Have your eyes been feeling scratchy, as if there is something lodged in it? This is a sign of dry eye syndrome. Other common symptoms include red eyes, burning sensation, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light. Taking care of dry eyes will not only relieve the discomfort but also prevent infection or cornea scarring. Read on to find out how you can treat dry eye.

Five Ways to Get Relief From Dry Eyes

There are different types of dry eye treatment. Depending on the causes of your symptoms, here are some ways to get relief from dry eyes:

• Artificial Tear Drops. Artificial tears are eye drops used to help maintain moisture in your eyes. You can get these products without a prescription. Artificial tears with preservatives are usually available in multidose bottles. It contains chemicals to discourage bacterial growth as soon as you open the container. But, these preservatives may irritate moderate to severe dry eyes. Don’t worry, though. You can also buy preservative-free eye drops, which may come in single-dose vials. This type is often recommended if you need to use artificial tears more than four times every day.
  
  

• Eye Inserts and Tear Duct Plugs. Artificial tears are also available as gel inserts. So, when regular over-the-counter tear replacement drops don’t work, the use of those tiny eye inserts that work like artificial tears could also be an option. These are small, clear tubes that look like a grain of rice, and go into your eye like contacts. You just have to insert it between your eyeball and your lower eyelid. The product dissolves slowly, releasing the medicine to help lubricate your eyes. If your tears drain too quickly from your eyes, your eye doctor may recommend placing special plugs in your tear ducts. Also known as punctual plugs, this product can help in keeping your tears in your eyes.
  
  

• Eye Ointments. If you still don’t find relief even after using artificial tears, you may try eye ointments. Since this can momentarily blur your vision, it’s best to apply the ointment before you sleep. Just remember that this product is for your eyes only. Some eye ointments are also not suitable if you are wearing contact lenses.
  
  

• Prescription Medications. For more severe cases of dry eye, your eye doctor may prescribe medicine. These may be administered orally or as eye drops. Most of these prescription medicines are meant to reduce the inflammation of your eyelids. They also help your eyes produce more tears.
  
  

• Surgery. Although uncommon, there are cases when your eye doctor may suggest surgery. If your dry eye is due to your lower eyelids becoming loose, resulting in your tears drying up fast, then a surgical procedure may be necessary to fix this.

Home Remedies for Dry Eye

Natural treatment is also possible to help relieve chronic dry eye. These include holding a piece of warm, wet cloth over your eyes for about five minutes. You can also use a mild soap to gently massage your eyelids with your fingertips. Several changes to your lifestyle can also prevent dry eye or making it worse. These include eating food or taking supplements rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep. Limiting screen time, taking frequent breaks when using the computer, and wearing wraparound sunglasses when outdoors also help. For more information about dry eye treatment, visit Vision One Eyecare Center today. Call our offices now in Fort Mitchell or Dry Ridge, Kentucky.