VISTA® Tears

Little compares to the discomfort and irritation associated with dry eyes. When your eyes feel inflamed, itchy, and tired, getting through the day can seem nearly impossible. Dry eye can not only completely undermine your productivity at work, it can reduce your ability to recharge while relaxing.

If you have or are currently experiencing dry eye, then you are certainly not alone. Roughly 30 to 50% of people experiencing the symptoms of dry eye at some point. For an estimated 16 million Americans1, their condition is persistent and is classified as dry eye disease (DED). Not everyone seeks help for their dry eye symptoms, thus the actual number of people suffering from DED is likely higher. This is problematic since our sensitive eyes rely on tears for adequate moisture, nourishment, and defensive support against microbial invaders (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi) and debris. Consequently, dry eyes are often unhealthy eyes.

Various factors can leave our eyes feeling left high and dry—some issues are inherent to the individual while others are due to outside influences.

Dry Eye Causes
Ultimately dry eye is caused by problems associated with tear production. Tears—far from being just drops of water—are a highly complex mixture of an aqueous solution, phospholipids (oils), and mucus. The oily component of tears slows the evaporation of tears and distributes tears evenly across the eye. With every blink, healing tears remove cellular waste and coat the ocular surface protecting delicate eyes from infection and debris.

Some people produce too few tears, while others produce poor-quality tears that lack the lipids essential for stabilizing the tear film. Both issues can occur in isolation or simultaneously. If left untreated, the condition can worsen over time resulting in severe inflammation and physical damage to the eye's surface.

Dry eye disease is exacerbated by the demands and conveniences of modern life. Whether it is for work or leisure, many people spend long hours looking at blue light-emitting electronic screens (e.g., computers, smartphones, tablets, etc). This can lead to dryness and eye strain since fixating on screens causes our blink rate to drop dramatically—from approximately 20 per minute down to 4!

Relatedly, poor sleeping habits—which is often a consequence of long work hours and exposure to blue light—can intensify dry eye. Most people are sleep deprived to some degree, and in addition, roughly 10% of people sleep with their eyes partially open! This condition, known as nocturnal lagophthalmos, exposes eyes to desiccating air overnight. This leaves even well-rested individuals with eyes that feel tired and dry in the morning.

Dry eye can be the result of eating an unbalanced diet (with too few carotenoids and fatty acids) and exposure to dry or polluted air. It is more common among older individuals, people taking certain medications, individuals wearing contact lenses, or those who have undergone eye surgery (e.g., Lasik, glaucoma, or cataracts surgery).

Don’t Ignore Dry Eye
Just because dry eye is a widespread condition does not mean it is normal. Eyes require the unique concoction of compounds found in tears to stay hydrated and healthy. When too few tears are produced—or when the tears lack an oily layer and evaporate quickly—the eye enters a state of hyperosmolarity. When this occurs, the ocular surface is exposed, and a cascade of inflammatory events (e.g., the release of pro-inflammatory factors and cytokines) is kickstarted. Without adequate lubrication, the likelihood of mechanical damage to the ocular surface increases significantly. This is analogous to running your windshield wipers without fluid. The friction can cause scratches on the eye especially when the debris is present. This uncomfortable, gritty sensation results in even more blinking, which perpetuates the nasty loop, and consequently, causes cell death. Consequently, dry eye should not be ignored and should be treated properly.

Combating Dry Eye
Combating the vicious cycle of dry eye syndrome requires advanced treatment. Eye drops are a simple solution that can be used to help lubricate irritated and tired eyes directly. Bear in mind, however, that tears are an incredibly sophisticated substance. Most drops are simply a lackluster substitute for the real deal.

VISTA® Tears
Designed by leading eye specialists, VISTA® Tears was scientifically developed to perform the lubricating function as natural tears. Tears are vital to ocular health since they protect eyes from harmful microbial invaders (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi), debris, and mechanical friction that causes inflammation and discomfort.

VISTA® Tears contains a unique and balanced mixture of Polyethylene Glycol combined with Propylene Glycol and Hydroxypropyl Guar to perform the dual action of attracting moisture to the eye and locking it in. Tears will last longer, and accordingly, the tear osmolality will decrease. Preventing rapid evaporation (and lower tear osmolarity) is essential for preventing inflammation and cell death.

VISTA® Tears helps to revitalize the lipid layer of the tear film and can be used as needed to provide relief and comfort from environmental factors such as wind, smoke, sun, dry air, air conditioning, and prolonged use of computers. Do not let the burning, irritation, and discomfort due to dryness get in your way.

Polyethylene Glycol combined with Propylene Glycol and Hydroxypropyl Guar have been shown to:

• Reduce corneal and conjunctival staining
• Improve TBUT
• Attract moisture into the eyes
• Decrease tear osmolarity

Lubricating drop that provides soothing relief from:

• Burning, irritation, and discomfort in the eye due to dryness
• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
• Relief from discomfort due to environmental factors such as wind, smoke, sun, dry air, air conditioning, and prolonged use of computers
  

What is Oxychloro Complex?
Stabilized Oxychloro Complex is used in eye drops as a gentle preservative that converts to sodium and chloride ions, oxygen and water on the ocular surface and is well tolerated in comparison to BAK and leaves no preservative residue in the eye.

Reference: