TrueTear for Dry Eye Treatment
TrueTear®, by Allergan, is a drug-free, drop-free solution that temporarily increases tear production in adult patients. This technological device emits tiny pulsations of energy that prompt your eyes to produce their own tears, offering significant relief to those with severe dry eyes.
TrueTear is made for home use and can be purchased by prescription only. Speak with Dr. Robert Nicacio to learn how this device can help alleviate dry, itchy and irritable eyes, and vastly improve the quality of your life.
How Does TrueTear Work?
The tiny pulsations of energy emitted by TrueTear induce neurostimulation — a natural response that leads your eyes to produce their own tears. The device stimulates a nerve in the nasal cavity and sends out signals to the brain, which, in turn, send nerve signals to the tear glands to temporarily increase tear production.
For it to work, the TrueTear tip needs to contact the nerves located under the bridge of the nose. Just insert the tip all the way to the top part of the nose, or as far as is comfortable. You will know you’re stimulating the correct spot once you feel a tingling sensation in your nose and your eyes begin to emit tears. In certain people, tearing happens almost immediately, though it really depends on one’s individual anatomy and tear deficiency.
The TrueTear is user-friendly, as it is made up of just a few parts and only two buttons. Moreover, it offers a free app that can be seamlessly paired with your smartphone to better monitor the usage of the device.
How Does TrueTear Feel?
People typically report a tingling or tickling sensation, though it really depends on the level of strength of the energy pulsations. It is generally not uncomfortable or painful.
How Often and For How Long Do I Need to Use TrueTear?
The amount of time you use the device can vary. The TrueTear device has a built-in timer allowing for a maximum of a single 1-minute use for each cycle. To further prolong its use, simply start another cycle and use it until you feel tears coat the surface of your eye, though not beyond 3 consecutive minutes. After that, wait 1 hour before re-inserting the device into the nose.
TrueTear can be used for a total of 30 minutes per day. For most patients, we recommend they use TrueTear at least twice a week.
How Long Can I Use One Tip and How Do I Clean It?
The tip must be replaced every 48 hours, as it contains a hydrogel that dries out after two days of use. Moreover, make sure to use the tip before the expiration date printed on the packaging.
To clean the device, use an alcohol pad to gently wipe the disposable tip, but be careful to steer clear of the hydrogel areas.
All About the TrueTear App
The free app, which can be easily paired with your smartphone, helps you track your device usage and battery level, as well as learn new ways of using TrueTear. The app also allows you to get assistance in the event that you encounter any problems with the device. Moreover, environmental conditions that can affect your eyes are displayed in the app, which includes humidity, temperature, pollen count, and pollution index.
Ask us about how TrueTear can alleviate your dry eye condition and enhance your quality of life. Dr. Robert Nicacio and the caring and knowledgeable staff at Downtown Vision Centre Dry Eye Center are always here to help patients experience the best vision care and treatment possible.
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