Dry eyes treatment varies depending on the type and extent of the problem. Some treatments, such as eye drops, bring symptomatic relief. Other treatments offer longer lasting results by improving the function of the tear film as well as the important meibomian glands.

Take the dry eye test

At home dry eyes treatment

People with mild symptoms can manage their dry eye treatments at home. Mild dry eye treatments include:

  • Eye drops.
  • Medication.
  • Blinking exercises.
  • Eyelid wipes.
  • Nutritional supplements.

FAQS: At home treatment

Eye Drops

Eye drops provide instant relief from the symptoms of dry eyes. There are both over-the-counter and prescription eye drops, so an optometrist should recommend the eye drops best suited to each patient’s dry eye condition.

Treating dry eyes can be successful with medication. In fact, some kinds of antibiotics (Doxycycline or Azithromycin) may be prescribed to soften the secretions of the eyelids, allowing the tear film to return to normal.

Blink rehabilitation involves retraining the eye muscles to blink fully, not to mention more regularly. It’s worth noting that this can bring a rapid improvement in symptoms.

Lid hygiene regimes are used to clear blepharitis in addition to improving oily tear-gland function.

Omega 3 oils as well as micronutrients can assist in the relief of dry eye symptoms in some sufferers.

More intensive treatment

Sometimes more intensive dry eyes treatment is needed. This treatment is done by an eye care professional.

Professional dry eyes treatment

Dry eyes treatment for those suffering mild to severe symptoms is administered by an optometrist. Professional dry eyes treatments include:

FAQs: Professional treatment

LipiFlow

LipiFlow is a dry eye treatment that can relieve meibomian gland dysfunction. It combines eyelid massage with heat in order to clear blockages in the meibomian glands.

This treatment stimulates the meibomian glands. In addition it settles the telangiectatic vessels associated with dry eyes and rosacea around the eyes.

BlephEx is a dry eyes treatment that clears bacterial debris on the eyelid. This debris results from an inflammatory condition known as blepharitis. The treatment reduces inflammation, thereby encouraging the production of more tears.

Lid debridement is a treatment used to clear blockages from the oil glands on the eyelid.

Meibomian gland expression uses gentle pressure to expel oil from the meibomian gland. It can clear blocked glands as well as helping with more natural tear production.

When can I expect treatment results?

Dry eyes treatments can take time to produce the desired results. Eye drops offer quick symptomatic relief, but long term improvements take time.

In fact, long term improvement usually continues for several months. Indeed, patients may need to continue maintenance treatment for the rest of their lives.

How to make dry eyes treatment more successful

Successful treatment involves engagement as well as ongoing compliance with dry eye treatment strategies.

The best long term results are achieved by combining an individualised dry eye treatment program at home, together with ongoing care from a dry eye optometrist.