I think I have dry eye disease, what can I do?

Dry eye disease is considered multi-factorial because there are several factors that contribute to developing dryness.

To mention a few: work/home environment, medication, heredity, contact lenses, and age. 

There are two types of dry eye disease which can be identified during an eye exam with your optometrist. One is aqueous (water) deficiency, which is reduced tear production.The other is evaporative, when tears evaporate quickly. Sometimes dry eyes can be a mix of both. 

There is not an easy or quick cure for dry eyes. Dry eyes need to be managed by staying consistent with a daily regime. Some people with severe dry eyes may need additional specialized in clinic treatments every few months. 

Try some of these basic recommendations at home: 

• With a clean face cloth, do warm compresses twice a day (morning and night) to warm around the lids activating the oil glands to produce a thicker tear layer. 

• Use a non-preserved artificial drop four times a day. Instill at breakfast, lunch, supper, evening. 

• Before falling asleep add one drop of non-preserved thick gel or ointment to the eyes. 

• If using a computer, after every 20 minutes, take a 20 second visual break to look away and blink. 

• Set up a humidifier next to your workstation. 

If you believe you have dry eye disease, make an appointment with your optometrist to learn more about different treatment options available.