Your Options for Dry Eye Relief

Dry eyes feel uncomfortable. They may sting or burn, and the eyes may get irritated and red. Sometimes, dryness blurs vision, making it hard to read or use computers. Dry eyes occur for many different reasons. Fortunately, various treatments provide dry eye relief.

Self-Care Relief at Home

Warm compresses soothe dry eyes at home. Hold a warm washcloth over closed eyes. The warmth helps oil glands around the eyes work better. More oil makes the tear film stronger. Eyelids stay cleaner, too. 

Use mild soap and water to clean the eyelids. This removes crusts, reducing eye inflammation. Make a habit of eyelid cleansing routines.

Blinking more moisturizes dry eyes, too. Every blink spreads fresh tear film across the eyes. Blink repeatedly while reading or using digital screens. This is crucial because prolonged staring dries out the eyes.

Eating certain foods promotes eye health and moisture. Foods providing nutrients like Vitamin A are great for dry eyes. Try carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. Other helpful nutrients are zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Eat eggs, nuts, and colorful produce.

Over-the-Counter Relief 

Artificial tear eye drops lubricate and relieve dry eye discomfort. They provide extra tear film that is missing in dry eyes. Various brands suit different severity levels. Most are safe for frequent daily use. 

Lubricating gels and ointments provide thicker moisture, too. Apply before bedtime so your eyes stay lubricated overnight. Avoid driving after using these products, as they blur vision.

Some oral supplements also provide nutritional eye relief. Omega fatty acid supplements support tear production. Choose high-quality purified supplement brands and follow the recommended dosage. 

Environmental changes help, too. Use a humidifier to add some moisture to dry indoor air. This indoor humidity prevents excessive tear evaporation in the eyes.

Medical Treatments 

When home remedies lack effectiveness, see an eye doctor. Dry eyes can stem from an underlying medical condition requiring treatment. An accurate diagnosis ensures proper management.

Various prescription eye drops treat chronic dry eyes. Anti-inflammatory drops reduce eyelid inflammation, enabling better tear production. Also, inserting punctal plugs blocks tear drainage ducts. This simple procedure keeps tears on the eyes longer, providing extended moisture relief. 

Scleral contact lenses create a liquid reservoir vaulting over the corneas. The fluid acts as artificial tears sealed around the eyes by the large lenses. This therapy suits severe dry eye sufferers.

Another option is to use special eye inserts made from amniotic membrane tissue. These biodegradable inserts release therapeutic components that reduce inflammation and aid cornea healing. Eye drops with albumin may also offer similar benefits.

In severe cases, your eye physician may recommend procedures like PROSE. This involves using custom scleral lenses with a liquid reservoir to moisten the eyes. 

Lifestyle Changes

Specific environments dry eyes out worse than others. Avoid dry, windy, dusty areas when possible, and do not spend too much time in air-conditioned spaces. 

Quit smoking, if able. Tobacco smoke irritates the eyes. Second-hand smoke exposure can lead to dry eye problems, too. Wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors helps the eyes retain moisture.

Run a humidifier indoors, which puts more water vapor into the air. Central heating systems and air conditioning remove humidity, causing uncomfortable dryness. Take frequent breaks while using digital screens like computers and phones. This exercise prevents excessive tear evaporation.

Dry Eyes Need Personalized Care

Causes of dry eye syndrome range from environmental factors to underlying health conditions. Treatments depend on each individual's unique dry eye cause and severity level.

Moderate to severe chronic dry eyes may require professional medical care. More proactive clinical treatment can prevent potential vision problems in the long term.

If left untreated, dry eye problems can significantly affect comfort and visual quality. Consistent relief helps the eyes feel refreshed and clear again. Working with an eye doctor is crucial. Seek a personalized multi-method treatment approach that precisely matches your dry eye causes.

For more on dry eye syndrome, visit WEBB Eye Care Associates at our Pearcy, Arizona, office. Call (501) 318-2020 to schedule an appointment today.