What Causes Dry Eyes? Dry eyes can be caused by a variety of conditions including dry environment, air conditioning, medication, certain diseases as well as the natural aging process.

What are the symptoms of dry eyes? When eyes aren’t properly lubricated due to a lack of tear production, the following symptoms can occur.

• Pain
• Itching
• Light Sensitivity
• Sensation of dirt in the eye
• Blurred vision
• Redness

How should Dry Eyes be treated?

The best way to treat dry eyes it to replace the tears that are missing. There are numerous natural tear products available over-the-counter that can be used a few times a day when dryness is experienced.  We recommend Refresh Tears Lubricant Eye Drops. Place 1-2 drops into the affected eye(s), 2 to 5 times each day, as needed.

What about Visine? Visine Original was made to combat redness not dry eyes. Its active ingredient works by constricting blood vessels so eyes do not appear red. Visine should only be used for no longer than 3 days at the recommended dose. Prolonged use can cause worsening of redness when the drops are discontinued.

Ask your Stafford Pharmacy pharmacist if Refresh Tears are right for you!