Diseases / Dry Eye

How do I treat my dry eyes?

There is no known cure for most dry eye problems, but there are a lot of treatments, from artificial tears to ointments to punctual plugs and surgery. Artificial tears are usually the first defense.

Many types of artificial tears are available without prescription. These eye drops can be used as often as necessary, but most often are first recommended for every 4 to 6 hours application. Routine use of the drops will be more beneficial than waiting until you become symptomatic, so use them routinely for best results. It may also help to instill extra drops just before reading, watching television, working on the computer for long hours, or taking a distant drive in the car. It is during these tasks that we generally do blink as often, so our eyes are more prone to dryness.

Since numerous brands of artificial tears are available, it is best to experiment with several kinds, as one product or another may be a closer match to your own body chemistry. The preservatives in some types of tear products may cause burning or itching, while other drops may be dramatically more comfortable to use. Your doctorwill no doubt provide you with samples of a few different brands. For more enduring nighttime relief, moisturizing ointment is also available for more severe dry symptoms. If your eyes require this extensive measure or very frequent use of drops for dryness relief, your doctor may recommend punctual plugs or laser surgery.