Restasis®
RESTASIS® Ophthalmic Emulsion is a prescription eye drop available to treat chronic dry eye caused by low tear production. Made by Allergan, RESTASIS® drops increase tear production so the eyes are better moisturized and less painful. Two drops a day in each affected eye- one drop in the morning and one at night-is all it takes. According to Allergan, patients who use RESTASIS® report a noticeable increase in tear production.
For more information on RESTASIS®, click here https://www.restasis.com/
Xiidra®
XIIDRA® is the first prescription eye drop approved by the FDA for both the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Use one drop XIIDRA® in each eye, two times a day, about 12 hours apart.
For more information on XIIDRA®, click here https://www.xiidra.com/
Punctual Plugs
Punctal plugs are a treatment option for patients suffering from dry eye that has not been relieved by drops or ointments. Punctal plugs are placed in the opening of the tear ducts in the eyelids (called “puncta”) to block tear drainage and keep the eyes moist. Implantation should reduce the need for artificial tear drops and increase the patient’s overall comfort.
Punctal plugs come in a few different shapes and sizes, and may be placed in the lower or upper eyelid or both eyelids. The most common plugs are umbrella-shaped and made of silicone. They may be placed partially inside the tear duct or embedded entirely within the duct (Herrick plugs). A recently introduced acrylic plug called the SmartPLUG softens at body temperature and expands to custom-fit each patient’s eye.
Implantation takes only a few seconds in a professional’s office.
