A Real Eye Opener

About ten million people in the US have dry eyes. It's caused by an insufficient production of tears, which normally lubricate the eyes and remove debris. Dry eyes can lead to serious cornea damage. While traditional rewetting drops control the early symptoms of dry eyes, they do not treat the underlying problem. Now ophthalmologists are testing Diquafosol, a new eye drop that stimulates the lacrimal gland to produce tears. Currently under fast-track FDA review, Diquafosol is expected to be on the market by early 2004.