Medical Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome
Since dry eye syndrome is caused by an insufficient level of protective tear film, the key to treating this disorder is to increase the moisture in your eyes. You should avoid excessively washing and rubbing your eyes, since both can reduce the moisture in your eyes. The use of warm compresses on your closed eyelids for five minutes may help increase lipid production, the oily top layer of tears that helps retain moisture.
If your dry eye syndrome is linked to the use of certain medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medication, and birth control pills, you may experience relief if you are able to safely stop taking the medication. However, before doing so, you should discuss the risks and benefits with your primary care physician.
If your symptoms are mild and you blink frequently, especially when reading, watching TV, or using the computer, the frequent use of artificial tears may help lubricate your eyes. These drops may be used as often as necessary to provide symptomatic relief. There are many types of over-the-counter eye drops available, and you may respond better to one type. In fact, since no one drop treats all of the components of dry eye, you may also benefit from using different types of drops sequentially.
Certain drops contain a hydrating gel, which remains on the eye for a longer period of time. These may be used in conjunction with an oil-containing drop that prevents moisture evaporation. You should first apply the gel and wait five minutes, then follow with the oil-containing drop. At night, you may utilize an over-the-counter ointment. If you use these treatments on a regular basis, we recommend that you use a brand that does not contain preservatives, which may cause an allergic reaction over time.
Some patients with severe dry eye syndrome can no longer tolerate their contact lenses. If you continue to wear contacts, you should understand that many drops including lubricating eye drops cannot be used with your contact lenses in place. You should used artificial tears at least 15 minutes before inserting your lenses. If you are wearing your lenses, contact lens wetting drops may also provide some relief. You must carefully read all labels to ensure that you do not damage your eyes.
Everyone with chronic dry eye should avoid utilizing over-the-counter drops that are designed to reduce redness in the eye. Although they may temporarily reduce redness, this type of eye drop will not improve dry eye syndrome. You should use lubricating eyedrops only.
For more severe cases of dry eye, your doctor may recommend a short-term treatment with a steroid eye drop. These steroid drops can help to reduce the inflammation associated with dry eye syndrome. However, this is not a long term solution to such a chronic condition, since steroid use increases intraocular pressure. Prolonged high intraocular pressure can damage your optic nerve.
Some studies have shown that nutritional supplements containing Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation in your eyes. They may also help improve tear production. Eating fish that is high in Omega-3 such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel may also help. Also, drinking eight glasses of water a day will improve your overall hydration, including hydrating your eyes.
For severe dry eye, your doctor may also prescribe the use of Restasis® eyedrops (cyclosporine in a castor oil base). These drops are the first treatment approved by the FDA for the treatment of dry eye and have been demonstrated to increase the production of tears in patients. The drops are used twice a day and improvement in tear production and function may be seen in a few weeks. Full therapeutic impact may take up to six months.
Some patients with severe dry eye may benefit from the insertion of plugs in drainage ducts that lead from the eyes to the nose. These punctal plugs help retain moisture within your eye. Certain plugs are temporary. They are made of a dissolvable collagen. Other plugs are made of silicone. These plugs can be easily inserted as an outpatient procedure in our office. Most people are unaware of the plugs once implanted.
While dry eye syndrome cannot be cured, there are many treatment options available to help you manage the symptoms.