Dry eyes can cause irritation, pain, and discomfort or increase the risk of eye infections. The condition may arise when your tear ducts do not produce enough tears or because tears evaporate faster than normal. You can visit an optometrist to diagnose the condition and determine suitable treatment tailored to your needs. Here are four dry eye treatments:
1. Drops and Gels
Dry eyes usually stem from disruption in your tear film, and causes include environmental and lifestyle factors, medications, medical conditions, and surgeries. Determining and treating the root cause requires an experienced optometrist. Over-the-counter and prescription drops are often the first line of treatment for dry eye symptoms. Artificial tears or preservative-free drops are used for mild, dry eyes.
Eye gels offer long-lasting results, reducing the frequency of use, while ointments lubricate your eyes overnight. Mucolytic eye drops help break up mucus in your tears. Eye drops, gels, and ointments provide moisture and temporary relief. Eye doctors usually recommend preservative-free drops for frequent use. Using wraparound sunglasses when outside may slow the evaporation of your natural tears and artificial drops.
2. Blephex and Eyelid Hygiene
Dry eyes can result from bacteria, debris, and oils that clog the oil glands and tear layers. Blephex involves using a medical-grade handheld device with a micro-sponge to remove the buildup and improve tear quality. The micro-sponge spins gently along the edges of the eyelids and lashes, clearing excess bacteria, mites, and biofilm. Blephex is a painless procedure that takes a few minutes to complete, and treatments are spaced several months apart.
The procedure helps improve the symptoms of dry eye and reduces inflammation. Blephex also improves tear production and reduces the risk of eyelid infections and other eye conditions. Aftercare involves regular eyelid cleaning to prevent biofilm buildup that causes irritation. Your doctor may also prescribe eye drops and ointments to improve tear production and natural cleansing.
3. Lipiflow Thermal Pulsation
Your doctor uses a LipiScan imaging device to examine the meibomian glands and diagnose Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD occurs when the eye’s Meibomian glands become blocked and can be treated using Lipiflow thermal pulsation. Lipiflow heats the inner eyelid and applies pressure to the outer eyelid. A single-use activator is positioned over the eye, with the lid warmer under the eyelid and the eye cup over the closed eyelid. The control unit applies controlled levels of heat and pressure. Lipiflow is painless and provides instant results, improving vision and tear production for several weeks. The treatment stimulates your Meibomian glands to produce oil, improving dry eye conditions.
4. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive treatment used to loosen blocked oil glands and reduce inflammation. The therapy uses light pulses to melt the substances blocking your Meibomian glands, improving the fowl of oil. IPL stimulates healthy oil production, which is necessary for healthy and stable tear films. The treatment helps reduce dryness, redness, irritation, and blurred vision caused by solidified oil buildup.
Patients wear protective goggles during IPL to prevent the light from impacting their vision. A specialized device delivers light to the skin around the eyes, heating the eyelids and Meibomian glands. This melts solidified oils and biofilms that block oil flow. Depending on the severity of the condition, multiple sessions spaced a few weeks apart may be needed. Results often occur quickly, improving vision and tear production.
Consult an Experienced Optometrist Today
Dry eye conditions may also be resolved by treatments such as punctal plugs and specialty contact lenses. Complementary lifestyle changes like reducing screen time, using a humidifier, and taking supplements can also improve symptoms. Speak to an optometrist today to find out more about dry eye treatments.