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Understanding Dry Eye

Visit online retailers that carry SYSTANE® dry eye products and more.

Dry Eye Test

If you think you may have dry eye, a visit to your eye doctor is the next step, as they can perform the necessary tests to diagnose dry eye and determine its severity.

Even before you visit your eye doctor, however, you can use a simple indicator called the Symptomatic Tear Break-Up Time (SBUT) test to determine if you might be suffering from dry eye.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE DRY EYE TEST

Taking the dry eye test manually

  1. Obtain a stopwatch or clock.
  2. Blink 2 times, then stare straight ahead, taking care to start timing immediately after your second blink.
  3. Avoid blinking for as long as possible.
  4. Note the time on the clock when you begin to feel eye discomfort (burning, grittiness, dryness, etc.)
  5. The SBUT is the amount of time (in seconds) that passes between your last complete blink and the moment you experience eye discomfort.

If your SBUT is 5 seconds or less, you may have dry eye, because the tear film on your eyes is breaking up too quickly, leaving the surface of your eyes unprotected. If you think you may have dry eye, consult your eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, and consider SYSTANE® ULTRA Lubricant Eye Drops.

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SYSTANE® Family of Products

SYSTANE®BALANCE

SYSTANE® BALANCE

Upgrade to a higher standard of relief. SYSTANE® BALANCE Lubricant Eye Drops Lubricant Eye Drops has the proven power to restore the natural tear's lipid layer to treat dryness and provide long lasting relief.

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SYSTANE® ULTRA

SYSTANE® ULTRA

SYSTANE® ULTRA Lubricant Eye Drops offers high performance dry eye therapy with extended protection and immediate comfort.

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SYSTANE® ULTRA Preservative-Free

SYSTANE® ULTRA Preservative-Free

SYSTANE® ULTRA Preservative-Free Formula offers high-performance dry eye therapy in convenient single-use vials — perfect for sensitive eyes!

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SYSTANE® LID WIPES

SYSTANE™ LID WIPES Eyelid Cleansing Wipes

Use SYSTANE™ LID WIPES Eyelid Cleansing Wipes to remove debris and eye makeup. These pre-moistened, individually wrapped eyelid cleansing wipes are hypoallergenic and soothing.

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SYSTANE® Vitamin Omega-3 Supplement

SYSTANE™ Vitamin Omega-3 Supplement

SYSTANE™ Vitamin Omega-3 Supplement daily softgel supplements contain Omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidant Vitamin E to help promote healthy tears.*

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SYSTANE® ULTRA Preservative-Free

SYSTANE® Gel Drops

SYSTANE® Gel Drops creates a stronger, gel-like bandage on the eye for those times when you need more protection from severe dry eye symptoms.

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SYSTANE®

SYSTANE®

SYSTANE® Lubricant Eye Drops helps protect your eyes from dry eye and keeps them lubricated throughout the day.

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SYSTANE® Preservative-Free

SYSTANE® Preservative-Free

SYSTANE® Preservative-Free Formula, in convenient single-use vials, is recommended for dry eye patients with sensitive eyes.

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SYSTANE® NIGHTTIME Ointment

SYSTANE® NIGHTTIME Ointment

SYSTANE® NIGHTTIME Lubricant Eye Ointment offers overnight relief from the symptoms of dry eye, providing protection and comfort while you rest.

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SYSTANE® CONTACTS

SYSTANE® CONTACTS

SYSTANE® CONTACTS Lubricant Eye Drops moisturizes and soothes dry eyes caused by wearing contacts.

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*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

For long-lasting dry eye relief, choose the brand that doctors recommend most†.

Copyright © 2012 Novartis Not all products are approved in every market and approved labeling and instructions may vary by local country. For market specific product information, see the locations section of this website.

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† Survey of Ophthalmologists and Optometrists, Harris Interactive®, December 2008.