Dry eye is a common problem that affects the tears that cover and moisten the front of your eye. 

Learn more about dry eye symptoms, causes, and diagnosis.

There are many different treatment options to relieve the symptoms of dry eye. Working with your eye doctor can help you find relief.

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How Can I Manage and Treat Dry Eye?

The goal of treatment for dry eye is to:

• Ease your symptoms
• Help you see more clearly
• Prevent damage to the surface of your eye
• Treat any underlying conditions
  

Depending on the causes of dry eye syndrome, there are a variety of treatments. These include:

Lifestyle Changes

If something in your environment is causing your symptoms, changes may help to improve them.

• Try to avoid hot, dry air — outdoor air and air from heaters directed toward your eyes.
• Use a humidifier at home to add moisture to the air.
• Avoid cigarette smoke.
• Use wraparound sunglasses when outside, especially during allergy season if allergies contribute to your dry eye.
• Don’t stare at the screen for long periods of time. Give your eyes breaks every 20 minutes.
• Try to keep the top of your screen in line with your eye level.
• Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest every night.
• Talk to your eye doctor about all medications you’re taking. Many common medicines can contribute to dry eye. Your eye doctor may be able to suggest a different medicine that won’t dry your eyes as much.
  

Eye Drops for Dry Eye

A variety of eye drops may relieve symptoms of dry eye. You may use one or multiple types of eye drops to manage your symptoms.

• Artificial tears: These are over-the-counter products that add moisture to your eye. If you need to use them more than six times a day or you’re allergic to preservatives, use preservative-free artificial tear drops. Using eye drops with preservatives more than six times daily can worsen dry eye. It’s best to avoid eye drops that treat eye redness. They can lead to further dryness symptoms. They can also worsen dry eye symptoms when you stop using them (called a rebound effect).
  
  
• Eye gels and ointments: If your eyes are very dry, you may find more relief using over-the-counter eye gels and oil-based ointments. These are mostly used when you’re sleeping. The oil in them can make your vision blurry. This usually clears by morning.
  
  
• Prescription eye drops: There are a few different prescription eye drops to treat dry eye. Some of these medicines increase tear production, while others work in different ways. Prescription dry eye treatments include Restasis® (cyclosporine 0.05%), Cequa® (cyclosporine 0.09%), Xiidra® (lifitegrast 5%), and topical steroid medications.
  

Nighttime Eye Mask or Goggles 

Your doctor may also recommend that you wear an eye mask or goggles when you sleep at night. These can help retain the moisture in the environment around your eyes and prevent your natural tears from evaporating as quickly.

Warm Eye Compresses

Using warm compresses over your eyes can help stimulate oil production. This helps push out clumps of oil that may be blocking your oil-producing meibomian glands. To do this, put a warm compress over your eyes for three to five minutes. Then, gently massage both your upper and lower eyelids to push the blockage out. Do this daily.

Eyelash and Eyelid Cleaners

Cleaning your eyelashes and eyelids can remove dirt and discharge that can irritate your eyes. You can use either a washcloth with warm, soapy water. You can also use over-the-counter wipes like OCuSOFT Lid Scrubs or Systane® Lid Wipes. These wipes are made specifically for cleaning your eyes. It’s best to avoid using other types of face wipes for your eyes.

Supplements

Some people find that a daily flaxseed or fish oil supplement helps relieve their symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in trying supplements.

Eye Plugs

If your tears are draining too quickly from your eyes, your doctor may recommend tear duct plugs, called punctal plugs. These tiny silicone stoppers are inserted into your tear duct and can be removed easily by your doctor. 

Other Treatments

Your doctor may recommend other treatments, such as autologous serum tears. They may also recommend light or heat therapy procedures like LipiFlow®, TearCare®, and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.

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Will Dry Eye Ever Go Away?

Dry eye is typically a chronic condition that can come and go. Because various, and often multiple, issues can cause dry eye syndrome, it is unlikely to be cured. However, it’s possible to manage your symptoms and find relief by keeping up with your doctor-managed care routine. This can make it feel as if your dry eyes have gone away.

Break-through episodes, where symptoms return, can happen, even with well-managed care. If your symptoms return, see your eye doctor. They can examine you and adjust your care routine to help you find relief again.

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Learn more about common symptoms of dry eye and how it’s diagnosed.