How To Treat Dry Eyes: Remedies and Treatments

If you’ve been experiencing dry eyes, a medical professional may use a comprehensive eye exam that includes tests to determine the volume and or quality of your tears.

In most cases, over the counter drops will be enough to fight mild symptoms. However, medications and even medical procedures may be needed.

Common Treatments for Dry Eyes

  • Tear Stimulating Medications
  • Eyelid Inflammation Reduction Medications
  • Cornea Inflammation Reduction Medications
  • Eyedrops Made From Your Blood
  • Eye Inserts
  • Over The Counter Medications
  • Warm Washcloth To Your Eyelids (NOT TOO HOT!!!)
  • Rinse Eyelids With Mild Soap (think baby shampoo)
  • Increased Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • Castor Oil Eye Drops
  • Acupuncture

As you can see above, there are a number of ways to treat dry eyes.

You will obviously need to consult with a doctor for any of the medications noted above, perhaps even for the over the counter options.

Home remedies like warm washcloth or rinsing your eyes with baby shampoo should be done carefully.

Alternative options such as altering your diet to eat more omega-3 acids or Acupuncture need more review, but have apparently helped some people.

Dry Eye Procedures

  • Light Therapy
  • Eyelid Massage
  • Oil Gland Unblocking
  • Contact Lenses Specifically Made For Dry Eyes
  • Closing Your Tear Ducts

If more common treatments don’t improve dry eye conditions, your medical professional may recommend some of the options above.

They range from changing the type of contact you’re wearing, to more aggressive procedures that may involve plugs to more permanent solutions using thermal heat.

As with any medical condition, it’s a good idea to consult with your medical professional if you have been experiencing dry eyes, including how you’ve been treating them, to determine if that’s an appropriate long term medical solution for you!