Everything You Need To Know About Dry Eye
Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common vision problems, affecting nearly 36 million
Americans. Characterized by dry, irritated, red eyes, it can cause light sensitivity and blurred
vision. This can make some day-to-day activities very uncomfortable or even difficult. While
many different factors can contribute to dry eye syndrome.
Treatments are available to help ease your symptoms.
Here’s what you need to know about the treatment options for dry eyes:

Treatment Options

There are several different ways that an eye doctor may treat a patient with dry eyes. A few of
the most common treatments include:

Eye Drops

Eye drops are one of the most common ways doctors treat their patients with dry eyes. The
drops contain moisturizers that help rehydrate the cornea, which reduces irritation and allows
tears to flow more easily from the glands that line your eyelids. Many types of eye drops are
available on the market today, some containing steroids which can help reduce inflammation
and provide lubrication for your eyes.

Artificial tears

When your eyes feel dry or irritated, artificial tears can help soothe them and relieve any
discomfort. But if you have chronic dry eye syndrome or irritation from other conditions, you may
want to talk with an optometrist about prescription treatments that may be better suited for your
needs.

Protecting eyes from irritants

If you work in an environment where there are factors that cause dryness in your eyes (such as
wind or heat), it’s crucial that you protect them as much as possible. Your optometrist can
prescribe goggles or glasses that help block out these irritants, so your eyes don't have to work
hard to keep themselves moist. They can also recommend the best type of contact lens for your
needs, whether you need daily wear contacts or disposable ones.

Compression

Another treatment for dry eyes is compression therapy, which involves applying pressure to the
eyelids to stimulate blood flow to the lids and increase the tear film and lubrication levels.
Compression therapy can be done manually or with a particular device called an eyelid weight.

Medications

Oral medications may be prescribed to help improve tear production and lubrication. These
medications can also help reduce inflammation in your eyes, relieving discomfort and irritation

symptoms. However, some medicines may take up to two weeks before they begin working, so
patience is key when getting relief from these treatments.

Ointments

Ointments lubricate the eyes and help restore moisture levels in the tear film. They can also be
used to treat conditions like blepharitis or Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Ointments can
be used daily or just as needed for temporary relief of symptoms.

No more Dry Eyes- Call us Today!

Contact our friendly and professional eye care team today if you’re experiencing dry or irritated
eyes or are at risk of developing chronic dry-eye symptoms. We’ll work closely with you to
understand your symptoms, examine your eyes, and recommend treatment options to help
correct the source of your dry-eye symptoms and restore your vision.
So give us a call today to schedule your appointment!