Dry Eye Treatments

While tear supplements remain an important part of dry eye managements there are certainly other recommendations that can make a significant difference to reduce dry eye signs and symptoms. 

Sunglasses – Not only do they provide great protection from harmful UV rays, sunglasses reduce tear film evaporation by shielding the eyes from the drying effects of wind. 

Omega 3 Fish Oils – Daily doses of fish oils have been shown to increase tear stability and reduce inflammatory markers in the tears after 2 to 3 months of use. 

Lid Hygiene – One of the associated factors with dry eyes can be inflammation of the ocular surface or eyelids (blepharitis). Simple eyelid cleaning techniques can significantly improve localised inflammation ensure better tear stability and function.  

Eyelid Heating– Applying moist heat to the eyelids improves tear stability and has been recommended for many years in dry eye management. New devices such as Blephasteam googles are particular good at providing sustained and even heating of the eyelids.

Meibomian Gland Expression – Techniques that include squeezing the eyelid glands that product the protective oily tear layer have been shown to decrease the rate of tear evaporation and improve dry eye symptoms 

Your optometrist is perfectly suited to identifying what type of dry eye you may have and which of these recommendations would be of help.