What is the Best Treatment For Dry Eyes?

What is the best treatment for dry eyes?

Your ophthalmologist or optometrist will develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms and the cause of your dry eye. Your treatment may include home remedies, dietary changes or prescription medications. Some of these treatments are over the counter while others require a prescription from your ophthalmologist.

Some of the most common over-the-counter medications for mild to moderate dry eye are artificial tears, lubricating gels and ointments. These lubricating products can help ease the discomfort of dry eyes and relieve symptoms such as irritated or scratchy eyes, blurred vision, and frequent eye fatigue. They are available in different strengths, or concentrations, so talk to your doctor about which one will work best for you.

If you have very severe dry eye, your ophthalmologist or optometrist might prescribe prescription drugs to treat the underlying problem. Examples of these treatments are Restasis, a form of cyclosporine, or Xiidra, a medication that contains lutein, an ingredient that can help keep the tear film from evaporating too quickly.

Another popular treatment for dry eye is scleral contact lenses, which fill the eyes with tears throughout the day. These are also a good option for patients with very severe dry eye, according to Dr. Rapuano, who adds that steroid drops can be helpful in short-term cases of dry eye but that they can do more harm than good when used to treat chronic conditions such as aqueous deficiency.

Other common ophthalmological treatments for dry eye are warm compresses and lid massage, which can reduce inflammation around the surface of your eyes. They can also be a great way to break up any clogged oil glands that might be contributing to your dry eye.

A variety of dietary supplements can also be useful in alleviating the symptoms of dry eye, as well as improving the overall health of your eyes. Some dietary supplements contain essential fatty acids that can soothe the eyes and improve tear quality. These supplements may include omega-3 fatty acid, vitamin A, and beta-carotene.

Many people who suffer from dry eyes can improve their condition by changing some of the habits they have that contribute to the problem. These habits include blinking frequently while reading or staring at a computer screen for long periods of time.

You can also decrease the exposure of your eyes to irritants by using protective glasses or sunglasses, particularly those with wraparound frames. Those with a history of allergies should be especially careful to avoid contact with pollen, dust and smoke.

Having an annual comprehensive dilated eye exam can help detect dry eye early and treat it before it progresses to more serious issues. Your eye care professional will check for signs of dry eyes during the exam, including examining your tear drainage holes to make sure there’s enough water in your tears.

Your doctor might also recommend wearing a humidifier in your home or office to increase the amount of moisture in the air. In addition, reducing your use of fans, hair dryers and other appliances that move air can be very beneficial for people with dry eyes.