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A variety of approaches can be taken to treatment. These can be summarised as: avoidance of exacerbating factors, tear stimulation and supplementation, increasing tear retention, and eyelid cleansing and treatment of eye inflammation.

Dry eyes can be exacerbated by smokey environments, dust and air conditioning and by our natural tendency to reduce our blink rate when concentrating. Purposefully blinking, especially during computer use and resting tired eyes are basic steps that can be taken to minimise discomfort. Rubbing one’s eyes can irritate them further, so should be avoided. Conditions such as blepharitis can often co-exist and paying particular attention to cleaning the eyelids morning and night with mild shampoos and warm compresses can improve both conditions.

Dry, drafty environments and those with smoke and dust should be avoided. This includes avoiding hair dryers, heaters, air conditioners or fans, especially when these devices are directed toward the eyes. Wearing glasses or directing gaze downward, for example, by lowering computer screens can be helpful to protect the eyes when aggravating environmental factors cannot be avoided. Using a humidifier, especially in the winter, can help by adding moisture to the dry indoor air.

1.Surgery:If needed, the ducts that drain tears into the nose can be permanently closed to allow more tears to remain around the eye. This is done with local anesthetic on an outpatient basis. There are no limitations in activity after having this surgery.

2.Other medications:Other medications, including topical steroids, may also be beneficial in some cases.

3.Restasis:In 2002, the FDA approved the prescription eye drop Restasis for the treatment of chronic dry eye. It is currently the only prescription eye drop that helps your eyes increase their own tear production with continued use.

4.Permanent punctal occlusion:If temporary plugging of the tear drains works well, then silicone plugs (punctal occlusion) may be used. The plugs will hold tears around the eyes as long as they are in place. They can be removed. Rarely, the plugs may come out spontaneously or migrate down the tear drain. Many patients find that the plugs improve comfort and reduce the need for artificial tears.

Temporary punctal occlusion:Sometimes it is necessary to close the ducts that drain tears out of the eye. This is first done via a painless test where a plug that will dissolve over a few days is inserted into the tear drain of the lower eyelid to determine whether permanent plugs can provide an adequate supply of tears.

Artificial tear drops and ointments:The use of artificial teardrops is the primary treatment for dry eye. Artificial teardrops are available over the counter. No one drop works for everyone, so you might have to experiment to find the drop that works for you. If you have chronic dry eye, it is important to use the drops even when your eyes feel fine, to keep them lubricated. If your eyes dry out while you sleep, you can use a thicker lubricant, such as an ointment, at night.

Allergies – Simply treating the allergies may not relieve dry eye syndrome and can even increase the irritation because antihistamines are known to cause dry eyes in many people. Avoidance of the allergens would be the first thing to focus on whenever possible. Using a good quality air purifier may help by removing allergens, dust and other particles that irritate the eyes.

Contact Lenses – Unfortunately, use of contact lenses for any length of time does tend to have an irritating and drying effect on the eyes. Most of the artificial tear products are not able to be used with contacts so to get relief that way, you will need to remove your contacts. Your best bet in this case is to talk to your optometrist about the best solution.

Heating or Air Conditioning – Anything we use to change the temperature in our house also tends to dry out the air. Dryer air can lead to dry eyes so the best thing to do in this situation is to run a humidifier, which will return moisture to the air. Not only will this help with your dry eye syndrome, it can also make your home feel more comfortable.

If simple changes are not providing effective dry eye treatment, it’s time to speak to your eye care professional to determine the cause of the problem.