You can suffer from mild or occasional dry eye. Often, the condition can be resolved using artificial tears or nonprescription eye drops. However, some people suffer from chronic or severe dry eye with more persistent symptoms. Eye doctors can recommend treatment options to deal with the condition. Treatment is usually based on the underlying cause of the dryness. Find out the best treatments for dry eye.  

Treating the Underlying Cause

Treating the underlying cause of dry eye can help relieve the symptoms. If a health condition is causing the symptoms, an effective management program or changing medication can help.

Managing health conditions like diabetes can help keep the eyes healthy and prevent dryness. If dry eye is due to an eyelid problem such as ectropion (eyelids turned outwards), surgery can help resolve the issue. 

Using Prescription Medications 

Eye doctors often recommend oral medications or eye drops to treat dry eye. Some medications reduce eyelid inflammation, others control cornea inflammation, and others stimulate tear production.

It is crucial to use the medications as prescribed to avoid long-term complications. Eye inserts can help treat moderate to severe dry eye. The inserts work like artificial tears. They are placed in the eye, slowly dissolving and releasing medication to lubricate the eye. 

Autologous Blood Serum Drops

Eye drops made from the patient's blood can help treat severe dry eye. Autologous blood serum drops are ideal when regular eye drops fail to work. Doctors draw blood from the patient, which is processed and mixed with a solution to make the drops. Patients who experience side effects from other medications can benefit from the treatment. 

Using Plugs to Close the Tear Ducts 

If chronic dry eye fails to respond to other treatments, the doctor may recommend closing the tear ducts. It can help reduce the loss of tears that leaves the eyes dry. Small silicon plugs, known as punctal plugs, are inserted to partially or completely block the ducts. They can be removable or permanent, depending on the technique used. 

Special (Scleral) Contact Lenses 

There are contact lenses designed to prevent dry eye syndrome. The lenses help protect the cornea while providing constant lubrication for the eyes. Unlike regular lenses that rest on the cornea, scleral lenses are designed to rest on the sclera. The space between the lens and the eye can hold lubricating fluid to moisten the eyes. 

Unblocking Blocked Oil Glands 

When dry eye is due to blocked meibomian glands (MGD), LipiFlow® thermal pulsation can help clear them. The therapy involves placing devices over the eye and behind the eyelids and applying heat. Intense pulsed light therapy is another technique that involves light therapy and massage to unblock the glands.   

Some natural therapies can help with dry eye issues. Washing the eyelids frequently and using a warm compress every night can help soothe the eyes. Consult your doctor before using nonprescription eye drops, gels, or ointments. 

If you need to use eye drops frequently, choose non-preservative products. Avoid using eye drops designed to reduce redness to treat dry eye symptoms. The drops can irritate if used for long periods.

For more on the best treatments for dry eye, contact Nina J Cox, OD PC, at our North Chesterfield, Virginia office. Call (804) 531-5700 to schedule an appointment today.