You will need to have your eyes assessed to determine the appropriate treatment modalities. Avoid situations or environments that make your dry eyes worse.
In mild cases, use of artificial tears up to four times a day may be adequate. In severe cases, we recommend the use of preservative free artificial tears, which can be used as frequently as required. Eye ointments are also used and these tend to lubricate the eye for longer periods, but may lead to slightly blurred vision. These ointments are useful at night.
In severe cases, the use of biological tear substitutes (i.e. autologous serum) can be initiated. Serum is the fluid component of blood that remains after clotting and has been used in patients with severe dry eye disease. Disadvantages of this modality of treatment include the invasiveness of collecting serum and risk of infections
In patients exhibiting signs of inflammation; usually with severe dry eyes, the use of eye drops that can reduce inflammation may be recommended. Examples of such eye drops are steroids and cyclosporin. As these medications have potential side effects, the use of such medications should be undertaken with close medical supervision.
Tear conservation approaches are also available. Tears drain though openings on our eyelids (punctum) into the nose. These openings can be blocked with the use of temporary or permanent occlusion techniques to reduce the drainage of tears from the eye and therefore reduce dryness.
Moisture chamber eye-glasses and humidifying devices have also been suggested to be effective.
Concurrent eyelid disease may also contribute to dry eye symptoms. Treatment and management of these issues will be useful in alleviating dry eye symptoms. Please refer to the
Blepharitis/Meibomitis section for further information.