since their use can cause serious eye allergies ( conjunctivitis ).

Counseling with the ophthalmologist (specialist in ophthalmology), on the correct use of eye drops for dry eyes, or other medication, is essential for an effective treatment.

Dry eyes - what to do?
In addition to the consultation with an ophthalmologist in order to make a possible diagnosis of dry eye syndrome, it is also necessary to take some preventive measures or "natural treatment" for the health of your eyes.

Changing habits when using a computer or other digital devices, choosing a monitor, adapting lighting in the workplace and at home, routines during the day or night, among others, are all measures that can help prevent or treat the problem of dry eyes.