Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can cause symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and a sandy or gritty feeling in the eyes. Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, certain medications, certain medical conditions, and environmental factors such as dry or windy weather.
Treatment options for dry eye include:
- Artificial tears: over-the-counter lubricating drops or ointments that can provide temporary relief
- Prescription eye drops: such as anti-inflammatory or anti-allergic medication to reduce inflammation and improve tear production
- Therapeutic contact lenses: such as scleral lenses that can help to retain moisture on the surface of the eye
- In-office procedures: such as punctal plugs which are small devices that are inserted into the tear ducts to help retain tears on the surface of the eye and can be permanent or temporary
- Tempsure: thermal pulsation treatment that can help to unclog the meibomian glands and increase oil production.
- Lifestyle changes: such as using a humidifier, avoiding dry environments, and avoiding rubbing the eyes.