KISSIMMEE, Fla., Oct. 23, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than 20.7 million Americans suffer from chronic dry eye, making it one of the most common causes for visits to the eye doctor. A properly functioning eye creates enough tears to lubricate and protect the eye. When afflicted with dry eye, the patient's eye either makes insufficient tears or tears that are of poor quality. The most common form of dry eye, called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), occurs when the water layer of the eye is inadequate. When the eye fails to lubricate itself sufficiently with natural tears, the eye can become dry, irritated, red, painful and even scarred from abrasion.
Dr. Saira A. Choudhri, of Eye Care Specialists of Florida, is using PROKERA®, a cutting-edge product for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. PROKERA® is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved therapeutic device found to decrease inflammation, while assisting the eye in regenerative healing. "While July was National Dry Eye Awareness Month, this is a condition that is important year round," stated Dr. Choudhri. "This is one of the most frequent conditions I see in practice as a Kissimmee ophthalmologist, and I have been very happy with the results we have seen from using PROKERA® in the treatment of dry eye."
Chronic dry eye can cause symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe pain. Sufferers of dry eye often feel like something sandy or gritty is stuck in the eye. This sensation comes from the abrasion caused by a lack of sufficient tears. PROKERA® is a biologic corneal bandage that protects the eye and promotes healing. Comprised of FDA-regulated amniotic tissue, PROKERA® can be inserted and removed during the course of normal office visits.
According to Dr. Choudhri, "We have found PROKERA® to be effective due to its protective qualities. It's similar in shape and form to a contact lens. We can easily insert it during an office visit. While the patient wears PROKERA®, the tissue in the bandage works to heal the eye's membranes by protecting it from further irritation and scarring and promotes healing. Dry eye is a common patient complaint, particularly among my older patients and women who have reached menopause. The earlier they make me aware of their discomfort, the earlier we can begin treatment and alleviate their pain."
Eye Care Specialists of Florida is a single-doctor office specializing in the treatment of chronic eye conditions such as dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. They are located at 1124 Cypress Glen Circle, Kissimmee, Florida. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. To make an appointment or learn more about how PROKERA® can treat dry eye, contact Eye Specialists of Florida at (407) 483-0328. For additional information on their ophthalmology services, visit their website at http://eyecarespecialistsofflorida.com/.