How to Cure Dry Eye

Dry eye, also known as keratitis sicca, is a syndrome where there is a lack of adequate moisture in the eye. Symptoms of dry eye typically include itching, burning, foreign body sensation, gritty sensation, sensitivity to light, blurred vision and redness. Dry eye can be caused by environmental factors such as air conditioning/heating or living in a dry/dusty climate, as well as by the aging process (particularly during menopause), as a side effect to some medications such as antihistamines and birth control pills, contact lens usage, imbalance in the tear flow system and structural problems with the eye/tear ducts. Diseases that affect the tear-making process such as Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and collagen vascular diseases are also known causes. There are several steps that can be taken to treat this condition.

Things You'll Need

• Artificial tears

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Instructions

• 1

  Artificial tear drops and ointments. This is the most common treatment for dry eye, as artificial tear drop and ointment products are available over the counter. If your case of dry eye is more persistent, use of the product even when eyes are properly moisturized is recommended in order to keep the eyes lubricated. If drying out occurs while sleeping, a thicker ointment can be applied before going to bed.

• 2

  Temporary or permanent punctal occlusion. To ensure more moisture, sometimes the ducts that drain tears out of the eye have to be closed to ensure that the tears that are produced stay around the eye for a longer period of time. In temporary occlusion, a painless procedure, a soluble plug is placed into the lower eyelid's tear drain. In the permanent process, removable silicone plugs are used. Sometimes, although rarely, they become dislodged and/or make their way down the tear drain. Many recipients of this form of treatment, however, report an increased level of comfort and less need for the use of artificial tear drop products.

• 3

  Restasis. This a prescription eye drop that was approved by the FDA in 2002. As of now, it is the only prescription eye drop that aids in the production of more natural tears from the patient's eyes with continued usage.

• 4

  Eye inserts. Another possible solution is called Lacrisert. This is a small insert that contains the lubricant hydroxypropyl cellulose. It is placed inside the lower eyelid and releases small amounts of the lubricant continuously throughout the day.