In most cases, treatment for your dry eye depends on the cause of your symptoms. There are different treatments that can relieve your symptoms and keep your eyes healthy.
Over-the-counter eye drops
Eye drops or artificial tears are the most common treatment used to relieve mild dry eyes. You do not need a prescription for these. Over-the-counter moisturising gels and ointments can also help alleviate your symptoms.
Prescription medication
But if you have a more serious form of dry eye, your eye doctor might give you a prescription for a medication called cyclosporine. These are eye drops that can help your eyes produce more tears.
Lifestyle changes
If your environment or a lifestyle issue is causing your dry eyes or aggravating them, your doctor may recommend certain changes to protect your eyes.
Lifestyles changes that could help alleviate your symptoms include:
- Having a humidifier to prevent your environment’s air from becoming too dry.
- Reducing the amount of time you spend on electronic devices and having breaks from staring at screens.
- Drinking more water — you should aim for at least eight to 10 glasses every day.
- Having sufficient sleep (about seven to eight hours of sleep every night).
Punctal plugs
If your tears are rapidly draining from your eyes, your Consultant or GP may recommend placing special plugs, known as punctal plugs, in your tear ducts. These plugs are formed of silicone or collagen. They can treat dry eyes by reducing or prevent your tears from rapidly draining from the surface of your eyes.
Meimobian gland expression
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic abnormality of the Meibomian gland that can cause a change in your tear film and irritation in your eyes. Meibomian gland expression involves unblocking the small obstructions that are blocking your Meibomian glands. Prior to this procedure, you will also receive a local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort.
IPL treatment
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a light-based therapy that involves the treatment of the skin near your eyelids. It is a considered a potential treatment for Meibomian gland dysfunction.
IPL therapy involves applying high-intensity light pulses with different wavelengths to encourage the secretion of oil in your Meimobian glands. IPL therapy can also target the abnormal blood vessels in your eyelids, which can lead to inflammation in your eyelids.
We have a broad range of specialist opthalmologst Consultants who can help diagnose your health issue and build a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Book an appointment with one of them online today.