Dry Eye Solutions
Some causes of dry eye:
- Many medications can cause dry eyes as a side effect.
- Systemic diseases, such as Sjogren's, for example.
- Refractive laser surgery (Lasik) is known to worsen dry eyes.
- Dry climate.
- Reduced blinking rate, especially while using a computer or other electronic device.
- Applying eyeliner inside the lash line. It will clog the openings of the tear glands, which can lead to dry eyes.
- Many medications can cause dry eyes as a side effect.
- Systemic diseases, such as Sjogren's, for example.
- Refractive laser surgery (Lasik) is known to worsen dry eyes.
- Dry climate.
- Reduced blinking rate, especially while using a computer or other electronic device.
- Applying eyeliner inside the lash line. It will clog the openings of the tear glands, which can lead to dry eyes.
Treatments for dry eye for those who do not wear contact lenses:
Artificial tears: Provides instant relief, but only lasts a few minutes and must be reused all the time to be effective.
Artificial tears: Provides instant relief, but only lasts a few minutes and must be reused all the time to be effective.
Liquid gel: Lasts longer than artificial tears. Better choice for mild to moderate dry eyes. Still have to use many times a day.
Gel: Lasts even longer, but will blur your vision for a few seconds.
Ointment: Lasts the longest, but will definitely blur your vision for a while. Best if applied at nighttime, right before going to sleep.
Note: if you wear contact lenses, all options mentioned above will coat the lenses and blur your vision.
Consider wearing Daily Contact Lenses with built-in re-wetting drops. If still not effective, add rewetting drops as needed. It is recommended not to mix and match brands to prevent allergic reactions. Therefore, if you normally use Opti-Free Pure Moist contact lens solution, you should purchase Opti-Free Pure Moist rewetting drops.
Consider wearing Daily Contact Lenses with built-in re-wetting drops. If still not effective, add rewetting drops as needed. It is recommended not to mix and match brands to prevent allergic reactions. Therefore, if you normally use Opti-Free Pure Moist contact lens solution, you should purchase Opti-Free Pure Moist rewetting drops.
The treatment options listed below can be used with or without contact lenses:
Omega-3 capsules: Taken by mouth, they help your eyes produce more stable tears. Requires high dosages to be efficient: Every morning, take 3 capsules of 1,000 mg (or 1,200 mg, depending on the manufacturer) each. Must allow 2-3 weeks before noticing results.
Omega-3 capsules: Taken by mouth, they help your eyes produce more stable tears. Requires high dosages to be efficient: Every morning, take 3 capsules of 1,000 mg (or 1,200 mg, depending on the manufacturer) each. Must allow 2-3 weeks before noticing results.
Restasis: Eye drops that will make your eyes produce more tears on their own. Must allow 3-6 months before noticing results. By prescription only.
Punctal plugs: Clog the punctum (hole in the eyelid by which tears exit the eye) resulting in more tears covering the surface of the eye.
Punctal cautery: Permanent solution where the punctum is cauterized (closed by surgery).