Dry Eye Treatments

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common condition where your eyes do not make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. When the eye surface stays dry, it can sting, burn, blur your vision, and make everyday tasks like reading or driving uncomfortable. Dry eye often worsens in windy rooms, with long computer use, or as we age—especially for women after menopause. Although bothersome, most people find relief with the right mix of self-care and medical treatments.

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Treatment starts with over-the-counter artificial tears used 3–6 times a day. If symptoms persist, your doctor can prescribe medicines that calm eye-surface inflammation (like cyclosporine or lifitegrast drops) or boost tear production (varenicline nasal spray). Tiny silicone punctal plugs may be placed in the tear-drain openings to keep natural tears on the eye longer. For people with clogged oil glands, therapies such as warm-pulsed heat (LipiFlow®) or intense pulsed light (IPL) gently melt oil and improve tear stability. Your plan is often a combination of several options tailored to your lifestyle and eye health.

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You may benefit from professional dry eye care if you have daily dryness lasting more than a few weeks, rely on screens for work or school, wear contact lenses, or have conditions like blepharitis, rosacea, or autoimmune disease (e.g., Sjögren’s). People after LASIK, those taking antihistamines, and post-menopausal women are also at higher risk. A simple in-office exam checks tear volume, breakup time, and oil-gland health to confirm candidacy for advanced treatments such as prescription drops, plugs, or gland-based procedures.

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When dryness is controlled, patients report sharper vision, greater comfort with reading and screens, and fewer red-eye flares. Long-term care can also protect the cornea from damage. However, DED is chronic: artificial tears may be needed indefinitely, and devices like IPL often require yearly maintenance. Not every therapy works for every person; your doctor may adjust medications or recommend combined approaches until the right balance is found.

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Artificial tears are generally safe, but preservatives can irritate very sensitive eyes—preservative-free vials solve this. Prescription anti-inflammatory drops may cause a brief burning sensation. Punctal plugs can occasionally shift or cause watery eyes; they are easily removed if bothersome. IPL and thermal gland treatments may leave temporary redness or swelling, but serious complications are rare when performed by trained eye-care professionals.

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Relief from lubricating drops is immediate but short-lived, so keep a bottle handy. Prescription drops usually need 4–8 weeks to build up full effect. After punctal plugs or IPL, most people resume normal activity the same day; mild eyelid warmth or redness fades within hours. Long-term success comes from daily habits: blink breaks during screen time, eyelid hygiene, adequate hydration, and yearly check-ups with your eye-care provider.

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Scientists are exploring new drug classes that target tear-film inflammation, nerve growth, and lipid balance. Thermal pulsation and IPL platforms continue to improve comfort and efficiency, while wearable sensors now track blinking patterns to personalize care. Artificial-intelligence tools can grade meibomian-gland images, aiding early diagnosis and monitoring. Clinical trials are also investigating regenerative serum drops and micro-dosing delivery systems that reduce side effects.

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If dryness limits your daily life, schedule a visit with a dry eye–focused ophthalmologist or optometrist. They will measure your tear film, oil-gland health, and eye-surface inflammation, then tailor a step-by-step plan. You can connect with the right specialist quickly on Kerbside and start feeling better soon.

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