How is Dry Eye Syndrome treated?
There is no absolute ‘cure’ for dry eye syndrome. However, most people can get significant relief from symptoms using a variety of treatments and measures.

Lid Margin Hygiene
If the underlying cause is blepharitis/lid margin disease, then treating this can often improve the ocular surface and reduce symptoms.This can be done by simply applying a hot compress using hot tap water and a clean flannel to the eye each day, and then cleaning the lid margin with the water and flannel. Also we sell a range of products like eye bags better to use and it can be re heated and more efficient than the hot flannel sometimes. Ask your optometrist for more details at the time of the appointment.

Lubricants
Regular lubrication in the form of gels or drops can help keep the surface of the eyes wet, and thus reduce symptoms. Often, this is combined with lid margin hygiene. There are a wide range of eye drops available – consult our optometrist for advice on which one to use.

Tear duct surgery
When there is severe dry eye with reduction in tear production, blocking the drainage of tears down the tear ducts can help keep the tears that are produced on the surface of the eye. Temporary plugs are normally inserted first. In some cases, permanent closure with surgical cautery may be used.

Other measures
Diet omega-3 oils and flax seed oil in the diet may help improve tear quality.

‘Think Blink’
When concentrating (e.g. using a computer or driving), we can blink up to 5 times less often, leading to increased tear evaporation. Remembering to blink more often can help keep the eye surface wet.