How to Treat Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome results from an insufficient quantity or quality of tears lubricating the eye. It can cause constant pain from eye irritation, as well as a sandy or gritty sensation. If untreated, this syndrome can lead to scarring or ulceration of the cornea, and loss of vision.

Things You'll Need

• Artificial Tears

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Instructions

• 1

  Go to your ophthalmologist if you experience an occasional burning sensation in the eyes during times of low humidity or high pollution, a persistent and painful gritty sensation, or lowered tolerance of contact lenses.

• 2

  Read about the type of dry eye syndrome that you have. Depending on the cause, dry eye syndrome can be treated as a temporary problem or as a lifelong disease requiring long-term treatment.

• 3

  Be aware that in the early stages, the symptoms can come and go. Sometimes symptoms are worse in the morning, lessening as the day goes by.

• 4

  Stay away from dust, pollen and tobacco smoke, which can aggravate this syndrome.

• 5

  Talk with your doctor about using artificial tears or ointments for temporary relief. New types of eye drops, hormone therapy and antibiotics are often prescribed.

• 6

  Be sure to inform your ophthalmologist about any other medications you are taking. Medications may be responsible for more than half of all cases of dry eyes.

• 7

  Consider permanent closure of the tear duct or punctal occlusion if yours is a persistent dry eye syndrome. Punctal occlusion allows you to retain your own natural tears without the bother or expense of constantly replacing the tear film with artificial tears.

• 8

  Ask about punctum plugs, the least invasive of the long-term solutions to dry eye syndrome. A small, soft silicone plug, about the size of a sesame seed, is nonsurgically inserted into the natural punctal opening. It is done very quickly and may offer immediate relief.