on the net
This site offers information on dry eye

In recent months, On The Net has reported on several product-focused Web sites created by companies in an effort to combine patient education information with a dollop of soft-sell marketing. Usually, these sites feature a new product such as the Verisyse phakic IOL, or a difficult-to-understand product that requires extensive explanation, such as the Array IOL.

These types of sites can be very helpful to ophthalmologists, as you can refer a patient who's a good candidate for a specific procedure or product to the appropriate site so that the patient can assess his or her initial level of interest in the procedure or product.

Refresh lubricant eye drops is also using the concept of patient-oriented, informational Web sites, but its www.dryeye.com site focuses on a commonly used and fairly easily understood product, artificial tears.

The site does provide some information directed to practitioners concerning preservative-induced ocular irritation that can be caused by extensive use of some types of artificial tears. However, the site is primarily for consumers.

The site answers such basic questions as "What causes dry eye symptoms? How are dry eye symptoms treated?" and "What's the purpose of tears?" It explains that symptoms can be caused by environmental factors such as second-hand smoke, overuse of heating and air-conditioning, and/or living in a dry and/or windy climate. It also examines lifestyle factors that can contribute to dry eye symptoms, including smoking, certain types of medications, wearing contact lenses, and extended computer use.

In addition, the www.dryeye.com site offers a feature article on 10 tips to protect your eyes this summer. Suggestions include wearing swim goggles, and using protective eyewear for sports and outdoor chores.

Note this site as a place to refer patients with mild-to-moderate dry eye symptoms. Overall, it's another addition to the increasing number of sites that are making patient education a bit easier for ophthalmologists.

Visit: www.dryeye.com

If you've discovered a Web site or service that's been useful to you in practice or at home, we'd like to know about it. E-mail Jerry Helzner at helznergi@boucher1.com or call him at (215) 643-8013.