Treatment Options
The following three categories of treatment options for dry eye relief span a range from BASIC remedies to ALTERNATIVE therapies, and finally to ADVANCED, scientifically validaded treatments.
It's important to have your eyes checked by a professional.
1. Basic Relief Treatments
Introduction
The 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 Rule
The following are suggestions for alleviate dry eye symptoms. They are relevant for any level of dry eye symptoms.
The 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 rule is a simple exercise to help prevent dry eye and eye strain, especially during prolonged screen use. It involves:
- Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away.
- Keep your gaze there for at least 20 seconds.
This practice allows your eyes to rest, reduces eye strain, and encourages blinking, which helps maintain proper eye moisture and prevents dryness. It’s a simple, effective way to support eye health during extended periods of digital device use.
Artificial Tears
The 20-20-20 Rule
Artificial Tears
Eye drops, also known as artificial tears, help relieve dry eye by supplementing natural tears and providing lubrication to the surface of the eye. They reduce symptoms like burning, irritation, and gritty sensation by maintaining moisture, protecting the eye surface, and improving comfort. Depending on the formulation, they can also help stabilize the tear film and reduce inflammation, offering quick and effective relief for dry eye symptoms.
FDA approved eyedrops:
Humidifier
Warm Compresses
Artificial Tears
A humidifier helps relieve dry eye by adding moisture to the air, which can reduce the evaporation of tears from the surface of the eyes. Increased humidity creates a more comfortable environment, especially in dry or air-conditioned spaces, helping to keep the eyes lubricated and alleviating symptoms like dryness, irritation, and redness. Using a humidifier can be a simple and effective way to support eye health, particularly in environments prone to dry air.
Warm Compresses
Warm Compresses
Warm Compresses
A humidifier helps relieve dry eye by adding moisture to the air, which can reduce the evaporation of tears from the surface of the eyes. Increased humidity creates a more comfortable environment, especially in dry or air-conditioned spaces, helping to keep the eyes lubricated and alleviating symptoms like dryness, irritation, and redness. Using a humidifier can be a simple and effective way to support eye health, particularly in environments prone to dry air.
Avoid Smoking
Warm Compresses
Warm Compresses
Smoking can contribute to dry eyes by exposing the eyes to irritants and toxins that cause inflammation and damage to the tear-producing glands and ocular surface. Smoke increases irritation, reduces tear quality, and accelerates tear evaporation, leading to dryness, redness, and discomfort. Additionally, smoking impairs eyelid function and can worsen underlying eye conditions, making it a significant risk factor for developing or worsening dry eye symptoms.
2. Alternative Treatment Options
Introduction
Introduction
Introduction
The following are options that have shown relief to some patients, but are not backed by scientific studies. They are non-invasive, gentle treatment options.
Accupunture
Introduction
Introduction
Some people find that acupuncture helps relieve dry eye symptoms by improving circulation and reducing inflammation. However, scientific evidence supporting acupuncture as a proven treatment for dry eye is limited. While it may provide some relief for certain individuals, it should be considered complementary and used alongside conventional treatments. If you're interested in acupuncture for dry eye, consult with a qualified healthcare provider or acupuncturist to discuss whether it’s appropriate for your condition and to ensure safe, coordinated care.
Red LED Light
Red LED Light
Red LED Light
LED light therapy is a treatment being explored for dry eye, particularly for improving eyelid and meibomian gland function. Some early studies suggest that it may help reduce inflammation, open clogged oil glands, and improve tear quality, which can alleviate dry eye symptoms. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety. If you're interested in LED therapy, consult with an eye care professional to see if it's a suitable option for your condition.
Microcurrent
Red LED Light
Red LED Light
Microcurrent treatment is an emerging therapy that uses gentle electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and tissues around the eyes and eyelids. Some studies suggest that it may help improve tear production, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of the eyelid and gland function, potentially relieving dry eye symptoms. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety. If you're considering microcurrent therapy, consult with an eye care professional to determine if it's appropriate for your specific condition and to ensure proper treatment.
3. Advanced Treatment Options
Introduction
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
The following are treatment options that have been approved by the FDA, are backed by scientific studies.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Depending on the IPL model, a hydrogel similar to that used in ultrasound is applied to your lower eyelids. Eye protection will be provided since light energy will be near your eyes during the session. Five light pulses are directed a short distance below the lower eyelid margin. You will feel warmth from the light pulses during the treatment, which will quickly fade after the session.
Tixel
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Eyelid Cleansing Procedure
The newly developed and FDA-approved Tixel device applies heat to the eyelids and stimulates the Meibomian glands to enhance the production and secretion of Meibomian oil. Ten Tixel impulses target both eyelids in two rows near the lid margin, lasting about 2 minutes. This improves tear quality and boosts patient satisfaction.
Eyelid Cleansing Procedure
Eyelid Cleansing Procedure
Eyelid Cleansing Procedure
In Meibomian gland disease or blepharitis, gland openings can become blocked by thick meibom or a biofilm covering the eyelid margin. Using special tools, eyelid margins are cleaned and exfoliated painlessly, removing debris and bacteria that cause dry eyes. Unblocking the gland orifices helps secretions to reach the tear film, improving oil flow and alleviating dry eye symptoms.
Meibomian Glad Expression
Eyelid Cleansing Procedure
Meibomian Glad Expression
Using special forceps, the newly cleaned eyelid margins improve meibomian gland expression. With gentle, digitally controlled precision, blockages within the gland ducts can be cleared, enabling the important fatty substances to be added into the tear film, substantially improving tear quality.