Dry Eye Treatment

Care for Dry Eyes

While dry eye may not be considered a severe ailment, its effects on daily life can be significant. You might notice your eyes becoming fatigued more quickly or experience challenges with reading. Additionally, sensations of burning or blurred vision can cause discomfort. Let’s explore various treatments for dry eye, ranging from simple self-care practices to advanced therapies, all aimed at restoring clear and comfortable vision.

Dry eye occurs when the eyes lack sufficient quality tears to lubricate and nourish them. Tears play a crucial role in reducing infections, eliminating foreign particles, and maintaining a smooth eye surface. This condition commonly affects older adults and can be either due to inadequate tear production or poor tear quality.

Before considering more intensive treatments, there are several self-care measures that can help manage mild cases of dry eye:

• Blink regularly, especially when engaged in activities like reading or prolonged screen time.
• Ensure adequate humidity levels in your home and workplace.
• Wear sunglasses, preferably wraparound ones, outdoors to shield your eyes from sun and wind exposure.
• Incorporate supplements containing essential fatty acids into your diet to alleviate dry eye symptoms.
• Stay hydrated by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.
• Check if any of your medications list dry eye as a potential side effect and discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider.

For mild dry eye, over-the-counter eye drops are often effective. Here are some considerations for choosing the right type:

• Low viscosity drops provide quick relief without significant blurring of vision, although their effects may be short-lived.
• High viscosity drops offer longer-lasting lubrication but may cause temporary blurring, making them more suitable for nighttime use.

In cases where over-the-counter remedies are insufficient, various prescription options are available:

• Specialty contact lenses, such as scleral or bandage lenses, can help maintain moisture on the eye's surface.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed to address inflammation of the eyelids, which can impede tear production.
• Anti-inflammatory eye drops containing cyclosporine or corticosteroids help control inflammation on the eye's surface.
• Eye inserts, like hydroxypropyl cellulose inserts, provide sustained lubrication and are inserted between the lower eyelid and eyeball.
• Tear-stimulating medications, such as cholinergic agents, can boost tear production.
• Autologous blood serum drops, made from the patient's own blood, may be recommended for severe cases resistant to other treatments.

For more advanced cases, procedures may be necessary:

• Punctal plugs can be inserted into tear ducts to reduce tear drainage.
• LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation therapy helps unblock oil glands through gentle, warm massages.
• Intense-Pulsed Therapy employs light pulses to liquefy and release hardened oils from clogged eyelid glands.

Remember, you don't have to endure the discomfort of dry eye alone. Discuss your symptoms with an optometrist to explore treatment options tailored to your needs, addressing the root cause of your condition.