Eye Services Dr. Benson's practice emphasis is on treatment of glaucoma, diabetic eye dises, macular degeneration, dry eye, and other eye problems in addition to providing quality eye care to all ages. Meet Dr. Benson Dr. Benson is both types of eye doctors: Optometrist AND Ophthalmologist. Practicing with the motto, "Caring for you, not just your eyes," he has been attending to his patients for more than 25 years. Frequently Asked What is an ophthalmologist?

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Dry Eye: Creating Tears

Restasis

For patients with moderate to severe dry eyes, who may already be using artificial tears and already have punctal plugs without relief, the prescription of Restasis eye drops in addition to the other treatments can often help alleviate symptoms. Restasis works by suppressing a type of inflammatory cell from entering the Lacrimal Gland and thus allows the lacrimal gland to function more effectively so that more natural tears can be produced.

Restasis is the only prescription eye drop approved by the FDA to help increase the ability to produce tears which may be reduced by inflammation due to Chronic Dry Eye. Unlike artificial tears, Restasis Ophthalmic Emulsion helps increase the natural ability to produce tears which may be reduced by inflammation due to Chronic Dry Eye. Indeed, many patients using Restasis report a noticeable increase in tear production with continued use.

Autologous

Some patients, for a variety of reasons, suffer from severe dryness of the eye that can lead to redness, itching and pain. Many can be helped by intensive treatment with artificial teardrops. However, for some patients these symptoms are not completely relieved. The National Blood Service (NBS) has recently developed an alternative to these artificial drops. They are called autologous serum eyedrops and are made from a patient’s own blood. These eyedrops naturally contain ingredients that are known to speed up healing and increase lubrication of the surface of the eye.

Eye drops made from a person's own serum are superior to artificial tears for relieving signs and symptoms of severe dry eyes.

The autologous serum contains essential components for maintaining eye surface health. None of the commercially available artificial tear preparations contain growth factors, vitamin A and other natural components, which have been shown to play an important role in maintaining eye health.

The eyedrops are made using the clear part (serum) of your blood. The serum is diluted with saline and bottled into eyedropper bottles that need to be kept in the freezer until use. The drops contain no additives or preservatives, just your own serum diluted with saline.

Dr. Benson's office in Lakewood is one of the few that utilize and offer these cutting edge treatment options.

Credits: http://www.restasis.com/_do_you_have_cde/default.htm

Credits: http://www.blood.co.uk/hospitals/library/pdf/eye_drops.pdf