Dry Eye Treatment
Mildly Preserved artificial tears
Preserved tears can be used up to four times a day
Theratears, Optive, Systane, and Refresh are all very good tears.
If a tear is in a bottle, then it has a preservative
NonPreserved artificial tears
Packaged in throwaway vials and can be used as many times a day as you like
Theratears and Systane are best for mild to moderate dryness.
Theratears gel and Celluvisc are best for moderate to severe and nighttime.
The gel formgel lasts longer and may slightly blur vision for a few minutes
Must throw away the vials by 12 hours after opening
Contact Lenses
Switch to a different brand that is more hydrating or more disposable
Medications
Certain medications will decrease the amount of tears flowing into the eye.
Some common culpritsantihistamines, (allergy medications) antidepressants, diuretics, (water pills) and hormones
Oral Supplementation of one of the following
BioTears 2 to 4 a day
Flax or Fish Oil 2 grams per day
Environmental Modifications
Increase drinking water6 to 8 glasses per day
Maintain adequate humidity in house/bedroom
Avoid ceiling fans when sleeping and avoid other fans directly blowing in your face
Limit caffeine intake
Use sunglasses in dry or windy conditions
Position computer monitor below eye level
Avoid smoking and second hand smoke
Punctal Occlusion
Blocks the drainage of tears from the eye to keep the tears in the eye longer
Simple inoffice procedure that takes 10 minutes
Very safe and effective
Maintain oil flowing from Meibomian glands
Meibomian glands are the oil glands that help lubricate the eye.
Hot compresses heats the oils in the glands to allow it to flow better
Doxycyclinehelps the oils flow better out of the glands
Restasis
Increases tear production in the lacrimal gland that produces tears for the eye
Twice a day every day, and if discontinued, it stops working
