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Dry Eyes Help

People with dry eyes do not have enough fluid on the surface of the eye to maintain clear vision and prevent discomfort. Your eyes may not produce enough tears or the tears may not be of good quality, according to the American Optometric Association. You can take steps at home to relieve your dry eye symptoms, and your eye doctor can offer treatments if necessary.

  1. Home Treatment

    • Take simple measures to improve dry eye symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Avoid directing air from devices like fans or hair dryers at your eyes. Try not to rub your eyes and remember to blink often when you are sitting at a computer or reading. Avoid irritants like cigarette smoke, and consider using a humidifier in your home to increase moisture in the air. Wear glasses on windy days, and swim in goggles. Use over-the-counter artificial tears to keep your eyes moisturized. Consider supplementing your diet with omega-3 fatty acids, which may lower the risk of dry eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Medical Treatment

    • The prescription medication cyclosporine, which increases tears and reduces inflammation, may be used to treat dry eyes. In some cases, steroid drops may be necessary to reduce inflammation and irritation from dry eyes. People with severe problems from dry eyes may benefit from procedures to close or block the tear ducts, according to the American Optometric Association. These procedures prevent tears from draining and increase eye moisture. Special contact lenses that cover the eye with a fluid-filled layer may be prescribed for dry eyes.

      An eyelid abnormality, such as incomplete blinking, is sometimes the cause of dry eyes. If a structural problem is contributing to your dry eye symptoms, surgery may be a option. If you have blepharitis, which is inflammation of the edges of the eyelids, your doctor may recommend cleaning the eyes with diluted baby shampoo and/or antibiotic treatment.

    Warning

    • Do not use lubricating eye drops designed to remove redness if you have dry eyes. These can make dry eye symptoms worse, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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