Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye can significantly affect your daily life, causing discomfort, blurry vision, and difficulty with activities like reading. Whether you're experiencing tired eyes, a burning sensation, or dryness, a variety of treatment options are available—from simple self-care to advanced therapies—designed to restore comfort and clarity to your vision.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don't produce enough high-quality tears to keep them properly lubricated and nourished. Tears help prevent eye infections, remove debris, and maintain a smooth, clear eye surface. When the tear production is insufficient or the tears are of poor quality, it can lead to chronic dry eye. This condition is especially common among older adults and can range from mild to severe.

Preventive Self-Care

For mild cases of dry eye, there are several self-care measures you can take to manage symptoms before seeking more intensive treatments:

Blink Regularly: Remember to blink often, especially when reading or using a computer for long periods.
Control Indoor Humidity: Ensure proper humidity levels at home and work to prevent your eyes from drying out.
Protect Your Eyes Outdoors: Wear sunglasses, preferably wraparound styles, to shield your eyes from wind and sun exposure.
Consider Supplements: Essential fatty acid supplements can help alleviate dry eye symptoms.
Stay Hydrated: Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to maintain proper hydration.
Review Medications: Check if any of your prescriptions contribute to dry eye and discuss possible alternatives with your doctor.

Artificial Tears

For mild dry eye, over-the-counter artificial tears can be very effective. Here’s what to know when selecting the right one:

Low Viscosity (Watery) Drops: These provide quick relief with minimal vision blur but may require frequent use for lasting comfort.
High Viscosity (Gel-Like) Drops: These offer longer-lasting lubrication but may cause temporary vision blurring. They are best used at bedtime.

Prescription Dry Eye Treatments

If over-the-counter options aren’t enough, your eye doctor can recommend several prescription treatments tailored to your needs:

Nasal spray for dry eyes: Tyrvaya (varenicline solution) can help your body produce its own real tears.
Antibiotics: If eyelid inflammation is interfering with tear production, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce inflammation and allow proper oil secretion.
Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drops: Medications like cyclosporine (Restasis) or corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation on the eye's surface.
Eye Inserts: For severe cases, a tiny insert (Lacrisert) placed in the lower eyelid releases lubrication throughout the day.
Tear-Stimulating Drugs: Pilocarpine or cevimeline can help stimulate tear production in the form of drops, gels, or pills.

Dry Eye Procedures

If other treatments aren't sufficient, more advanced procedures can help address the root cause of your dry eye:

Punctal Plugs: Tiny silicone plugs can be inserted into your tear ducts to reduce tear drainage, helping to keep your eyes moist.

The following treatments may require a referral if necessary:

LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation: This treatment uses a heated device to massage your eyelid and unblock oil glands, providing relief from dry eye symptoms.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy: Light pulses target clogged glands in the eyelids, helping to release hardened oils and improve tear quality.

Don’t Let Dry Eye Control Your Life

You don’t have to live with dry eye discomfort. Talk to your optometrist about the treatment options available, and together, you can find a solution that addresses the underlying causes of your condition, so you can enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision.

Call us today to book your dry eye exam: 302-609-0041