7 Options to Relieve Your Dry Eyes
Dealing with dry eyes is annoying and uncomfortable. Thankfully, there are plenty of treatment options you can try. Since dry eyes have multiple causes, treatment often depends on the underlying problem. Below are the most common treatments for dry eyes, starting with prescription therapies and followed by natural and supportive approaches.
1. Tyrvaya
Tyrvaya is a prescription nasal spray approved for the treatment of dry eye disease. Unlike eye drops, it is sprayed into the nose. It stimulates the trigeminal nerve inside the nasal cavity. This nerve is part of the body’s natural tear-producing reflex. When activated, it signals the lacrimal glands to produce more natural tears, including all three layers of the tear film (oil, water and mucus).
Tyrvaya is well suited for people who have difficulty using eye drops, those with poor tear production or patients whose dry eye symptoms persist despite frequent artificial tear use. It can be especially helpful for individuals with nerve-related dry eye or post-surgical dryness.
2. Prescription Anti-inflammatory Eye Drops
Chronic inflammation plays a major role in many cases of dry eye disease. Two commonly prescribed medications target this inflammation:
- Restasis (cyclosporine) reduces immune-driven inflammation that interferes with tear production. Over time, this allows the tear glands to function more normally.
- Xiidra (lifitegrast) blocks inflammatory signals on the surface of the eye, helping relieve symptoms more quickly for some patients.
These medications are ideal for people with moderate to severe dry eye caused by inflammation, including those with autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome. They require consistent use and may take weeks to months to reach full effectiveness.
3. Artificial Tears and Lubricating Eye Drops
Over-the-counter artificial tears are often the first treatment recommended for dry eye. Artificial tears supplement the natural tear film by adding moisture and lubrication to the eye surface. Some formulations target evaporation with added oils, while others focus on hydration.
They are best for mild or occasional dry eye symptoms, such as those caused by screen use, air conditioning or temporary environmental exposure. Preservative-free options are preferred for frequent use.
4. Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs are tiny devices inserted into the tear drainage ducts of the eyelids. By blocking tear drainage, punctal plugs help tears stay on the eye surface longer, increasing moisture without adding medication.
They are often recommended for patients with low tear volume who do not respond well to eye drops alone. They can be temporary or long-term, depending on symptom severity.
5. Warm Compresses and Eyelid Hygiene
Many people with dry eye also have meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the oily layer of tears. Warm compresses help melt clogged oils in the eyelids, improving tear stability and reducing evaporation. Gentle lid cleansing removes debris and bacteria that worsen inflammation.
This approach is particularly helpful for people with eyelid inflammation, styes, rosacea or evaporative dry eye.
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements
Dietary supplements can play a supportive role in managing dry eye. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, help reduce inflammation and improve the quality of the tear film’s oil layer.
They may benefit people with mild to moderate dry eye, especially those with meibomian gland dysfunction. Results are gradual and work best when combined with other treatments.
7. Environmental and Lifestyle Adjustments
Small changes can make a noticeable difference. Using humidifiers, taking breaks from screens, blinking more often, wearing wraparound sunglasses and staying hydrated all help reduce tear evaporation and eye strain.
These strategies are useful for everyone with dry eye and are especially important for people who work on computers or live in dry climates.
When to See a Doctor
You should see an eye care professional if dry eye symptoms persist despite regular use of artificial tears, interfere with daily activities or worsen over time. Pain, light sensitivity, excessive redness or sudden vision changes should be evaluated promptly. A doctor can determine the underlying cause of dry eye and recommend targeted treatments such as prescription medications, procedures or advanced therapies tailored to your specific needs.
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