What are natural tears?

Tears protect the eye surface from infection and potentially damaging dirt, dust and other airborne particles. They create a smooth corneal surface that sustains healthy vision and ‘wets’ the cornea to protect it from drying and damage. Tears are constantly being replenished. Adequate tear production is vital to eye health.

What is dry eye – in simple terms?

Dry eye is a catchall term for a variety of tear film disorders that result in inadequate wetting of the eye by tears. This can either be because the eye is not producing enough tears or tears are evaporating too quickly. The main cause is ageing, but there are other factors that cause dry eye, such as hormonal changes, illness and environmental and lifestyle factors.

What are the signs of dry eye?

Signs can range from light pain to a wide variety of irritations – anything from grainy or scratchy feelings to burning, sticky, stinging sensations or aching in the eyes. Eyes may also feel occasionally watery or strained watching TV, reading or working at a computer. Some sufferers also experience blurred vision and are intolerant to bright lights.

Who is affected?

Dry eye largely affects older people and its prevalence increases the older people get. Women are affected about 1.5 times more frequently than men, and around 19% of people over 80 suffer from it. Other risk factors include diabetes and contact lens wear.

How is dry eye relieved?

The most effective relief for dry eye is provided by soothing eye drops or gels, which help lubricate the eye. A gel such as Clinitas Hydrate can be used day or night and is not associated with prolonged blurred vision. For milder conditions, eye drops such as Clinitas Soothe or Clinitas Ultra 3 are suggested.

How long does a Clinitas product take to work?

Some relief is experienced as soon as the product is instilled. The maximum effects of any Clinitas product should be felt from any time between a few days to two weeks.

Are there any products that might cause dry eye?

Products known as ‘eye whiteners’ or ‘eye brighteners’ can reduce tear production, so should not be suggested for dry eye sufferers. Some medicines can also promote dry eye when taken long-term, including beta-blockers, antidepressants, painkillers such as aspirin and anti-histamines and oestrogens.

How and when should someone use a Clinitas product?

As a general rule, a Clinitas product should initially be applied 3-5 times daily, and can be adjusted to suit sufferers needs. Clinitas Soothe is free from preservatives and can therefore be used more frequently and over extended periods. However, there are no restrictions on how long any Clinitas product can be used for.

When using a Clinitas product do eyes compensate by producing fewer natural tears?

No. Rather than reducing natural tears, regular use of a Clinitas product will help to repair the irritated tissues. This leads to a reduction in inflammation which may, in turn, improve natural tear production.

Does using a Clinitas product have any side effects?

Scientific studies suggest that ocular lubricants are generally well tolerated. However, as with all products, any intolerance to a particular ingredient is possible. Some users may need to use trial and error to find the best Clinitas product for them. All eye preparations may cause burning/stinging upon instillation.

Can contact lens wearers use a Clinitas product and if so, which is best?

Most contact lens wearers find using ocular lubricants such as these improve eye comfort, although all wearers should ensure they use the product most compatible with their hard or soft contact lenses. Generally preservative-free, low-to-medium viscosity drops such as Clinitas Soothe are best for contact lens wearers.

How should contact lens wearers apply a Clinitas product?

Clinitas Soothe may be applied directly onto contact lenses in the eye, on the eye itself or to lenses before insertion. As a gel, Clinitas Hydrate should not be applied when wearing lenses, but overnight when contact lenses are not worn or 15 minutes before inserting lenses.

When should a dry eye sufferer consult an ophthalmologist/doctor?

New users should be referred to their doctor or ophthalmologist when use of ocular lubricants alone do not give complete relief from their discomfort. Established dry eye sufferers need referral if new symptoms arise or if they observe a deterioration in their condition.

More information?

www.clinitas.info
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
www.goodhope.org.uk
www.rnib.org.uk
www.patient.co.uk
www.oxfordeyehospital.nhs.uk/documents/leaflets/dryeyes
www.eye-care.org.uk
www.bssa.uk