Dry eye is a common eye condition that occurs when the eye doesn't produce enough tears or the tears are of poor quality. It can be caused by various factors, including age, certain medications, medical conditions, and environmental factors. The symptoms of dry eye can range from mild to severe and can include redness, itching, burning, and a feeling of grittiness in the eyes. In this article, Dr. Joseph Allen discusses the seven most effective remedies for dry eyes, including home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, and in-office treatments with your doctor.
VIDEO: How to Cure Dry Eyes - 7 Most Effective Dry Eye Treatments
1. Artificial Tears for Dry Eyes
Artificial tears are at the top of the list for a major reason. It is a major component of all dry eye treatment management, from mild to severe cases. It may seem like a basic remedy, but it is crucial to preventing damage to the surface of the eye from chronic dryness. Artificial tears add lubrication to the eye and help prevent damage to the surface of the eye from chronic dryness.
One of the most significant issues with artificial tears is the lack of adherence to the recommended use. Doctors often prescribe specific brands of artificial tears to their patients. Artificial tears not only add lubrication to the eyes, but they also help prevent inflammation from grabbing hold and making things worse. Preservatives can harm the eyes if used for an extended period, so non-preserved drops are often the ideal choice.
2. Omega 3s in Managing Dry Eyes
While there are several treatments available for dry eyes, one of the most popular and effective options is omega 3 supplements. Omega 3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes. Inflammation is one of the primary causes of dry eye syndrome, and by reducing inflammation, omega 3s can improve tear production, reduce redness, and minimize discomfort. Omega 3s can also improve the quality of tears by increasing the production of the oily layer of the tear film, which helps prevent evaporation of tears.
Studies have shown that omega 3 supplements can improve the signs and symptoms of dry eyes. One study published in the journal Cornea found that taking 2000 mg of omega 3 supplements per day for 3 months significantly reduced symptoms of dry eyes in people with moderate-to-severe dry eye syndrome. Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that omega 3 supplements improved tear production and decreased inflammation in people with dry eyes.
2.a) How to Take Omega 3s for Dry Eyes
Omega 3s can be taken in various forms, including fish oil supplements, flaxseed oil supplements, and algae-based supplements. However, most of the studies done on dry eyes have been conducted using fish oil supplements. To get the maximum benefit of omega 3s for dry eyes, it is recommended to take a daily dose of 2000-3000 mg of omega 3s from fish oil supplements. It is essential to note that not all omega 3 supplements are created equal, and it is crucial to choose a high-quality supplement from a reputable brand.
2.b) Choosing the Right Omega 3 Supplement
When it comes to choosing an omega 3 supplement, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, it is important to choose a supplement from a reputable brand that has been third-party tested for quality and purity. Look for a supplement that contains a high concentration of EPA and DHA, which are the two primary types of omega 3s that are beneficial for dry eyes. It is also important to choose a supplement that is easy to digest and does not cause any adverse side effects.
3. Medicated Eye Drops: Effective Treatment for Dry Eyes
Fortunately, there are various medicated eye drops available that can provide relief for dry eyes. Dr. Joseph Allen explains two of the most popular medicated eye drops for dry eyes and new technologies that offer in-office treatments, they are Restasis, and Xiidra.
3.a) Restasis
Restasis is a medication that has been around for a long time and has been proven to be effective in treating dry eyes. It is a brand name medication that works by controlling inflammation on the eye. Specifically, it helps to block the inflammatory cascade that sends inflammation to the lacrimal gland, preventing tears from being produced. This medication can help you produce your own natural tears again.
The downside to Restasis is that it can take time to work. Inflammatory cells have already attached to the lacrimal gland, and it takes time for those cells to degrade and release. Patients who use Restasis need to use the drops twice a day for at least three months in both eyes to see a clinical benefit. In some cases, patients need to use the medication for up to six months. However, Restasis has shown great success in treating dry eyes, and many patients report a significant improvement in their symptoms.
3.b) Xiidra
Xiidra is another popular medication for treating dry eyes. While it is a competitive product to Restasis, its mechanism of action is different. It also reduces inflammation on the eye and works a little faster than Restasis. Clinical studies have shown that patients experience improved signs and symptoms of dry eyes as early as six weeks after using Xiidra. However, like Restasis, the effectiveness of Xiidra varies depending on the type of dry eye you have.
4. Office Treatments for Dry Eyes: Lipiflow, iLux, and Amniotic Membrane
Office treatments for dry eyes refer to treatments that you can get from your eye doctor in their office. Not every office will offer these treatments, especially those that do not specialize in dry eye care. Some dry eye specialty clinics and refractive surgery clinics may offer these treatments to control dryness and improve the surface of the eye before procedures such as LASIK or cataract surgery.
4.a) Lipiflow Treatment
Lipiflow is a popular treatment for dry eyes, and it involves using a device that applies heat and pressure to the eyelids. The primary objective of this treatment is to get the oil glands in the meibomian glands to release. Meibomian glands are tiny vertical glands that secrete oil that prevents tears from evaporating. If these oil glands become clogged or inflamed, they can eventually die off, causing tears to evaporate almost instantly. Lipiflow treatment can help get these oil glands to open up and secrete oil. This device heats the oil glands from both directions and uses a pumping mechanism to get the oil glands to secrete. The treatment lasts for about 12 minutes and is generally comfortable.
