Dry Eye Awareness Month: Treatments for Dry Eyes

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes fail to produce enough tears or when the tears that are produced are of poor quality, leading to insufficient lubrication. Tears play an important role in maintaining eye health—they help keep the surface of the eye moist, wash away irritants, and provide vital nutrients to the cornea. Without proper moisture, the eyes can become dry, irritated, and inflamed, which can result in discomfort and visual disturbances.

In dry eye disease, the tear film that covers the eyes may evaporate too quickly or not be replenished properly, creating an imbalance that causes the surface of the eyes to feel scratchy, gritty, or even burning. This condition can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort, affecting everyday tasks such as reading, driving, or prolonged use of digital devices.

Dry eye can be triggered by a variety of factors that affect tear production, the quality of tears, or how quickly tears evaporate. Understanding these causes is crucial in determining the most effective treatment options.

• Aging: As we age, tear production naturally decreases, making dry eye more common in individuals over 50. 

• Environmental Factors: Dry climates, air conditioning, smoke, wind, and pollutants can all contribute to dry eye by increasing tear evaporation. 

• Health Conditions: Certain conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the quality of tears or the glands responsible for producing them. 

• Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and beta-blockers, can reduce tear production as a side effect, making dry eye symptoms more prominent. 

• Contact Lens Wear: Long-term or improper use of contact lenses can contribute to dry eyes, as the lenses can absorb moisture from the eye’s surface and disrupt tear distribution. 

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts like those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or because of certain birth control methods can affect tear production and lead to dry eye. 

• Screen Time: Prolonged exposure to digital screens, whether for work, entertainment, or study, often leads to reduced blinking, contributing to dry eye symptoms. 

Dry Eye Symptoms to Watch For

Recognizing the symptoms of dry eye is crucial for managing the condition effectively. While occasional dryness is normal, dry eye disease occurs when these symptoms become persistent and interfere with your daily activities. The severity of symptoms can range from mild discomfort to more intense irritation and can fluctuate depending on environmental factors and activities throughout the day. Common signs and symptoms of dry eye include:

• Gritty or scratchy sensation 

• Burning or stinging 

• Redness 

• Blurred vision 

• Excessive tearing 

• Light sensitivity 

• Eye fatigue 

Mild dryness can often be managed with simple at-home remedies, but if you experience persistent symptoms that affect your daily routine, it's time to consult with a professional. If dryness becomes constant or worsens, if you experience discomfort while wearing contact lenses, or if your symptoms interfere with your daily activities, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your nearest EyeCare Associates location for a thorough evaluation.

How to Treat Dry Eye Syndrome

The treatment for dry eye varies depending on how severe the symptoms are and what’s causing the condition. While lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can be helpful for mild cases, more advanced treatments may be required for moderate to severe dry eye disease. Below are some of the most effective treatment options to manage dry eye symptoms:

Lifestyle Adjustments

Simple changes to your daily habits can make a big difference in managing dry eye symptoms.

1. Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air, especially in dry or air-conditioned spaces, helps reduce tear evaporation and alleviates dryness. 

2. Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: For those who spend long hours in front of screens, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This promotes natural blinking and reduces eye strain. 

3. Increase Your Water Intake: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain proper moisture levels in your eyes by keeping your tear glands healthy. 

4. Avoid Wind and Direct Sunlight: Wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the sun and wind, both of which can worsen dry eye symptoms. 

5. Take Breaks: If you’re doing tasks that require intense focus (like reading or using a computer), take regular breaks to rest your eyes and reduce irritation. 

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, commonly known as artificial tears, are the go-to treatment for dry eye. These drops provide moisture to soothe symptoms like burning and scratchiness. For people with sensitive eyes, preservative-free formulas are a great option. If you need longer-lasting relief, thicker gel-like ointments can be used overnight to help with morning dryness.

A warm compress can also help. It aids in opening the meibomian glands (responsible for producing the oil in your tears) and can help reduce evaporation. This simple method can improve your tear quality and alleviate dryness.

Prescription Treatments

For moderate to severe cases of dry eye, your eye care provider may recommend prescription treatments:

• Restasis®: Restasis is a prescription eye drop that works by reducing inflammation in the eye and increasing tear production. It’s ideal for patients with chronic dry eye caused by inflammation. 

• Xiidra®: Another prescription eye drop, Xiidra targets the inflammation that contributes to dry eye disease, improving the overall comfort and hydration of the eyes. 

• Punctal Plugs: These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage and help retain moisture on the surface of the eye. Punctal plugs can be particularly useful for people who have trouble maintaining sufficient tear production. 

Advanced Therapies

In more severe cases of dry eye, advanced treatments may be necessary. Lipiflow® is a non-invasive, in-office treatment that uses heat and gentle massage to treat meibomian gland dysfunction, a common cause of dry eye. It helps restore normal oil production, improving tear quality.

For patients with severe dry eye or damage to the cornea, scleral lenses, which are large, gas-permeable contact lenses, create a moisture reservoir over the surface of the eye. They provide constant hydration and protection, helping keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day.