How to Manage Dry Eyes Without a Current Cure
Medically reviewed by Christine L. Larsen, MDMedically reviewed by Christine L. Larsen, MDAnyone with dry eyes may wonder whether a treatment can cure it. Unfortunately, the answer is no; there is no such magic bullet yet. However, there are various ways to effectively control this chronic condition. The suggestions ahead can make a big difference in your symptoms and your day-to-day experience with dry eye.
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Dry Eyes: What's Permanent? Reversible?Dry eye occurs if the tear film is inadequate. The tear film is the natural layer of oil, water, and mucus that coats the surface. If caught early, damage to the eye's surface can generally be reversed. This usually involves some loss of protective epithelial cells on the surface, which can regrow.But if dry eye persists for too long, you may experience vision loss, potentially develop an infection, and ultimately experience corneal scarring, which can be permanent. The cornea is the clear dome at the front of the eye through which light passes to the lens.Temporary Dry Eye ReliefAlthough there is no cure yet for dry eye, relief can be had with artificial tears, which have many of the same components as your own. If you don't make enough tears or their quality is not what it should be, artificial tears can help temporarily lubricate your eyes.The two main types of artificial tears are those with preservatives to prevent bacterial growth and preservative-free drops.As long as the drops you use have no preservatives, you can use them as many times a day as you need. But if you are relying on preserved artificial tears, practitioners advise that you only use them about four times a day.Non-preserved artificial tears are particularly helpful for those with more severe dry eye who need to use these more frequently.
Dry Eye Syndrome Self CareYou want relief when you experience dry eye symptoms such as burning, a foreign body sensation, and tearing. While there's no permanent solution as of yet, you can take dry eye self-care steps, such as:If you live in an area with a lot of smog and high pollution, which can trigger dry eyes, get a good air filter.Avoid cigarette smoke.Drink plenty of fluids.Be sure to blink periodically.Apply warm compresses to your lids to help release natural oils from your glands and improve your tear quality.Use artificial tears to moisten and soothe the surface of your eyes.
When Artificial Drops Won’t WorkArtificial tears may alleviate dryness for mild dry eyes. But if the condition becomes more severe, these may no longer be sufficient. You may have to turn instead to thicker gels or ointments that keep the tears on the surface longer. Since these are thicker, they may blur your vision. So, try to use these at bedtime.Talk to your healthcare practitioner about autologous tears. This serum is made from your blood and combined with saline. It contains nutrients such as vitamin A, albumin, and growth factors to promote ocular surface healing for those with moderate to severe dry eyes.How to Manage Chronic Dry EyeIf you've been diagnosed with chronic dry eye, you need a strategy to manage it. This may include using one or more of the following treatments.Use Prescription Eye DropsOne mainstay of managing chronic dry eyes is using prescription drops to increase the tears available to keep the surface moist.A staple of treatment is using Restasis or Cequa (cyclosporine) drops to tamp down inflammation, which can diminish tear production. These drops can help keep inflammation in check and increase tear production.Another drop to consider is Xiidra (lifitegrast), which reduces inflammation differently than cyclosporine.An ocular corticosteroid, Eysuvis (loteprednol), works quickly to reduce inflammatory flare-ups but can't be used for too long.Minimize TriggersDry eye is one of those conditions that predictable factors can set off. Triggers such as winter weather, wind, blasts of heat, pollution, and allergens can all exacerbate dry eye. To avoid this, try the following:Wear protective glasses to shield your eyes from pollutants, gusts of wind, and allergens like pollen.Keep away from cigarette smoke.Avoid medications like those for colds and allergies that may dry out your eyes.Get a humidifier to add moisture to the air.Give your eyes a rest every 10 minutes or so while watching TV or working at the computer.Save TearsBeyond using off-the-shelf artificial tears several times a day, your practitioner may recommend keeping moisture on the eye's surface with punctal plugs. These tiny plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to keep your natural tears on the eye's surface longer. Or, they may suggest surgery to reduce drainage by the tear ducts permanently.Increase Natural OilsYour eye specialist may also recommend ways to increase the amount of natural oil you produce. One method may involve using warm compresses on your lids to help liquify the oil from your glands. Another may involve massaging your lids and scrubbing the lashline with special cleaners.
Present Treatment Side EffectsWhile current treatments can help ease dry eye symptoms, there can be side effects. Be aware that treatments such as Restasis may take up to six months to work and can cause burning and discomfort. Likewise, Xiidra takes around three months to alleviate symptoms, with many experiencing an unusual taste and some eye irritation.
Research and Treatment AdvancementsOne method that has gained traction is using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved nasal spray, Tyrvaya (varenicline solution). This spray increases oil and mucin amounts and ramps up tear production while avoiding the sting of putting drops in your eyes.In 2023, the FDA approved the Miebo (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution), an eyedrop that helps prevent tear evaporation.Also available in 2024 is a treatment known as Lacrifill. It is injected into the channels of the eye that drain tears and blocks them for about six months. This works in effect as a liquid punctal plug.A unique medication is also in the works for those who lack enough oils to keep tears on the eye's surface. The new ointment, AZR-MD-OO1, prevents proteins from clogging the oil glands. This allows natural oils to remain on the eye and reduces tear evaporation. It was in phase 3 clinical trial in 2024.Another potential treatment for dry eye inflammation, Reproxalap (still in testing), has shown promise in reducing dry eye symptoms such as ocular redness, burning, and stinging, and improving the eye's surface.SummaryAlthough there isn't a current cure for dry eyes, that doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable. You can make changes and use self-care, including over-the-counter (OTC) products like artificial tears. Prescription products are available and in development. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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