Did You Know?

Did you know...
that giving your eyes a rest can help you fight dry eyes?

Fourteen million Americans suffer from "dry eyes", a condition characterized by the loss of water from the tear film. This is due to either decreased tear production or increased evaporation.

Our eyes need tears because the delicate living tissue on the surface of the eye has no blood supply. It is the tears that provide this living tissue with the oxygen and electrolytes it needs to function properly.

Besides creating a healthy surface on the front of the eye (cornea) and lubricating the entire eye, a tear film works to fight infection, provides important nourishment and is vital for clear vision. When the tear film is reduced over a long period of time, there is the likelihood of permanent damage and scarring to the front of the eye. Increased risk of infection and serious impairment may result in cases where the condition has gone untreated over time. Potential causes of "dry eyes" are:

• Computer use
• Reading
• Contact lens wear
• Sun, wind, dry air
• Certain medications and aging

Before reaching out for artificial tear solutions, giving your eyes a soothing rest may be all you need. Non-medical natural alternatives exist to relieve pain from dry eyes. One of them is IMAK's Therapeutic Eye Pillow®. Here are some key benefits:

• Provides "cooling" relief without the shock feeling of ice or gel
• Spreads a gentle, soothing weight around the eyes
• Blocks out light
• Soothes dry and puffy eyes

Dr. MacMorran has been an orthopedic surgeon since 1970. Besides helping patients in his private practice, he helps design pain relief products for IMAK Products Corporation.