Your tears function to protect the eyes and keep them lubricated and comfortable. Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is the decline of the quantity and/or quality of the tears produced. It is caused when the tear glands in the upper and lower eyelids do not produce enough tears, or they don't produce the right kind of tears. This phenomenon causes the eyes to feel irritated, scratchy, burning, red, and uncomfortable. Dry Eye Syndrome is the most common of all eye disorders, affecting approximately 20% of our population.

The Complexity of Tears

   Your eyes are moistened by two different types of tears: lubricating tears and reflex tears. Lubricating tears are produced continuously to moisturize the eye and contain natural infection-fighting antibiotics. Reflex tears are produced in response to sudden irritation (smoke, onions, foreign particles), injury, or emotion. Ironically, the irritation from dry eyes can trigger reflex tears, which flood the eye. But because reflex tears do not have the proper lubricating composition, the discomfort persists. Thus, "watery eyes" can actually be a symptom of DES.

What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?

   ES has many causes, which explains why millions are affected. The most common causes include:

• The Aging Process
  Tear flow normally decreases with age. In fact, approximately 75% of individuals over age 65 suffer from DES symptoms.
   
• Contact Lens Wear
  Contact lens wear can dramatically increase tear evaporation, causing discomfort, infection, and/or increased protein deposits. Research shows that DES is the leading cause of contact lens intolerance.
   
• Hormonal Changes in Women
  Various hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, oral contra-ceptives and menopause can contribute to DES.
   
• Environmental Factors
  People who are exposed to smoke, air pollution, high altitude, sunny, windy, cold or dry air conditions are at risk for DES.
   
• Side Effects of Disease/Medications
  There are several diseases and medications which can lower your ability to produce tears. Be sure to give your doctor a complete medical history.
   
• Sjogren's Syndrome
  An immune system disorder characterized by inflammation and dryness of the mouth, eyes and other mucous membranes. This disorder damages the lacrimal glands and affects tear production.
   
• Laser Vision Corrective Surgeries
  Following various ophthalmic surgical procedures, patients may develop DES. Many patients have benefited from temporary punctal occlusion following such procedures.

What Treatments are Available?

   Depending on the intensity of the condition, treatment may be as simple as using artificial tears a few times a day. In more persistent cases, however, a simple non-surgical procedure is available that provides long-term relief of DES through the use of tiny plugs called "punctal occluders."

What are Punctal Occluders?

   As the name suggests, these devices occlude (block) the punctum, or tear duct, which is the drainage duct that carries tears away from the surface of the eye. There are upper and lower punctum ducts in the inner corner of each eye. Blocking these drainage ducts prevents tears from draining away too quickly. Punctal occlusion can be compared to putting a stopper in a sink drain, keeping the tears on the eye's surface for longer periods. This widely performed procedure is safe, quick, painless, and totally reversible.

   Punctal occluders are made of a very soft flexible silicone, similar to that used in contact lenses. Though they are barely visible to the naked eye, they are carefully manufactured into an extremely smooth and precise design.

The Parasol Punctal Occluder

   The Parasol Punctal Occluder from Odyssey Medical is one of the most advanced occluders available. Its unique, patented shape is easy to insert because it automatically adjusts to the patient's tear duct opening.

   In addition, the Parasol's advanced design provides a truly custom fit which, in turn, means greater patient comfort. The Parasol Punctal Occluder can also reduce or eliminate the major cause of discomfort for many contact lens wearers, or those who are unable to tolerate contact lenses.

Dry Eye Checklist

   If you experience any of the symptoms below, you maybe suffering from DES. Left untreated, your symptoms will most likely intensify, making your daily life unpleasant, or worse, deteriorate your visual acuity. If in doubt, ask your eye care specialist if the Parasol® Punctal Occluder can help you.

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