Help for Dry Scratchy Eyes

Dry eyes can occur from not blinking enough, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, aging or environmental irritants (smoke, sun, wind). Symptoms include eyes which feel dry, scratchy and gritty, or experience burning, stinging, redness, blurry vision and sensitivity to light. Tears help to protect the eyes by keeping them moist, providing them with important nutrients, and by washing away harmful dust and other particles. Dry eye results when the eyes do not produce enough tears.

Sunglasses

• Dry scratchy eyes may be caused by environmental factors like the sun, wind, pollen or dust. Eliminate these potential irritants by wearing sunglasses when outside. Choose a close-fitting style that wraps around the side of your head. This style works best as it protects the entire eye.

Eye drops

• If your condition does not improve in a few days, treat your eyes with over-the-counter eye drops, known as artificial tears. Do not use eye drops that get rid of redness, unless the solution also contains artificial tears. Artificial tears are made from the same ingredients as normal tears and they lubricate the eye in the same way.

Ointment

• Try an ointment if your symptoms persist even after using the drops. Ointments are usually for more severe conditions of dry eye. Use the ointment only at bedtime because ointments can cause blurriness, and this may make daily activities uncomfortable and difficult. Seek medical attention if the ointment does not work.

Restasis

• Ask your doctor about Restasis (Cyclosporine). Restasis Ophthalmic Emulsion is a prescription eye drop which can increase tear production in the eye. Patients put in one drop, twice a day. The treatment can last up to six months to be completely successful.

Lacriserts and punctual plugs

• Ask your doctor about Lacrisert and punctual plugs if your discomfort continues. A Lacrisert is a tiny insert that is placed inside the lower eyelid that releases lubrication continuously throughout the day. It requires one dose daily and dissolves in the eye. A punctual plug is a small device that is inserted into the tear duct of the eye to prevent liquid from draining from the eye.