TheraTears Liquid Gel: Review

TheraTears Liquid Gel is stated to be used for individuals with severe dry eyes and is perfect for nighttime use. Compared to Refresh Liquigel, these eye drops do not crust as much and do not leave you as irritated. However, if you plan on watching a nightly movie or decide to go for a morning walk and drip some Liquid Gel into your eyes, think twice. These are "liquid bandages" after all and you do feel as though something is in your eye. I notice that whenever I go to sleep with them, in the morning my eyes feel extra dry as oppose to using regular non-vial eye drops. I still prefer regular eye drops over liquid gel products as they relief provided is minimal.

Blepharitis

For those with dry eyes and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) a great site that can assist with the specific type of blepharitis you may have is : The Eye Digest.

AzaSite for Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis (Red Eye) is the swelling or infection of the eyelids due to bacteria and viruses. Usually it disappears on its own but responds well to antibiotic treatment.

Approximately a month ago, I was infected with Viral Conjunctivitis and fell ill because of this condition. A plethora of medication was prescribed to me by an optometrist (during the course of this infection):

1. Allergan Pred Forte
2. Allergan Zymaxid
3. AzaSite
4. Falcon Pharmaceuticals Tobramycin and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Suspension
5. Falcon Pharmaceuticals Ophthalmic Solution USP, 0.3%
6. Bausch & Lomb Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment USP, 0.5% *Did not use
7. Azithromycin Tablets *Did not use
8. Bausch & Lomb Lotemax *Given by Ophthalmologist (Worked as intended)

In regards to AzaSite, I have read that it has worked for some with dry eye and blepharitis, but in my case, it did not help clear up the Conjunctivitis. The skin under my eye was raw/sensitive enough that I felt solid pain on my eye. It was strange since on some occasions, no pain was felt but with most instances the pain was too much to bar. Hence, I stopped taking AzaSite. Readers, be forewarned.

Refresh Liquigel: Review

Refresh Liquigel contain PURITE, the same preservative found in Refresh Tears. This product is intended for individuals with severe dry eye as they are formulated with "extra strength" gel.

I received a couple of samples from the optometrist and decided to give these a try. After a week of use, I can definitively say that these eye drops do not compare to the Refresh Tears. The gel 'clogs' up your eyes for quite some time and your eyes are accompanied with blurred vision. After a couple of minutes, unsightly crust starts to form on both eyelashes. The only way to get rid of this is to either wait it out or wash out the eyes. I would not recommend this product.

Refresh Tears: Review

Received a sample of Refresh Tears from an optometrist and decided to try it out.

From their website, it is stated that "PURITE maintains the integrity of preserved REFRESH Brand Lubricant Eye Drops without leading to the irritation or allergic reactions that some preservatives can cause... [and] ultimately breaks down into natural tear components - sodium and chloride ions, oxygen, and water - without causing cellular damage to the ocular surface. And it's gentle enough to use as often as needed." 

Pro's:

• When kept at room temperature, the drops provide a refreshingly cool sensation when they land on the eye.

Con's:

• These drops are not preservative-free. Contains boric acid which is a weak acid used as insecticides and antiseptics.

Conclusion: Refresh Tears feels great in the eye's and provides just as much relief for dry eyes as other eye drops that I have tried but I am not a fan of preservatives.

Update: (September 1, 2010) * The more I use this product, the better it feels in my eyes. I would have to say that for now, this is a terrific alternative to my usual TheraTears eye drops. It seems to last longer than TheraTears and I don't use these eye drops as often throughout the day.

Omega-3

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Overview

The University of Maryland's Medical Center has created an endless list of what omega-3's can do for you and your body.

Fish & nuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and not only can it improve overall health but when taken in moderation can help fight:

• high cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• heart disease
• arthritis
• depression
• macular degeneration
• menstrual pain
• breast cancer
• colon cancer
• prostate cancer

This is not an exhaustive list by any means but also keep in mind that omega 3's are not a miracle drug, they are simply unsaturated fatty acids that may improve overall health and well being.

Excess Tears

According to 'The Eye Center,' excess tearing or epiphora is caused by:

• muscus build up in the lacrimal glands 
• pink eye
• ingrown eyelashes
• allergies
• environmental pollutants 

Commonly, this occurs because the eyes are too dry and your body is trying to compensate for this problem. The recommended treatment includes visiting an ophthalmologist to examine your eyes and an antibiotic would be provided. Furthermore, an artificial tear duct could be suggested.

I write about this issue because today was the first day that this condition has fallen on my poor eyes. The left eye continues to produce tears and stringy discharge every few minutes. 

1. I have taken an allergy medicine (since I leave the window open in my home and am allergic to various pollen)
2. Vacuumed the room in which I sleep to reduce dust and pollutants
3. Warm compress
4. Use eye drops
5. Drank plenty of water to hydrate body
6. Take fish oil

The problem has been occurring for several hours. Hopefully this 'never ending oasis of tears' will cease tomorrow.