Dry Eye Treatments

• Dry Eye

  One of the most common eye conditions treated by physicians, dry eye is an irritating and sometimes painful condition in which the eye fails to properly produce enough quality tears.

Treatment options for more serious or chronic cases of dry eyes may include the following:

• Heat Therapy
  Often, dry eyes can be treated by introducing localized heat therapy to the eye lids and can help overcome meibohmian gland dysfunction (MGD).
• Steroid Eye Drops
  These eye drops target inflammation, a significant contributing factor to dry eyes. These are usually used on a short-term basis since long-term use can result in more serious side effects.
• Allergy Medication
  If you have regular allergies, your doctor may put you on regular allergy medication to control your symptoms. This can reduce the severity and frequency of your dry eyes. Antihistamine eye drops may also be an option.
• Punctal Plugs
  Through this surgery, small devices are inserted into the tear drainage duct openings. These openings are found inside the corners of both the upper and lower eyelids. Once these openings are plugged, tears can’t drain there, resulting in more tears in the eyes.

• Who is at risk for dry eye?

  People who suffer from dry eye often include those who:

  • Wear contact lenses, especially for prolonged periods of time
  • Are taking medications such as antihistamines or birth control pills
  • Are over 50, especially women going through menopause
  • Have specific diseases such as Sjogren’s Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and collagen vascular disease
  • Have eyelids that don’t close properly due to structural abnormalities
  • Live in dry climates