Recent studies reveal that an average of twenty-five percent of patients who visit ophthalmologists are looking for chronic dry eye treatment. Eye care practitioners are reporting that such cases are on the rise. Approximately 20 to 30 million US citizens alone are affected by the dry eye syndrome.
Chronic dry eye treatment
Understanding dry eye syndrome is very necessary in order to get relief from the pain, redness and itching. With the number of people needing chronic dry eye treatment reaching record figures, eye professionals are yet to come up with effective treatments for the same. There are some natural and home remedies that are commonly used to reduce the severity of the symptoms but a concrete method of treatment is yet to be found.
The demand and sales of eye drops sales have also shot up and growing at almost ten percent per annum. It is estimated that by 2015, one billion people will be affected by this debilitating condition. Artificial tear drops can only give temporary relief to all those needing dry eye treatment. These eye drops are hardly meant for long term use and have no curative powers.
Restasis and chronic dry eye treatment
When over the counter eye drops stop providing any relief, people resort to using Restasis eye drops. This is a prescription product that actually treats the dryness, rather than merely hydrating the eyes. Restasis sales were recorded at USD $270 in 2006, which went up to USD $444 million in 2008. The demand for these drops is continually on the rise. Restasis is the only medication approved by the FDA for chronic dry eye treatment.
The long term effects of Restasis are not clearly known. But people who need to alleviate their symptoms would still prefer to choose Restasis as it can offer some relief and is much more effective than other common eye drops. People who suffer from dry eyes can go to any length to gain some relief from the pain, itching, redness and the inflammation.
Restasis claims to help the body produce its own tears, so it is seen as more of a solution for people with severe cases of dryness and inflammation. Over the counter eye drops can be used with Restasis, as long as the over the counter drop is only applied fifteen minutes after the Restasis application. At this point in time there is no single product that works like a magic pill on the painful condition of dry eyes. With more and more people being diagnosed with this condition, this is really very unfortunate. The cause of dry eyes can be many and know one knows the exact reason of the rise in number of cases. It can be a natural process or a side effect of processes such as LASIK surgery.
In 2010 it is estimated that the market for over the counter eye drops is at more than an incredible USD $1billion. This figure is steadily growing and so is the demand of newer and more innovative chronic dry eye treatment methods that can at least offer relief and hopefully, one day, even cure this painful condition.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I started having dry eyes in Dec 2010. My eye doctor tried over the counter drops, then went to Restatsis and then punctal plugs. I have stopped Restasis because of the expense and still experiencing dry eyes and use over the counter drops with the punctal plugs. I think Restasis is too expensive for what it does not deliver.
Hey Linda
Sorry to hear about your problem, I can totally relate as I had very dry, red, stinging eyes in the past. There are more things you can do other than restasis and punctal plugs to get dry eye relief, as detailed in my Ebook. I have a money back guarantee.
I hope you find a solution soon.
Kindest
Lauren