Vision Needs
Dry Lens
Dry eye syndrome is a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and
moisture in the eye. Its consequences extend from subtle but constant
irritation to ocular inflammation of the anterior (front) tissues of
the eye. It is particularly bothersome for wearers of contact lenses.
Signs of Dry Eye Syndrome
Persistent
dryness, scratching and burning in your eyes are signs of dry eye
syndrome. Some people also experience a "foreign body sensation," the
feeling like there's something in the eye. And, it may seem odd, but
sometimes watery eyes can result from dry eye syndrome, because the
excessive dryness works to over stimulate the watery component of your
eye's tears. Sometimes the eye doesn't produce enough tears, or the
tears have a chemical composition that causes them to evaporate too
quickly. Other times dry eye results when you don't blink often enough.
Computer users, for example, often forget to blink for long periods of
time, so even if their tear film is normal, it eventually evaporates,
leading to discomfort.
Dry eye syndrome has several
causes. It occurs as a part of the natural aging process, especially
during menopause; as a side effect of such medications as
antihistamines, antidepressants and birth control pills; or because you
live in a dry, dusty or windy climate. Dry eyes are also a symptom of
systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren's
syndrome (a triad of dry eyes, dry mouth, and rheumatoid arthritis or
lupus).
Long-term contact lens wear is another cause;
in fact, dry eye is the most common complaint among contact lens
wearers. Recent research indicates that contact lens wear and dry eyes
can be a vicious cycle.
Treatment for Dry Eyes
Dry
eye syndrome is an ongoing condition that cannot be cured, but the
accompanying dryness, scratching and burning can be managed. Your eye
care practitioner may prescribe artificial tears, lubricating eye drops
that may alleviate the dry, scratching feeling.
If
you are one of the many contact lens wearers who experience poor
comfort at the end of the day, or have comfort issues during computer
use or in climate-controlled environments, then Proclear Compatibles
soft contact lenses can help. They're designed to maintain a protective
layer of water around the lens, so your lenses stay moist and
comfortable all day long. Proclear Compatibles are the only lenses with
FDA clearance to carry the label: "may provide improved comfort for
contact lens wearers who experience mild discomfort or symptoms
relating to dryness during lens wear."
Why Are Proclear Compatibles So Different?
Proclear
Compatibles offer distinct advantages because they are the only contact
lenses made with phosphorylcholine (PC), a substance found naturally in
the human cell membrane. PC is essential for biocompatibility; the
presence of PC in cells helps prevent unwanted reactions with "foreign"
materials. Because Proclear Compatibles contain PC, the lenses are more
readily accepted by your eyes.
Is It Worth It to Change Lenses?
In
a recent clinical study, 6 out of 10 lens wearers found their wearing
time increased with Proclear Compatibles and 9 out of 10 preferred them
over their previous lenses. If you are interested in improving your
comfort (particularly at the end of the day), trying the latest in
contact lens technology and receiving the best value on your year's
supply, then you will be particularly interested in the 1·STOP program
with Proclear Compatibles.
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