dry eye problem

[Javier Eyeglasses]

I suffer from a dry eye problem. When I went to the eye clinic, doctors prescribed artificial tears and a corticosteroid. I happened to see that there are new eye drops, called Restasis. This medicine in our country is fairly new (approved in 2006). Does Restasis really work for dry eyes? How long should I use it, and when can I stop? Are there any side effects? —

[Izabelle Eyeglasses]

Dry eye syndrome is an ongoing condition that may not be completely curable (depending on the cause), but the accompanying dryness, scratchiness and burning can be managed. Your eye care practitioner may prescribe artificial tears, which are lubricating eye drops that may alleviate the dry, scratching feeling.
Your eye doctor can insert punctal plugs into your tear ducts, to keep eye moisture from draining too fast.
Punctal plugs help keep moisture on the eye by keeping tears from draining too quickly.


Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Left: Artificial tears help dry eyes feel better; don't confuse them with formulas that just reduce redness. Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce your risk for dry eyes. Sardine, herring and cod liver oils are even better, or try a supplement.

Restasis eye drops (cyclosporine in a castor oil base) go one step further: by helping your body produce more tears. Restasis treatment is the first of its kind.