How to Treat Dry Eyes?

Sometimes when you are staring too much into your computer monitor or smartphone your eyes become dry and really tired. If you have any symptoms of dry eye, you can try natural remedies, over-the-counter drops, or prescription treatments that will help you deal with it.

Dry eye syndrome, or dry eye disease, is a common condition that occurs when the eyes don't make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to the eyes drying out and becoming red, swollen and irritated. Dry eye syndrome is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or simply "dry eyes."

Some people are at higher risk of dry eye than others. Tears are really important for the eyes since it contain antibodies, lubricants, and nutrients that protect the eye. If dry eyes is untreated for too long it can cause damage to your eyes.

OTC eye drops - this is the first line of treatment for dry eye. They are called artificial tears and are available over-the-counter. It is really effective as long as it is applied consistently.

Wash your eyelids - "meibum" which is basically oil is a very important component of tears, and they are produced by meibomian glands found on the rim of eyes, near your lash line. Blocked meibomian glands can lead to dry eye. Washing your eyelids regularly and using a warm washcloth as a compress can help keep inflammation under control and restore the flow of oil to the eye.

Block your tear ducts - Tear ducts or puncta are found in the inner corners of your upper and lower eyelid. They drain tears away from the eye into the nose. Plugging the ducts with sterile lacrimal plugs or punctal plugs can keep both your own tears and artificial tears in the eye. It can be plug with a silicone that is reversible.

Wear therapeutic contact lenses - wearing regular contact lenses can cause dry eye specially if worn for a long period of time. Special contact lenses called scleral lenses or bandage lenses can fix the problem by protecting the surface of the eye and keeping moisture from seeping away.        

Eat more food that are rich in omega-3 - Adding more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet may also help relieve dry eye. Dietary sources include salmon, sardines, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseed.

Prescription meds - eye drops that contain the anti-inflammatory compound cyclosporine (Restasis) needs prescription, there's also a a new type of dry eye treatment that is approved by the FDA it is called lifitegrast ophthalmic solution (Xiidra). There are also eye drops that contain corticosteroids, which also control inflammation. 


Here are products that can help you treat your dry eyes:


Systane Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops, 2-count .33 fl oz (10 ml) Bottle $12.65 (Best Seller)

Clear Eyes Preservative Free Pure Relief for Dry Eyes .3 fluid ounces  $10.43

Hypochlorous Acid Eyelid and Eyelash Spray by Eye Love, Promotes Relief from Blepharitis, Dry Eyes, Itchy Skin, Rosacea, and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction  $14.69

All Natural Tea Tree Eyelid Foaming Cleanser $20.00

Lipotriad Dry Eye Formula - 1400mg Omega-3 Supplement  $22.99

Thermalon Dry Eye Compress  $9.59

Ocusoft Retaine MGD Ophthalmic Emulsion $16.86