It can feel like dry eye is calling the shots: Here's how Ruben Gonzalez got his life back
(BPT) - For Ruben Gonzalez, dry eye wasn't just a minor inconvenience, but a condition that limited his life for years.
"When I blinked, it felt like sand was rubbing against my eyes," explains Gonzalez. "Some days, I could barely even open my eyes. My eyesight was so blurry that I couldn't work or drive because I couldn't see well."
Unfortunately, Gonzalez isn't alone. Dry eye is increasingly common, with approximately 150 million U.S. adults experiencing symptoms ranging from occasional or acute symptoms of dryness to a chronic condition called dry eye disease. Common symptoms include redness, itching or burning sensation and can impact daily life, making it difficult to enjoy day-to-day activities.
For Ruben, his relationship with his son, and himself, began to suffer. "I couldn't play soccer with my son. I lost confidence in myself. I was so stressed and anxious, and really struggling," expresses Gonzalez.
Despite countless attempts to treat the condition with over-the-counter drops, Gonzalez still couldn't find relief. It wasn't until he spoke with his doctor that he learned about the link between inflammation and dry eye. He was surprised to learn that as someone living with autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, arthritis and fibromyalgia, they not only cause inflammation throughout his body, but may also be associated with chronic dry eye.
In fact, a recent Bausch + Lomb survey of 1,000 dry eye sufferers found nearly eight in 10 (78%) were unaware that dry eye symptoms could be associated with autoimmune conditions. When inflammation occurs in the tear glands and the surface of the eye, it can result in poor tear production or an imbalance in the composition of tears, contributing to dry eye.
That's when his doctor then explained that not all dry eye treatments and eye drops work the same way. He recommended XIIDRA® (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5%, a prescription eye drop used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Unlike the many over-the-counter eye drops Gonzalez has tried, XIIDRA specifically targets a source of inflammation that can cause chronic dry eye. XIIDRA is the only nonsteroid anti-inflammatory prescription that can start to deliver long-term dry eye symptom relief in just 2 weeks, with continued twice-daily use.* Do not use Xiidra if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Seek medical care immediately if you get any symptoms of an allergic reaction.
"When I started XIIDRA, I couldn't believe it. I could feel the difference quickly," explains Gonzalez. "I feel like I have my life back. I can work again, drive again, read again. My mood is better because my eyes are not constantly dry and irritated."
Gonzalez encourages others who are struggling with chronic dry eye to take action and advocate for themselves.
If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms like Gonzalez, talk to an eye doctor to discuss whether prescription treatment options like XIIDRA can help alleviate your dry eye symptoms, and visit xiidra.com to learn more about his dry eye journey.
Ruben Gonzalez is an actual patient who has taken Xiidra and has been compensated for his time.
*Xiidra may provide long-term symptom relief for some patients with continued twice-daily use. In clinical studies, Xiidra reduced symptoms of eye dryness at 2 weeks in 2 out of 4 studies, with improvements observed at 6 and 12 weeks in all 4 studies.
Indication
Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% is a prescription eye drop used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.
Important Safety Information
- Do not use Xiidra if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Seek medical care immediately if you get any symptoms of an allergic reaction.
- The most common side effects of Xiidra include eye irritation, discomfort or blurred vision when the drops are applied to the eyes, and an unusual taste sensation.
- To help avoid eye injury or contamination of the solution, do not touch the container tip to your eye or any surface. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Xiidra and wait for at least 15 minutes before placing them back in your eyes.
- It is not known if Xiidra is safe and effective in children under 17 years of age.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For additional safety information, see Full Prescribing Information and Patient Information and discuss with your doctor.
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Source: BrandPoint
