• ABOUT DRY EYE
  • Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis of Dry Eye
  • Treatments for Dry Eye
    • Artificial Tears
    • Prescription Options
    • Other Patient Options
• ABOUT LACRISERT^®
  • How LACRISERT^® Works
  • The Benefits of LACRISERT^®
  • Writing LACRISERT^®
  • How Patients Use LACRISERT^®
  • LACRISERT^® Efficacy Data
  • Patient Testimonials
• RESOURCES FOR YOU + YOUR PATIENTS
  • LACRISERT^® Sample Request and Material Order Form
  • Customizable Tip Sheet
  • Valeant Patient Savings Program
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  • Learn More About LACRISERT^®
  • Valuable Links
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• FAQs

Treatments for Dry Eye

Artificial Tears

While over-the-counter artificial tear products may seem more convenient for your patients, the relief they provide is only temporary. These products may wet the ocular surface, but they lack the ability to reproduce the constant flow of natural tears. Patients displaying more than just mild symptoms may need to drop artificial tears multiple times throughout the day.^1-4

The preservatives in artificial tear products, commonly benzalkonium chloride (BAK), can cause ocular irritation that may mimic Dry Eye.⁵ Some artificial tear products are available without preservatives, but these products must be stored in single-dose vials to decrease the likelihood of contamination. They may be less convenient for patients who enjoy the ease of a multidose bottle.^4,6

Artificial tear products are available in gels and ointments, but these formulations have a higher viscosity and may cause blurriness of vision or ocular discomfort.^4,6 While these products can remain on the ocular surface longer than liquid drops, the relief is still temporary.⁴

Continued use of artificial tear products may be an indication that your patient’s Dry Eye condition needs prescription therapy, such as LACRISERT^®. Preservative-free LACRISERT^® is more effective than repeated use of artificial tear products and provides your patient with all-day relief.*²

Click the following links to learn more about Dry Eye treatments:

• Prescription Options
• Other Patient Options

Click here for more information about LACRISERT^®.

Indications and Usage

LACRISERT^® is indicated in patients with moderate to severe Dry Eye syndromes, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca. LACRISERT^® is indicated especially in patients who remain symptomatic after an adequate trial of therapy with artificial tear solutions. LACRISERT^® is also indicated for patients with exposure keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity, and recurrent corneal erosions.

Important Safety Information

LACRISERT^® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to hydroxypropyl cellulose. Instructions for inserting and removing LACRISERT^® should be carefully followed. If improperly placed, LACRISERT^® may result in corneal abrasion. Because LACRISERT^® may cause transient blurred vision, patients should be instructed to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. Patients should be cautioned against rubbing the eye(s) containing LACRISERT^®.

The following adverse reactions have been reported, but were in most instances, mild and temporary: transient blurring of vision, ocular discomfort or irritation, matting or stickiness of eyelashes, photophobia, hypersensitivity, eyelid edema, and hyperemia.

References: 1. Hill JC. Slow-release artificial tear inserts in the treatment of dry eyes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Br J Ophthalmol. 1989;73(2):151-154. 2. Katz, JI, Kaufman HE, Breslin C,
Katz IM. Slow-release artificial tears and the treatment of keratitis sicca. Ophthalmology. 1978;85(8):
787-793. 3. Werblin TP, Rheinstrom SD, Kaufman HE. The use of slow-release artificial tears in the long-term management of keratitis sicca. Ophthalmology. 1981;88(1):78-81. 4. Bartlett JD, Jaanus SD, eds. Clinical Ocular Pharmacology. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2001:318,533. 5. Data on File. Aton Pharma, Inc. 6. Management and therapy of dry eye disease: report of the Management and Therapy Subcommittee of the International Dry Eye Workshop (2007). Ocul Surf. 2007;5(2):163-178. Available at: http://www.tearfilm.org/dewsreport. Accessed January 5, 2009.