Dry eyes can make patients experience a burning or gritty eye sensation. For others, it could be blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and excessive tearing. The symptoms can vary in severity among individuals. Those with mild symptoms can benefit from OTC products and home remedies, while patients with severe symptoms require medical treatment. 

Over-the-counter Eye Drops

Artificial tears or over-the-counter eye drops can help patients with mild dry eye symptoms. It is usually the first step in treatment. The drops, gels, or ointments keep the eyes moist or hydrated and are available without a prescription. 

You can use the medications up to four times daily. If you have sensitive eyes, choose preservative-free eye drops. Remember, ointments and gels can cause blurry vision. Most people experience relief after a few days. 

Prescription Eye Drops

If OTC products fail to produce the desired results, prescription eye drops can help. Doctors prescribe eye drops for chronic or severe dry eye symptoms. Restasis and Xiidra are two types of FDA-approved prescription eye drops. 

They are usually applied twice a day, preferably 12 hours apart. It can take several months to see the desired results when using Restasis. Xiidra begins to work in two weeks, but full results can take up to three months. 

Autologous Serum Tears 

Studies have shown that autologous serum eye drops can help treat ocular disorders, including dry eye. The eye drops are made from the patient’s blood. Their nonallergenic nature makes them ideal for those who find artificial eye drops hard to use. With biochemical properties similar to natural tears, they are more effective than artificial substitutes. The vials require refrigeration and can be applied four times a day. 

Punctal Plugs
 

Punctal plugs are a less common treatment for dry eye. The method is ideal for people with aqueous deficient dry eyes. It involves inserting small plugs in the tear drainage ducts located in the inner eyelid corner. 

The procedure is quick and relatively painless. The plugs prevent tear drainage, helping retain eye moisture. The plugs can be temporary or permanent. Temporary plugs dissolve in several days or a few months. 

Special Contact Lenses 

Contact lens wear can worsen dry eye symptoms. Fortunately for those who prefer contacts over eyeglasses, special lenses exist that can help. Special lens designs protect the eye surface and relieve dry eye symptoms. Eye specialists usually recommend scleral lenses for patients with dry eyes.

These are rigid lenses that do not touch the cornea. They vault over the sensitive eye area to rest on the sclera. They help prevent nerve desensitization and irritation linked to lens wear. If you suffer from a dry eye condition, your doctor can recommend the best treatment. 

Home remedies can help relieve dry eye symptoms. Warm compresses and eyelid scrubs can help. Avoid windy and smoky areas, and use a humidifier to enhance your indoor environment. Eating a healthy diet can reduce symptoms. If your dry eye is due to an underlying health condition, treatment of the disease can relieve eye dryness. 

For more on the most effective dry eye treatment methods, visit Sacramento Eye Consultants at our Sacramento or Lincoln, California office. Please call (916) 915-0300 to discuss questions with our team of experts or to schedule an appointment today.