In this Article

• Introduction to dry eyes
• What causes dry eyes?
• How are dry eyes treated?
• Dry Eyes Glossary
• Dry Eyes Index

How are dry eyes treated?

Though dry eyes cannot be cured, there are a number of steps that can be taken to treat them. You should discuss treatment options with an ophthalmologist. Treatments for dry eyes may include:

• Artificial tear drops and ointments. The use of artificial teardrops is the primary treatment for dry eye. Artificial teardrops are available over the counter. No one drop works for everyone, so you might have to experiment to find the drop that works for you. If you have chronic dry eye, it is important to use the drops even when your eyes feel fine, to keep them lubricated. If your eyes dry out while you sleep, you can use a thicker lubricant, such as an ointment, at night.



• Temporary punctal occlusion. Sometimes it is necessary to close the ducts that drain tears out of the eye. This is done via a painless procedure where a plug that will dissolve quickly is inserted into the tear drain of the lower eyelid. This is a temporary procedure, done to determine whether permanent plugs can provide an adequate supply of tears.



• Permanent punctal occlusion. If temporary plugging of the tear drains works well, then silicone plugs (punctal occlusion) may be used. The plugs will hold tears around the eyes as long as they are in place. They can be removed. Rarely, the plugs may come out spontaneously or migrate down the tear drain. Many patients find that the plugs improve comfort and reduce the need for artificial tears.



• Restasis. In 2002, the FDA approved the prescription eye drop Restasis for the treatment of chronic dry eye. It is currently the only prescription eye drop that helps your eyes increase their own tear production with continued use.



• Other medications. Other medications, including topical steroids, may also be beneficial in some cases.



• Surgery. If needed, the ducts that drain tears into the nose can be permanently closed to allow more tears to remain around the eye. This is done with local anesthetic on an outpatient basis. There are no limitations in activity after having this surgery.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute (2005).

Edited by Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD, October 1, 2005.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• cyclosporine-ophthalmic, Restasis - Consumer information about the medication CYCLOSPORINE - OPHTHALMIC (Restasis), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug CYCLOSPORINE - OPHTHALMIC.
• LASIK Eye Surgery - Get information about LASIK, refractive surgery for vision correction (of astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness), risk factors (dry eyes, high myopia or hyperopia) and benefits.
• Sjogren's Syndrome - Sjogren's syndrome causes symptoms that include arthritis, dry mouth, lips and eyes, leading to eye pain. Read about diagnosis, Schirmer testing, treatment and medications.

Read more Dry Eyes related articles »

Latest Medical News

• For Men Over 50, Odds of Eye Discomfort Increases
• Cyclosporine Eye Drops a Good Deal for Dry Eye