Don’t put up with the discomfort.
Just as the causes and tests for dry eyes can be multiple & varied, so are the treatments. Lifestyle changes, eyelid hygiene, diet and eye drops can all play a role… and often a combination of therapies is required. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist, will provide you with an individualised treatment plan. This may need to be altered over time depending on the effect the treatment has on your signs & symptoms, as your symptoms change, or as new technology and treatments become available.
As each patient's symptoms and circumstances are unique your individualised treatment plan will be based in the classification or type, and severity of dry eye you have. Common examples of treatments available in Australia and New Zealand include:
Mild Dry Eye.
It all begins with looking after yourself with environmental & dietary modifications. If possible elimination of offending systemic medications and good artificial tear drops, gels and ointments
Moderate Dry Eye.
In addition to the steps taken for mild you may add Omega-3 supplementation & switch to non-preserved artificial tear substitutes. A course of anti-inflammatories or in practice procedures like IPL may be beneficial
Severe Dry Eye.
More frequent lubricant and anti-inflammatory treatment may be needed as well as additional in practice procedures may be beneficial such as punctal plugs, bandage contact lenses or autologous serum.
If your Dry Eye Disease is impacted by Meibomain Gland Dysfunction, Rosacea or Blepharitis your eye care practitioner will also recommend strategies such as warm compresses and eyelid massage, Eyelid Hygiene, Therapeutic Meibomian Gland Expression, Oral Tetracyclines medications and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Treatment.
Lifestyle Modifications.
Many aspects of our modern lifestyle can impact the health of our ocular surface and the comfort of our eyes. From diet through to our work environment….
Eye Drops & At Home Therapies
Eye drops & other at home Therapies can all help reduce symptoms, improve the tear quality and heal the ocular surface…
In Practice Procedures.
Eye care practitioners with a special interest in Dry Eye Disease can offer a range of in practice therapies to improve the signs and symptoms of the condition.