Treatment Options for Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are one of the most common conditions that can affect our eyes. Characterized by dry, stiff, irritated, and red eyes, the condition can also cause light sensitivity and even blurred vision. This can make some day to day activities very uncomfortable or even difficult. Dry eyes can be caused by a wide range of factors, from working in dry, heated, or windy environments to side effects from medication to problems with the glands that produce the tears that keep our eyes lubricated. When your condition is diagnosed, your eye doctor may be able to determine what is causing your dry eyes, and this can help them to determine which treatment could be best to alleviate your symptoms and make your eyes more comfortable again. 

Here’s what you need to know about the treatment options for dry eyes. 

Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are usually the first line of treatment for dry eyes. These are administered in the form of eye drops and are designed to lubricate the eyes by adding moisture to them. There are lots of different brands of artificial tears available over the counter, and many are different thicknesses and consistencies so it may take some time to find the variety that best works for you. Most artificial tears can also be applied as and when they are needed during the day. 

Prescription Eye Drops

If over the counter eye drops aren’t providing enough relief from your symptoms, your eye doctor may recommend that you try a prescription variety. Some of the most well-known brands of prescription eyedrops include Restasis and Xiidra. These medications aim to reduce the inflammation that accompanies dry eye syndrome as well as helping your body to produce more natural tears to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. 

Steroid Eye Drops

Steroid eye drops are also very effective at helping to reduce inflammation associated with dry eyes and are often used in conjunction with artificial tears or other anti-inflammatory prescription eyedrops. However, since the steroids themselves are very strong, they have the potential to cause side effects if they are used for too long. Therefore, your eye doctor will need to assess your suitability for them as well as advising you how often and long they can be used for and you must adhere to these instructions. 

Meibomian Gland Expression

There is a range of things that can cause dry eyes. One of the most common is blocked meibomian glands. These are the glands that are located along the margins of the eyelids and are responsible for producing and releasing the oil that is incorporated into the tear film that keeps our eyes healthy and well lubricated. When these glands become blocked or clogged, the quality of the tear film is compromised, and this can lead to dry eyes. A procedure called meibomian gland expression, which is a manual process using a tiny device that squeezes the glands in order to remove blockages. 

Warm Compress

A warm compress can be an equally effective treatment for dry eyes that are caused by blockages in the meibomian glands. This is because applying a warm compress can help to break down any hardened lumps of oil, enabling the glands to supply enough oil to keep tear film properly balanced and healthy. 

Lipiflow

Lipiflow is a type of technological treatment that combines both warmth and pressure in order to remove any blockages in the meibomian glands. The device is a thermal pulsation system, which means that it produces comfortable heat as well as applying pulsed pressure to the eyelids to open and express the blocked glands. The device takes around 12 minutes per eye to work, and most patients find that the treatment feels strange but isn’t painful. 

Punctual Plugs

Sometimes dry eyes are caused by the tear film draining from the eyes too quickly. If this is the case for you, your eye doctor may recommend a treatment called punctual plugs. Punctual plugs are tiny inserts that are placed into the drainage channels of the eye so that the tear film isn’t able to leave the surface of the eye as quickly. Punctual plugs can be temporary or permanent and can’t be felt once they are in place. 

Intense Pulsed Light

Also known as IPL, this is one of the newest treatments for dry eyes. This technological solution is a hand-held device that flashes bright light onto the skin, and this energy helps to reduce the inflammation that is associated with the dry eyes. Most patients will require monthly sessions and your eye doctor will be able to give you more specific information based on your individual needs. 

For more information about dry eye treatment options, please get in touch with our experienced and knowledgeable eye care team in Waynesboro, VA.