Care for Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is characterized by a dry, itchy, gritty feeling in the eyes, and sometimes the eyes appear red or bloodshot. Tens of millions of people around the world have dry eye syndrome, which can range from mild to debilitating.

This condition is most commonly caused by a blockage in the meibomian glands, which produce essential oils for tears. These tiny glands are located in the eyelids and secrete oil droplets into the tears that keep them from evaporating too quickly and drying out the eyes.

Some medical conditions and environmental factors can also cause or worsen dry eye symptoms. Medications such as those for blood pressure, antidepressants, acne, birth control, hormone replacement, allergies, colds and Parkinson’s disease can also reduce tear production.

There are several ways to care for dry eyes, and it’s important to work closely with an eye doctor to determine which treatment is best for you.

Medications

Depending on the underlying cause of your dry eye symptoms, your eye doctor may prescribe:

• Antibiotics, taken orally or in eye drop form, to treat eyelid infection
• Cyclosporine or corticosteroid eye drops for eyelid or corneal inflammation
• Cholinergics, which stimulate tear production
• Prescription eye drops or ointments

Home Care

Your eye doctor may advise home treatments to alleviate dry eye symptoms. These include:

• Non-prescription artificial tears available as eye drops and ointments
• Washing eyelids with mild soap throughout the day to control inflammation
• Warm compresses to open blocked glands and soothe sore eyes
• Eyelid heating and massage

Most people with chronically dry eyes don’t find long-term relief from over-the-counter eye drops and require treatment from an eye doctor.

In-Office Treatment Options

If the methods described above don’t ease your dry eye symptoms, your eye doctor may recommend the following options:

• Punctal occlusion – the insertion of small plugs in the tear ducts to prevent eye fluid from draining too quickly, to retain moisture in the eye
• Hydroxypropyl cellulose inserts – these tiny inserts are placed between the lower eyelid and the main part of the eye daily. They will dissolve and create artificial tears.
• Steam goggles – warmed goggles that provide steam to the eyes
• Eyelid scrub – a hand-held device controls a sponge that scrubs bacteria and debris from the eyelids
• Heat and massage techniques – gentle heat or LED-based heat combined with eyelid massage.
• IPL – intense pulsed light to reduce inflammation and bacterial build up in and around the eyes

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule an appointment with Opthalmology Doctor Name at Opthalmology Practice Name in LOCATION1 today.

Our practice serves patients from CITY 1, CITY 2, CITY 3, and CITY 4, and surrounding communities.