Dry Eyes Treatment

The aim of treatment is to ease discomfort, to protect and preserve the cornea and to treat any underlying conditions. Options, which I will discuss with you in detail, are as follows:

• Identify and treat contributing factors such as blepharitis
• Exclude general health conditions which are associated with subtle eyelid changes eg thyroid eye disease
• If possible, stop or reduce exacerbating medication such as anti-histamines, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medication, diuretics, oral steroids, HRT (particularly oestrogen-alone)
• Address environmental factors – drafts (eg ceiling fans, in the car), wind, air-conditioning, heating, cigarette-smoking
• Fit side-pieces to glasses
• Decrease discomfort associated with computer and reading activities - lower the computer screen to below eye level to decrease lid aperture, schedule regular breaks, increase blink frequency
• If on glaucoma medication, convert to preservative-free preparations
• Regular use of lubricants (artificial tears, gel or ointment)
  • Drops with preservatives can be used for patients with mild dry eye and an otherwise healthy ocular surface.
  • Non-preserved tears are recommended if frequent use is required (e.g. drops/gel combined more than six times a day)

• Additional eye drops – cyclosporine (anti-inflammatory), steroids, mucolytics, autologous serum drops
• Oral medication – Omega-3, pilocarpine
• Punctal plugs
• Special contact lenses
• Surgery to reduce tear evaporation – rarely required