HALIFAX, England, August 17 /PRNewswire/ -- A simple eye treatment device developed three years ago by Yorkshire based consultant ophthalmologist, Teifi James was borne out of his 20 years of conducting eye clinics and seeing patients suffering with some aspect of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) such as dry eye syndromes, blepharitis, stye and chalazion.

The device marketed as an EyeBag is made from suedex and silk cloth and filled with flax (linseed) and works on the principle of a warm eye compress. Flax seeds are used because of their size and density allowing the EyeBag, once warmed in the microwave, to sit effectively and comfortably across the eyes.

Some 30% of patients referred to ophthalmology/optometry clinics in the UK have some form of MGD with thousands more people experiencing the symptoms of MGD going undiagnosed or untreated.

Over 30,000 EyeBags have been sold and in excess of 500 optometrists in Britain are now stocking the product and pockets of representation in continental Europe have been secured. Compliance is high due to the convenience and reusability factor and in 90% of patients, their symptoms have either been relieved altogether or have vastly improved.

Explaining how this product could represent long term savings for the NHS, Teifi James said, "I realised that if I was recommending warm compress five times in one morning clinic, then there must be literally thousands of people all over the UK being advised to use warm eyelid compresses every day. As the EyeBag can be purchased over the counter without prescription, there will be fewer visits to the GP which in turn result in fewer referrals to hospitals. A reduction in referrals equates to less costs to the Primary Care Trusts and fewer prescriptions being issued for dry eye drops. The NHS is not in great shape at the moment and such not insignificant savings could be a welcome relief."

Mr Teifi James is available for interview.

Notes to Editors:

1. Teifi James is a consultant ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon practising in West Yorkshire. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in London and holds the Diploma in Ophthalmology from

The Royal College of Surgeons of England. He qualified from St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington in 1983 and specialises in the treatment of ocular inflammation.

2. Mr James set up the EyeBag Company (http://www.eyebagcompany.com) for the sole purpose of selling the EyeBag product.

3. The EyeBag is a registered medical device (MHRA).

4. The EyeBag has a NHS contract to supply hospital eye clinics in England and Wales.

5. The EyeBag is supplied to optometrists in Britain, Ireland, Italy and Switzerland.

It is also available from selected pharmacies in the UK.

Patients can purchase the product via the internet on http://www.eyebagcompany.com.

Retail price GBP20.00.

6. 10% of company's profits are gifted to Vision 2020 right to sight project which exports British medical skills and knowledge to impoverished countries.

http://www.v2020.org

The EyeBag - a convenient, effective and reusable treatment for a range of eye conditions associated with meibomian gland dysfunction.

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.