During an eye exam, in addition to examining your eyes to assess the symptoms of dry eyes, your doctor can perform specific tests to gauge tear production. He or she may recommend over-the-counter artificial tears or ointment. In most cases, the doctor will recommend that the tears or ointment be used several times a day.

If tears alone will not alleviate the condition, your doctor may insert temporary or permanent plugs in the channel in the eye where tears normally drain. These plugs, called punctum plugs, cause tears to pool in the lower eye and help lubricate the eye when you blink.

In late December 2002, the FDA approved Restasis™ for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. Restasis is the first medication that appears to alleviate the inflammation of the tear film and glands – thought to be a cause of some types of dry eye syndrome – based on a clinical trial of 1,200 dry eye patients.

Our early experience with Restasis has been promising. Patients generally do not see improvement in their condition until they have used Restasis for approximately 60 days, and some of our patients have not responded to the medication. Because Restasis it is the first medication of its kind, the medication is quite expensive.

The company that manufactures Restasis has launched an informational website at http://www.restasis.com for consumers and providers. The website also offers the option of joining an e-mail news list for Restasis information and special offers.