health

As you’ve heard, the eye is the window to the body. We know that many systemic diseases can affect the eye, but did you know many medications also have side effects that affect your vision? Many new cancer treatments, called immunotherapies, may have ocular side effects.

As with any cancer treatment, doctors must evaluate whether the ocular side effects are detrimental enough to discontinue the drug or if continuation of the therapy is best to save the patient’s life.  Often, the oncologist and eye doctor will work together to monitor the eye for changes prior to the next round of treatment.

Take a trip to the pharmacy for artificial tears—or a click to our dry eye relief page—and you’ll find many different types. If you’re armed with a doctor’s recommendation, or knowledge of the products, you’re likely to pick the cheapest one or the generic store brand.

But not all artificial tears are created equal…

• What ocular conditions can artificial tears treat?
• What should you look for when purchasing an artificial tear?
• Which type of artificial tear is best?

Let’s look at the types of artificial tears and some recommendations which should help you make the right choice.