Ways to Treat Dry Eye
Artificial Tears
Many people turn to artificial tears as their first Dry Eye treatment.1 Artificial tear products are available without a prescription. While they may be convenient, the relief they provide is only temporary. Depending on your symptoms, you may need to drop them many times throughout the day.2,3
With certain artificial tear products, your eyes can become irritated over time due to the harmful preservatives.4 Some preservative-free artificial tear options are available, but because they are stored in single-dose vials for sanitary purposes, you may find them less convenient.1,5
Artificial tear products are available in gels and ointments. But because they are thick, they can be uncomfortable and may cause blurriness of vision.1,5 These products can remain on the eye surface longer than liquid drops; however, relief is still temporary.1
Continued use of artificial tear products may be a sign that your Dry Eye condition needs prescription therapy, such as LACRISERT®. LACRISERT® is more effective than repeated use of artificial tear products in relieving Dry Eye symptoms.4
Click the following links to learn more about Dry Eye treatments:
Click here for more information about LACRISERT®.
LACRISERT® is indicated in patients with moderate to severe Dry Eye syndromes, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca. LACRISERT® is indicated especially in patients who remain symptomatic after an adequate trial of therapy with artificial tear solutions. LACRISERT® is also indicated for patients with exposure keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity, and recurrent corneal erosions.
Important Safety Information
Do not use LACRISERT® if you are allergic to hydroxypropyl cellulose. Instructions for inserting and removing LACRISERT® should be carefully followed. If improperly placed, LACRISERT® may result in a scratch to the cornea of your eye. Because LACRISERT® may cause temporary blurred vision, please use caution when driving or operating machinery. Rubbing the eye(s) containing LACRISERT® should be avoided. You should always discuss this safety information with your doctor. The following adverse reactions have been reported but were in most instances mild and temporary: temporary blurring of vision, eye discomfort or irritation, matting or stickiness of eyelashes, increased sensitivity to light, eyelid swelling, and eye redness. Talk to your doctor if you have side effects that bother you or that do not go away. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
References: 1. Bartlett JD, Jaanus SD, eds. Clinical Ocular Pharmacology. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann;2001:318,325,533. 2. Hill JC. Slow-release artificial tear inserts in the treatment of dry eyes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Br J Ophthalmol. 1989;73(2):151-154. 3. Werblin TP, Rheinstrom SD, Kaufman HE. The use of slow-release artificial tears in the long-term management of keratitis sicca. Ophthalmology. 1981;88(1):78-81. 4. Katz JI, Kaufman HE, Breslin C, Katz IM. Slow-release artificial tears and the treatment of keratitis sicca. Ophthalmology. 1978;85(8):787-793. 5. Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy Subcommittee of the International Dry Eye Workshop (2007). Ocul Surf. 2007;5(2):163-178. Available at: http://www.tearfilm.org/dewsreport. Accessed January 5, 2009.
