Dry Eyes Can be Permanently Cured

Dry Eye Causes

A permanent cure for dry eyes can be elusive because to treat dry eyes effectively you need to know the particular cause in each ease. There are many possible causes for dry eye syndrome, including aging, use of contact lenses, device usage, environmental conditions, eyelid bacteria, hormones, inflammation, lifestyle habits, medical conditions like Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), Sjogren’s disease, and other autoimmune disorders, various medications, etc.

Although there is no dry eye treatment that works in every case, there are several different treatment plans that can relieve symptoms and ward off further discomfort. If you suffer from this condition, keep reading to learn how to effectively manage dry eye disease.

1. Pinpoint the Root Cause

Before you can effectively treat dry eyes, the root cause of the problem must be identified. Dry eyes can be caused by any number of issues

Aging: The body’s natural production of tears decreases with age. So, older people are more likely to suffer from dry eye disease.
Autoimmune diseases: Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and others can lead to less tear production.
Contact lens use: Wearing contact lenses for extended periods of time can lead to dry eyes.
Eyelid margin bacteria: Lid inflammation or blepharitis often leads to dry eye disease, due to the damaging biofilm that exists beneath the eyelids.
Environmental conditions: Tears can easily evaporate in low humidity conditions, on windy days, and in the presence of smoke.
Inflammation: Minimizing inflammation with natural anti-inflammatories is important in managing dry eye disease.
Medications: Certain drugs can reduce the production of tears, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and decongestants.
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD): This condition prevents a healthy tear film from forming, which is needed for lubrication.
Refractive surgery: Any eye incision can weaken the integrity of the eye’s natural tear film, leading to dry eyes.
Other factors: Time spent in front of screens and on electronic devices can lead to dry eye syndrome. Hormonal issues can also cause dry eyes

2. Remove Bacteria & Biofilm Buildup from Eyelids

An eye doctor can perform an in-office treatment using a hand-held device with a micro-sponge tip to carefully scrape the under surface of the patient’s eyelids. This will eliminate any debris, unhealthy biofilm, and bacteria from the eyes’ meibomian glands as well as eyelid margins. This non-invasive procedure is painless, and often used on patients with long-standing blepharitis or a buildup of biofilm, causing chronic dry eyes.

3. Express the Meibomian Glands & Treat Ocular Rosacea

To effectively treat chronic dry eye, especially when it is linked to underlying issues like MGD and ocular rosacea, means expressing the meibomian glands as these conditions often occur together. MGD can worsen when ocular rosacea is also present by causing inflammation and interfering with the formation of the lipid layer of oily tears that the meibomian glands produce.

4. Use Prescription Medications to Treat Dry Eye

If you’ve tried various over-the-counter medications that haven’t worked, your eye doctor may prescribe any of the following eye drops to cure dry eye:

Cyclosporine A (Restasis): These eye drops are formulated to reduce inflammation while increasing the production of tears.
Lifitegrast (Xiidra): This is another eye drop formulated to reduce the inflammation that often accompanies dry eye disease.
Corticosteroid eye drops: Your doctor may prescribe these on a short-term basis if you have a severe case of dry eyes. This medication must be monitored carefully due to the possible side effects.
Meibo eye drops: These eye drops are formulated to treat a disruption of the tear film’s oil or lipid layer, which is often the root cause of dry eyes.

5. Insert Punctal Plugs

For a severe case of dry eyes, your doctor may recommend punctal plugs. These are tiny devices that block drainage after being placed in the tear ducts. As a result your natural tears remain on the surface of your eyes longer, keeping them moist.

6. Make Lifestyle Changes

Drink plenty of water: It is recommended that you drink the number of ounces of water a day equal to half your weight to maintain normal tear production.
Use a humidifier: This will raise the level of moisture in your home or workplace, which is especially important during the winter.
Minimize exposure to irritants: Avoid second-hand smoke, air conditioned environments, and wind. Also limit screen-time and take breaks to reduce eye strain.
Consume Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in salmon and other types of fish, flaxseeds, and in supplements. Add this to your diet to increase tear production.
Get plenty of sleep: Sleep is vital for maintaining eye health. To manage dry eye syndrome, plenty of quality sleep is enormously beneficial.
Limit use of devices: To improve eye health limit your time using electronic devices and in front of screens in general. Take breaks throughout your day to increase the longevity of your eyes and meibomian glands.

7. Use a Heating Mask

Your meibomian glands can get clogged up with regular use of computers and other devices. Use a heating mask for 15 minutes at night set at 41-43 degrees Celsius to prevent a buildup of meibum oil in your glands, which can harden like toothpaste. Once that happens the oil stops secreting when you blink. If you don’t unclog your glands on a regular basis and the biofilm on your eyelids builds up as well, it can be disastrous.

Book Free Consultation