4.b) iLux Treatment
iLux is another newer treatment for dry eyes that involves applying heat through light. The light increases the temperature of the oil glands, and a pumping mechanism gets the newly produced oil to secrete out of the eyelids. This treatment is similar to the Lipiflow treatment in that it helps to get the oil glands to secrete oil.
4.c) Amniotic Membrane Treatment
Amniotic membrane treatment is a relatively new treatment for chronic dry eye. The treatment involves using dehydrated or frozen amniotic tissue, which is harvested from a pregnant woman's amniotic sac, to help clear inflammation from the surface of the eye. The amniotic tissue contains different antibodies that help reduce inflammation and promote healing. This treatment is particularly helpful for individuals with chronic dryness, blepharitis, and severe corneal damage.
5. Warm Compresses for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Dr. Joseph Allen explains that warm compresses are a simple and effective way to treat blocked meibomian glands. By applying heat to the eyelids, the solidified oil in the glands can melt, allowing it to flow out more easily. Additionally, gentle eyelid massage can help to express the oil and improve the function of the meibomian glands.
5.a) Different Types of Warm Compresses
There are several different types of warm compresses available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Dr. Allen mentions that he personally prefers the Bruder mask, a reusable and washable mask that can be heated in the microwave. However, there are also other options available, such as electric heating pads and hot water bottles. The most important thing is to find a warm compress that is easy and convenient to use, so that you can incorporate it into your daily routine.
6. Autologous Serum for Dry eyes
Autologous serum is a relatively new treatment option for dry eyes that involves using a patient's own blood to create artificial tears. This treatment has been around for some time but is not used as frequently as it should be. The process involves a blood draw, where the phlebotomist separates the plasma from the blood cells through centrifugation. The plasma is then used to make artificial tears that contain antibodies and other substances that help fight off dryness.
6.a) Advantages of Autologous Serum
One of the main advantages of autologous serum is that it helps the body's immune system fight off dryness. Since the artificial tears are made from the patient's own blood, they contain antibodies that can help reduce inflammation and improve tear quality. Additionally, autologous serum is more effective than traditional artificial tears because it contains growth factors that can promote the healing of the ocular surface.
Another advantage of autologous serum is that it can be used by patients who are allergic to traditional artificial tears. Many patients experience allergic reactions to the preservatives used in artificial tears, which can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Autologous serum, on the other hand, does not contain any preservatives, making it a safer option for people with allergies.
6.b) Disadvantages of Autologous Serum
One of the main disadvantages of autologous serum is that it is not widely available. Patients need a prescription from their doctor to get the treatment, and not all pharmacies or phlebotomists are equipped to prepare the serum. Additionally, the process of preparing the serum can be time-consuming and expensive.
Another disadvantage of autologous serum is that it may not be effective for all patients. While some patients experience significant improvements in their dry eye symptoms, others may not see any benefit. The treatment is also typically reserved for patients with severe dry eyes who have not responded well to other treatments.
7. Scleral Contact Lenses as Treatment for Dry Eyes:
One treatment that has gained popularity in recent years is scleral contact lenses.
7.a) What are Scleral Contact Lenses?
Scleral contact lenses are a type of contact lens that is larger than traditional contact lenses. They cover not only the cornea but also the sclera, the white part of the eye. Scleral lenses create a reservoir of fluid that sits between the lens and the cornea, which helps to keep the cornea lubricated and hydrated. The lenses are made of gas-permeable materials, which allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea, preventing it from drying out.
7.b) How Do Scleral Contact Lenses Work for Dry Eyes?
Scleral contact lenses work by creating a fluid-filled chamber between the lens and the cornea. The fluid helps to lubricate the cornea, reducing discomfort and improving vision. Because the lenses cover the entire surface of the eye, they are particularly effective at retaining moisture and protecting the cornea from drying out.
7.c) Benefits of Scleral Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes
There are many benefits to using scleral contact lenses as a treatment for dry eyes. Here are a few of the most notable:
- Improved Comfort: Scleral lenses provide a cushion of fluid that can improve comfort and reduce irritation caused by dry eyes.
- Long-Lasting Relief: Because scleral lenses create a reservoir of fluid between the lens and the cornea, they can provide long-lasting relief for dry eyes.
- Better Vision: By keeping the cornea lubricated and hydrated, scleral lenses can improve vision for people with dry eyes.
- Versatility: Scleral lenses are not only effective for treating dry eyes but can also be used to correct other eye conditions, including keratoconus and irregular astigmatism.
- Customizable: Scleral lenses are custom-fitted to each patient's eye, ensuring a comfortable and effective fit.
Importance of Lifestyle Changes to get rid of Dry Eyes: Lifestyle changes, such as taking breaks from screen time and avoiding dry environments, can also help to relieve dry eyes.
Which Treatment is Most Exciting?
Of the seven treatments discussed, which one do you think is the most exciting? While everyone's needs are different, many people find scleral contact lenses to be a particularly exciting option.