Sponsored by M2 Biologics
By Steven Indelicato
We all have been impacted by factors that cause our eyes to feel dry, itchy, irritated and sore. When it is chronic, this uncomfortable sensation is better known as dry eye disease (DED), and it currently affects an estimated 45 million Americans. With dry eye disease, basal tears, as opposed to the reflex tears produced when laughing or crying, don’t provide adequate lubrication for the eyes. Dry eyes may occur if the quality or quantity of tears is diminished. It develops depending on age, ocular and systemic health, and way of life. Dry eye can become a serious problem because it can negatively affect the delicate ocular surface, and it’s progressive and can become chronic. The target of current treatments is to reduce inflammation and lubricate the eye so that it can potentially heal. However, StimulEyes may now hold the potential for restorative outcomes in the treatment of DED, going beyond treating inflammation.
The basal tear film is comprised of layers that overlay the conjunctiva and cornea. Generally, the tear film is described as consisting of three layers: lipids, the outer oily layer produced by the meibomian glands; aqueous, the watery middle layer produced by the lacrimal glands; and mucin, a protective lubricant produced by the goblet cells. When any of these does not function properly, the quality or quantity of basal tears is compromised. The functions of the tear film are vital to good ocular health. Tears keep the cornea moist while maintaining a smooth refractive surface for the eye. They also aid in washing away debris, provide oxygen to the cornea and remove metabolic waste.
New treatments with long-term effectiveness for dry eye disease are emerging. Importantly, these innovative treatments not only relieve inflammation, but go further. Regenerative medicine holds the potential for regenerating damaged tissues and organs by stimulating the body’s own repair mechanisms for healing. The majority of dry eye treatments target inflammation. Reducing inflammation is a crucial first step for the ocular surface to potentially return to homeostasis. The cytokines in StimulEyes work to minimize inflammation, thereby facilitating an environment where the body’s natural healing may occur. The added potential for StimulEyes comes from the growth factors that may prompt that healing response and promote cell repair. The amniotic fluid matrix’s components not only treat the symptoms but may assist in the body’s natural healing to potentially return the ocular surface to a functional healthy status, while hyaluronic acid serves as a lubricant to relieve irritation. Regenerative medicine opens the possibilities to treat the broad spectrum of this complex disorder.
Dry eye disease is indiscriminate, and even those of us in the optical field who suffer from it seek new options. Here’s how Dr. Michele McKenzie describes her experience with StimulEyes topical treatments: “After being on my course of the treatment for three months, I have found immense relief from StimulEyes. I can say that my eyes feel much better than they had with the previous dry eye treatments which only offered me slight relief. I can wear contact lenses for a full day with no discomfort. I can open my eyes without dryness first thing in the morning. I have even noticed more rows of eyelashes regrowing. I recommend that others experiencing dry eye syndrome try StimulEyes.”
Cynthia Lucas, OD, shared the following testimonial: “I have suffered with Dry Eye Syndrome for many years and have tried many treatments such as over-the-counter artificial tear eye drops, prescription immunosuppressive agents, supplements and lid scrubs. Because of my seasonal and environmental allergies in combination with meibomian gland dropout, my eyes became symptomatic. After trying StimulEyes, my eyes felt relief within two months. I wake up in the morning with refreshed eyes that no longer cause me blurry vision and pain.
“The best part about this product is that there are no chemicals. This product replenishes the bioactive proteins, growth factors and the hyaluronic acid my tear film needs without causing the toxicity reactions from preservatives that I commonly encounter as an eyecare provider. This regenerative eye drop also fights inflammation keeping my eyes comfortable. Because of my experience with StimulEyes, I will recommend this therapy for my patients.”
To learn more about dry eye disease and the hope for millions of chronic dry eye disease sufferers, see our CE, “Regenerative Medicine – Renewed Hope For Dry Eye Disease Solution,” at 2020mag.com/ce. This course is free, supported by an educational grant from M2 Biologics.
