Dry Eye
Treatment of Dry Eyes
For most people, the treatment of dry eyes is a straightforward process. There are several home treatments that are effective in making your eyes feel more comfortable. If home-based treatments are not effective, doctor-prescribed treatments are also available.
Once you’ve been diagnosed with dry eyes, artificial tears are usually the first step in treatment. These eye drops lubricate the eye and help maintain moisture, increasing comfort and decreasing irritation. There are many brands on the market and it may be necessary to try more than one before finding a formulation that works best. If you find that you need to use eye drops frequently or that you have sensitive eyes, preservative-free or sensitive formulations may work better. Eye drops can be used as much as necessary unless your eye doctor advises otherwise.
Using a humidifier is another effective strategy. Adding more humidity to the air increases the amount of moisture available for the eye to use. Warm compresses can also help. Some doctors recommend washing your eyelids with baby shampoo which can keep eyelid glands from clogging. Avoiding smoking and smoke-filled rooms keeps eye irritation to a minimum. The simple step of decreasing fan speeds and taking frequent breaks can make eyes more comfortable.
If you are still uncomfortable after trying these basic treatments, your eye doctor has other options that may help. One of the most simple dry eye treatments is the insertion of punctal plugs. These small, silicone plugs are placed painlessly in the tear ducts to prevent rapid draining, helping the eye to stay more moisturized. Your doctor may also recommend omega-3 supplements, as these have been shown to impact tear formation. Ask your doctor for a recommendation and correct dosage. Steroids are an option as well, though they are not for long-term use. Finally, Cyclosporine drops which have been shown in research studies to stimulate tear production, can be prescribed.
With these simple steps, dry eyes no longer have to be a hassle. Lubricating drops, warm compresses, punctal plugs and prescriptions can all relieve the irritation and discomfort that dry eyes can cause.
To learn more, visit http://www.hillsboroeyeclinic.com or call (503) 640-3708 to make an appointment with one of our physicians.
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