What Are the Treatments for Dry Eye?

Dry, scratchy, burning eyes are signs of dry eye syndrome. Treatments for dry eye vary from topical drops to minor surgical procedures. Lifestyle adjustments can also improve the symptoms of dry eye.

Artificial Tears

• Lubricating eye drops can be used to improve the symptoms of dry eye because they add additional tears to the eye. However, using eye drops that remove redness from the eye often don't treat the cause of the dryness and may cause more symptoms over time.

Punctal Plugs

• In order to preserve the tears that are present in the eye, an eye doctor can block the tear drainage system--either temporarily, with a little silicone plug or using a small cautery tip to permanently close the duct.

Humidifier

• Using a humidifier in the home can increase the amount of moisture in the air, which can make the eyes feel less dry.

Avoiding Wind in the Eyes

• Wearing sunglasses (especially wraparound styles) can improve dry eye symptoms by blocking the drying and irritating effects of wind blowing into the eyes. Avoiding ceiling fans should be considered for the same reason.

Restasis Eye Drops

• Cyclosporine eye drops (Restasis) decrease the inflammation on the surface of the eye and actually improve the eye's ability to create its own tears. This medication is generally used for more serious cases of dry eye.

Less Commonly Used Treatments

• Occasionally, the eye doctor will prescribe steroid eye drops for dry eyes or special types of contact lenses that preserve the moisture in the eye for patients with severe symptoms.