Severe Dry Eye Treatment - Effective Treatments for Dry Eye

Dry eye may require professional treatment if the symptoms persist and do not clear with over-the-counter eyedrops. The doctor may decide on your treatment options depending on the underlying cause of dry eyes. An experienced eye doctor may begin with the simplest treatment options to address the problem.

The doctor’s first plateau of treatment for dry eye may include replacement therapy with artificial tears. The choice of the quality of artificial tears must be made carefully, and only proven and safe qualities must be used. Refresh, Blink, Theratears and Genteal are some of the recommended names for artificial tears because all of them are free of any preservatives. Unrecognized or store brands should preferably be avoided for such artificial tear replacement therapy.

If this simple initial treatment fails to resolve the problem of dry eyes, the doctor may add Theratears Nutrition Capsules (Omega 3) to reinforce the treatment. The next treatment plateau may include Restasis (Cyclosporin 0.05%) eyedrops to help the lacrimal system produce more natural tears. A majority of patients may be able to achieve symptomatic relief with these measures.

However, some patients may still continue to experience dry eye symptoms. This may require the doctor to use collagen lacrimal plugs that will be dissolved over a period of 90 days. If it is found that the patient experienced relief during such period and the symptoms returned thereafter, the doctor may decide to put in permanent plugs. These plugs are removable with saline irrigation through the naso-lacrimal system.

Some patients may reveal anatomic abnormalities that may be causing dry eye symptoms. If the patient is unable to close the eyes completely while trying to blink, it may require plastic surgery of the eyelid. In some cases, the eye doctor may identify symptoms of an auto-immune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. In such cases, the doctor may refer the patient to a rheumatologist for further evaluation for Sjogren’s syndrome.

Back to All About Eyes Home Page

We accept these major credit cards.