Dry Eye Ophthalmic Treatment Options

Dry eye can be an uncomfortable condition resulting from several factors such as certain medical conditions or medications, problems with the eyelids and decreased tear production among other things. Certain environmental factors can worsen the problem. Your ophthalmologist can suggest several treatment options that include medications and procedures. Certain self-care measures can also benefit you. Your doctor can determine the most appropriate treatments for you based on the severity of your condition and other factors.

Using Medications to Treat Dry Eye

• Certain medications can benefit dry eye in certain circumstances. If your eyelids are inflamed due to an infection, antibiotics can offer relief. Your doctor might prescribe it in the form of an ointment, drops or pills. It is important to finish your whole course of treatment. Restasis reduces inflammation and encourages the production of healthy tears; it is not appropriate if you have an active eye infection or have suffered from ocular herpes. Steroid eye drops are sometimes used to alleviate inflammation if other treatments have failed.

Procedures to Treat Dry Eye

• If dry eyes are due to lid problems like an incomplete blink, your doctor can refer you to an oculoplastic surgeon who can correct the problem. Certain procedures can help keep your tears on the surface of the eye longer instead of draining them away. You can have your tear ducts partially or permanently closed with either plugs, which can be removed or remain permanently, or through thermal cautery, which involves shrinking the drainage area with a heated wire; the resulting scarring permanently closes off the ducts.

Self-Care

• Artificial tears, readily available over the counter, can relieve dry eyes. You can use preservative free drops as often as desired while drops containing preservatives are limited to four times a day. Stay away from drops with redness remover; they worsen dry eye. Your doctor can advise you about what drops are appropriate for you and how often you can use them. Ask your doctor about special contact lenses that form a fluid-filled layer above the cornea; he can determine if they are an appropriate treatment for you. If you have chronic dry eye, you need to use the drops even when your eyes feel fine; this will keep them steadily lubricated.

  Increase moisture in the air by using a humidifier in your home. Wear sunglasses when it is windy. Remember to blink; it helps spread tears evenly.