Statistics show that almost 50% of American adults suffer from chronic dry eye disease or DED. Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society acknowledges that this eye condition is a growing global problem. Knowing the treatment options available can help you get the solution that fits your needs. Here are the details.

Prescription Medications

You can get eye drops or oral medications for chronic DED. Most of these solutions reduce eyelid swelling. When eyelids swell up, they prevent your meibomian glands from delivering oil into your tear film. This makes tears evaporate right away because there is no oil in them.

Research shows that a specific antibiotic can trigger oil production in the meibomian glands. Anti-inflammatory antibiotics can treat your chronic DED if your eye doctor thinks that the cause of the dry eye symptoms is eye swelling. Some prescription eye drops can have anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Over-the-counter artificial tears can replace the tears that you lose. Be sure to choose preservative-free eye drops so that they will not leave any residue on your eyes. Artificial tears keep your eyes moist. These drops can resolve mild to moderate dry eye symptoms. But you need to apply the drops many times each day. Your eye doctor can prescribe ointments as well. But these topical solutions can blur your vision. You should apply ointments before you sleep at night.

Different Procedures

Your eye doctor may recommend specific procedures to treat your chronic dry eye symptoms. These procedures may work on their own or with medications. Here are a few of them:

• Scleral or bandage contact lenses can protect the surface of your eyes. They can also prevent moisture from leaving your eye surface. These lenses are helpful if you lose tears right away.

• Punctal occlusion can close your tear ducts. This can prevent tears from staying longer in your eyes. The procedure will brock the drain holes in your lower eyelid. Temporary punctal plugs are removable. More severe cases often need permanent punctal plugs.

• Unblocking oil glands can help release oil for the tears. This will involve placing large lenses behind the eyelids. The eye doctor will then position a shield outside your eyelids. Both shields will heat up the eyelids. This treatment will take about 12 minutes.

Natural Treatment Strategies

At home, you can get a warm, wet cloth and place it over your eye for about five minutes. This can reduce your DED symptoms. Massaging the outer part of your eyelids with baby shampoo or mild soap can stimulate the meibomian glands to produce oil for your tears. Castor oil eye drops can prevent your tears from evaporating quickly. Research reveals that taking omega-3 supplements can help relieve your DED symptoms as well. You can get omega-3 from salmon, sardines, and flaxseed.

Lifestyle Changes

You can play a major part in relieving your DED symptoms. Blinking more often can prevent your eyes from drying up. Using a humidifier can add moisture to your indoor air. This can relieve the symptoms. Studies reveal that avoiding smoke and quitting smoking can also help prevent your eyes from drying up. Keeping yourself hydrated by drinking more water can help replenish the tears that you lose. Wear wraparound sunglasses to prevent your tears from evaporating right away.

Knowing our chronic DED treatment options can help you pick the right one for your eye health needs. 

At the Eye Center, we help our patients achieve better eye health. You can drop by our clinic in Brookings, Oregon, for an in-person consultation. Please call us at 541-469-6923 if you want to set an appointment or inquire about our chronic dry eye treatment packages.