Instant and Long-lasting Relief of Dry Eye Symptoms
About Tears 
Tears are essential for keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear. Tears lubricate your eyes and protect the cornea (outer surface). A lack of tears, improper lubrication or tears draining too quickly can lead to a condition called Dry Eye Syndrome. If not treated, dry eye causes physical discomfort and can affect the quality of your vision.
Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands in the upper and lower eyelids and drain from your eyes through the punctum (tear ducts).
TEAR FILM is made up of 3 layers:
- LIPID (OIL): Prevents tear film evaporation ie Lipid Layer
- WATER: Contains water and nutrients Water Layer
- MUCUS: Mucin Layer Spreads tear film evenly over the eye
Normal tear film
Lipids regulate the evaporation of the water layer. The volume and quality of the tear film on the surface of the eye is critical to maintain ocular surface health, duration of comfort and quality of vision.
Abnormal tear film
For a dry eye sufferer an abnormal tear film develops with a reduction of the lipids, water and mucin layers. Areas of dryness form causing surface damage to the eye.
If You are Having Dry Eye Symptoms
It is important that you discuss your symptoms with your Eye Care Professional. Most dry eye symptoms will remain without treatment and affect your quality of vision. Your Eye Care Professional can perform a simple test to determine the severity of your Dry Eye and recommend the best method of treatment.
Treatment with Oasis TEARS®
Natural tears can be enhanced by using eye drops called ARTIFICIAL TEARS. They supplement the moisture that is missing and lubricate the eyes to temporarily relieve Dry Eye symptoms.
It is important to use a preservative-free drop such as Oasis TEARS-. Most artificial tears contain preservatives which can damage the outer layer of the cornea when using more than 4-6 drops per day.
Oasis TEARS® are a proprietary formulation of glycerin and a highly elastic viscoadaptive agent which keep the tears on the eye surface longer.
When the eyelids close, the solu-tion spreads glycerin and water to hydrate and lubricate the ocular surface.
When the lids open, the glycerin and water are recaptured and retained for repeated release with each blink.
How Glycerin in Oasis TEARS® Works
Glycerin interacts with both the water and lipids in tear film and holds them on the corneal surface.
Every Blink Brings Soothing Relief
When the eyelid closes, the elastic nature of Oasis TEARS® allows the solution to thin and spread to cover the ocular surface between blinks.
When the eyelid opens, the Oasis TEARS° solution reforms to capture and hold glycerin, lipids and water produced naturally, forming a tear film layer that stays on the eye longer.
The Products
Oasis TEARS® products give your dry eyes prolonged soothing comfort by coating, moistening and lubricating ocular tissue. With each blink, they re-coat the surface of the eye for long-lasting comfort.
Oasis TEARS® and Oasis TEARS® PLUS are treatments administered in the office at TSO Midlothian.
Three treatment options provide long-lasting relief for mild to severe symptoms. Your Eye Care Professional can recommend the appropriate Oasis TEARS® product for your dry eye condition.
♦ Superior moistening, lubrication and comfort
♦ Instant relief of symptoms
♦ Long-lasting, fewer applications required
♦ No blurred vision or foreign body sensation
CAUSES OF DRY EYE
A lack of tears, improper lubrication, or tears draining too quickly from the eye result in a condition known as Dry Eye, a common problem that is easily diagnosed.
AGING
As we age, tear production decreases. Men and women of any age can be affected, however, after menopause and during pregnancy women are especially susceptible.
CONTACT LENSES
Wearing contact lenses often increases tear evaporation that can result in irri-tation, increased protein deposits, in-fection, and discomfort. Dry Eye has been shown to be the leading cause of contact lens discomfort and reduced wear time.
ENVIRONMENT
Exposure to various environments can reduce eye lubrication. These include sunny, dry or windy conditions; heaters, dehumidifiers, fans or air conditioning; sand, dust or pollen, smoke, high altitudes; work settings and prolonged computer use.
MEDICATIONS
A variety of medications reduce tear secretion. Some common examples are: decongestants, antihistamines, sleeping pills, beta-blockers, anti-depressants, diuretics, pain relievers, oral medications and alcohol.
SURGERY
Surgical procedures can disrupt the production of tears. Unless Dry Eye was present before surgery, post-surgical dry eye is almost always temporary.
AUTDIMMUNE DISEASE
Many diseases and disorders can cause dry eye, such as Sjogren’s Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease and Diabetes.
DO YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE DRY EYE SYMPTOMS?
If you have any of the symptoms below, you may have Dry Eye:
- Dry Sensation
- Scratchy, Gritty Feeling
- Burning
- Stinging
- Itching
- Excess Tearing (Watery Eyes)
- Mucous Discharge
- Irritation from Wind or Smoke
- Redness
- Tired Eyes
- Light Sensitivity
- Contact Lens Discomfort
- Contact Lens Solution Sensitivity
- Soreness
- Lid Infections/Sties
- Sensitivity to Eye Drops
- Eyelids Stuck Together at Awakening
