How to Live With Chronic Dry Eyes

Many people suffer from chronic dry eyes, and deal with the excessive dryness and discomfort it causes. While there is no cure for chronic dry eyes, a few practical steps can reduce your discomfort.

Things You'll Need

• Eye drops
• Sunglasses
• Air cleaner
• Humidifier

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Use eye drops. Depending on your situation, several different options are available, though it is recommended to start with artificial teardrops. Artificial tears lubricate your eye with moisturizers that help keep moisture in. They also give temporary relief of burning or irritation, caused by exposure to the wind or the sun. Restasis eye drops, which are cyclosporine mixed with castor oil, help your eyes produce more tears. If you need a higher moisturizing product, you may consider an eye gel, which contains a thicker, lubricating base and should be applied at night, because your vision may be blurry until it adjusts to the gel.

• 2

  Change your environment. If you think dust may be aggravating your eyes, add an air cleaner to your house to help clear the dust from the air. Adding a humidifier will supplement moisture to a dry house. If you spend time outdoors, wear sunglasses to minimize your eye's exposure to sun, wind and dust. Search for sunglasses that are sealed at the sides to avoid any exposure.

• 3

  Insert tear duct plugs to prevent tears from draining out of your eyes. These silicone plugs are inserted by your eye doctor in an attempt to close your tear ducts and stop tears from falling from them. To decide if this is a good option, your doctor may insert a temporary plug that will dissolve shortly.