Help for Dry and Gritty Eyes
This is a very common problem that many millions of people suffer from, but a new and highly innovative eye drop formula has been launched to help tackle the problem. Rohto® Dry Eye Relief is a clinically proven eye-drop treatment that uses a natural bi-polymer called HydraMed to rapidly bring relief. Dry eyes mean that the normal tear film production and lubricating of the eye is not functioning adequately, sometimes leading to intense discomfort, as the eyes can no longer wet and lubricate themselves properly. This new product has been shown to improve this condition so that in less than a-month of regular use, the eyes feel more comfortable.
There are many reasons why we can suffer from dry and gritty-feeling eyes: modern lifestyles, an aging population, the contraceptive pill, some underlying illnesses and health conditions, as well as some medication can also trigger the condition. To treat it, you need something that will simulate as closely as possible the composition and effectiveness of the real tear film. This means that eye drops not only stay for as long as possible on the eye, but also have the right dynamic properties to allow proper mimicking of the natural tears during blinking to avoid blurring vision.
In healthy eyes, tears help create a lubricating and cleaning film over the eye, and dry eyes happen when there is not enough fluid to adequately create this film. What is needed is to rehydrate the surface of the eye, to recreate the tear film and relieve symptoms and the key component in Rohto® Dry Eye Relief contains HydraMed. This is an advanced patented formulation of two active ingredients – Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which helps restore and retain hydration, and Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide (TSP), which helps repair the surface of the eye.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polymer found within the human eye which has incredible water attracting properties and can draw 3,000 times its own weight in water. This greatly reduces evaporation, and therefore fluid loss, from the eye. HA mimics the natural tear film in the eye, which is crucial for good eye health.The other key ingredient – Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide (TSP) – is a naturally occurring polymer that produces a visco-elastic solution and has a chemical structure similar to important proteins called mucins on the eye’s surface.
These two key ingredients work together synergistically and the Rohto formulation mimics the behaviour of natural human tears, becoming less viscous and sticky during a blink and more viscous between blinks which allows for easier blinking. Combined with its excellent fluid-retaining properties, this mean that water loss from the tear film is minimised, so the formula stays on the eye for longer.
It’s effectiveness has been proven in a series of clinical trials where it was found to improve eye condition by 56.5% and be up to five times more effective in treating damage than using hyaluronic acid alone. Patients who used it for 60 days had a 35% reduction of stinging and foreign-body sensations, and when compared to other common treatments using Hyaluronic Acid (HA), it was found to be 27% better in the reduction of stinging symptoms.
A user survey carried out at the British Contact Lens Association annual conference found that 82% of practitioners that tried the product agreed that Rohto® Dry Eye Relief provided an immediate soothing and cooling effect and a majority felt it gave longer relief than they expected would offer it to their patients.
Rohto® Dry Eye Relief brings fast and effective relief and its special formulation has been shown in studies to last for a long time on the eye. This greatly reduces the number of applications needed throughout the day to maintain comfort. It is available in a re-sealable and easily carried 0.5ml daily dose vial, which uses a special cap that allows you to quickly and safely re-use the vial two or three times a day – enough to greatly ease regular dry eye discomfort.
Blinking for eye health
You know the saying ‘blink and you’ve missed it’; well if you don’t blink what you could be missing is your best chance to take care of your eyes and depriving them of nourishment and cleansing. If you want to take up a new habit this year, then practice frequent and gentle blinking because it is essential to the health of your eyes and vision because it allows your eyelids to regularly coat your eyes with three beneficial layers of tears and this will help prevent eye strain.
1. The first layer of tears lies right up against the whites of your eyes, and provides an even coat of protein-rich moisture for the second layer to adhere to.
2. The middle watery layer helps to wash away foreign debris. It also nourishes the cornea of your eyes with minerals, a variety of proteins, and moisture.
3. The third outer layer of tears is a little oily so it helps prevent the middle watery layer from evaporating quickly. This gives you much-needed lubrication between your eyes and your eyelids.
If your eyes are not regularly coated with the three layers of tears described above, they will be deprived of ‘essential maintenance’ in the form of nourishment and cleansing. The side effect of this is that by not blinking enough you are potentially subjecting your eyes to eye strain. What can you do? Well for the best results, you need to blink softly every two to four seconds. It will seem odd and unnatural, but if you consciously make an effort to do this then, over time, your body will turn your conscious efforts into a subconscious habit.
Don’t stare fixedly at the television, computer screen or when reading. I am a speed-reader so my blink rate is very low and I have been working to increase it by ‘fluttering’ my eyelashes at the screen – happily only my cats are around to see it and I am feeling the benefit. One other suggestion is to close your eyes whenever you are thinking about something; it will also have the benefit of improving your concentration. Try it when you are stuck when in the middle of composing an e-mail message, close your eyes while you think of your next sentence, or any other time you can rest your vision.
By the way, if you wear contact lenses then it is very important you either lubricate your eyes or make sure you blink frequently. Contact lenses can discourage frequent blinking because the back surface of your eyelids is not designed to rub over an artificial surface and can result in dry eyes.
