Dry eyes are a common issue. Causes include allergies, lengthy screen time, medications, and some medical conditions, like lupus. Your environment can also have an effect, such as dry, windy weather.
The National Eye Institute says dry eye affects millions of people in the United States every year. They can cause discomfort, itching, and even blurriness in vision.
Treatments for dry eyes range from over-the-counter (OTC) remedies to surgery. Some treatments are long term, and others offer immediate relief. If you need help deciding what to choose, consider asking a doctor or pharmacist.
Medical treatments for dry eye
If you have persistent dry eyes and OTC options like artificial tears don’t resolve your symptoms, you might consider a medical procedure. While they may not guarantee a permanent solution for dry eyes, they may offer long-term relief from your symptoms.
Tear duct plugs
Punctal plugs are small, temporary plugs that a healthcare professional inserts into the opening of the tear ducts — the puncta. They help reduce tear drainage, which increases tears on the surface of the eye and relieves dry eye symptoms.
These plugs commonly cause eye-watering (epiphora) and, less commonly, inflammation in the tear sac (dacryocystitis). A healthcare professional can help you decide whether this is the right option for you.
LipiFlow system
The LipiFlow system delivers heat and gentle pressure to the eyelid to unblock the oil glands known as meibomian glands. This can help improve the quality and quantity of the oil these glands produce, reducing dry eye symptoms.
An alternative to using the LipiFlow system is regularly using warm compresses on the eyelids, then massaging the eyelids with a finger or cotton bud to unblock the oil glands.
Surgery
In rare cases, healthcare professionals recommend surgery for treating severe or persistent dry eye that does not respond to other treatments. Surgical procedures that can help treat dry eyes include:
- Tear duct obstruction: This procedure blocks the tear ducts to prevent tear drainage and increase tears on the eye surface.
- Meibomian gland probing: This unclogs blocked meibomian glands, allowing them to produce oil that stabilizes tears and prevents tears from evaporating.
These surgeries can provide lasting relief from dry eye symptoms, but it’s important to discuss specific procedures and their potential benefits with a doctor for proper evaluation and recommendations.
At-home dry eye treatments
Many people find they are able to relieve dry eye symptoms without medical procedures. You can use the following options regularly to find immediate and longer-term relief.
Artificial tears
Artificial tears are lubricating eye drops that can help relieve dry eye symptoms. They work by mimicking your natural tears. You can use them as needed throughout the day to help keep your eyes lubricated.
You can get artificial tears from any pharmacist without a prescription. If OTC options don’t work, you might try prescription eye drops, such as lifitegrast (Xiidra).
There are different types — some thinner and some thicker — so consider talking with a pharmacist about the best option for you.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, Optum Perks free Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
