‘Dry Eye’ syndrome wreaks havoc on Brits

20 per cent of Brits will suffer from hay fever symptoms this summer including sore eyes and a runny nose. Hay fever, also known as Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, wreaks havoc on millions of eyes every year and constant rubbing of the sensitive eye area can lead to ‘Dry Eye’ syndrome.

One of the most common problems treated by eye specialists in the UK1, ‘Dry Eye’ syndrome is characterised by a feeling of grittiness or soreness (but not necessarily a feeling of dryness), and can also cause watering, redness and itching.

Thankfully, help is at hand in the form of Bausch & Lomb’s Hycosan - a preservative-free formula designed to soothe and moisturise dry and irritated eyes. Hycosan incorporates the active ingredient sodium hyaluronate, a naturally occurring polysaccharide found to relieve symptoms of ocular discomfort through water binding properties that reduce evaporation, mimicking the natural tear film and increasing tear break-up time.

Each one-click, one-drop bottle contains 300 doses in a patented one-way delivery system which allows for safe and effective multiple use, and ensures that the product remains contamination-free for up to 12 weeks after first opening. The soothing formulation is ideal for hay fever sufferers with sensitive eyes, and for use with both soft and hard contact lenses.

Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Hillingdon Hospital, Mr Nick Lee said: “A combination of environmental factors and medical conditions make dry eyes increasingly common for people in the UK. Keeping the eyes well lubricated is essential not only for comfort but also to protect the eyes from developing other complaints which can be far more serious.”

Hycosan is available from Dollond and Aitchison, plus independent pharmacies and opticians, priced £12.99 (RRP) for three months’ supply.