Initially, Dry Eye/Ocular Surface Disease is usually treated with topical lubricating drops (artificial tears) applied up to six times daily. Ointments are at times prescribed for nighttime use as well.
Commercially available drops should not be used more frequently because they often contain detergent-based preservatives. Overuse of these drops can cause a disruption of the tear film and irritation to the surface of the eye, which aggravates the dry eye condition. Artificial tears can be used to prevent irritation and other symptoms, however, using the drops after the eyes become irritated is not as effective.
At-Home Treatments
There are some things you can do at home to help treat Ocular Surface Disease. Keeping clean, healthy eyelids can help ease discomfort and may reduce some symptoms. We typically recommend a combination approach in order to maintain the best environment for your eyes. This treatment consists of Hydration, Fish Oil Supplements, Warm Compresses, Lid Hygiene and Lubrication.
Hydration
We often recommend our patients try and drink 64 oz. of water per day. Clinical data suggests patients who drink a lot of water have a healthier tear film, so drink up!
Fish Oil Supplement
Omega-3 nutritional supplements have been proven to significantly improve eye health and relieve dry eye symptoms. You may already be taking a “fish oil” from the store, but are you taking the right one?
Omega-3 nutritional supplements have been proven to significantly improve eye health and relieve dry eye symptoms. There is a variety of therapeutically potent omega-3 based nutritional supplements available. Ask your physician if an omega-3 fatty acid supplement makes sense for you, and if so, in what form and dosage.
Warm Compresses
Warm compresses are essential when trying to improve and maintain healthy lids. Twice a day, we recommend simply soaking a washcloth with warm water and laying it over your eyes for 10 minutes. Once you remove the washcloth, gently massage the lid margin, but please check with your physician on the correct way to massage your lids. These compresses and gentle massages help to keep the glands that produce the oily part of the tear film open and delivering the healthy oil to the surface of the eye.
Lubrication (Artificial Tears)
We often recommend Dry Eye patients use non-preserved Artificial Tears (or Lubricating Drops) throughout the day. These are available over the counter at your local pharmacy, and the non-preserved don’t typically come in a bottle, but in single-use vials.
TrueTear
TrueTear is a handheld neurostimulation device that offers a temporary increase in tear production in the comfort of your own home. It works by sending signals to the brain through tiny pulses of energy released from the small device’s nasal prongs.
The brain then triggers the tear glands to step up their tear production, resulting in temporary relief from dry eyes. For more information on TrueTear, check out the demonstration video below. You can find by the TrueTear device and the TrueTear tips on our Online Store.
Purchase Your Dry Eye Products Online
Your physician may recommend a specific Dry Eye product to help relieve some of your symptoms. We have added many of these popular products to our Online Store for your convenience. Below are just a few of the common Dry Eye products:
Initially, Dry Eye/Ocular Surface Disease is usually treated with topical lubricating drops (artificial tears) applied up to six times daily. Ointments are at times prescribed for nighttime use as well.
