Dry eye syndrome can really ruin your day. It is difficult to stay alert and prepared when eyes are constantly itching, blurring, and feeling uncomfortable. The first step to stopping this common health issue is to learn what causes it. When you know where the root of the problem lies, you can begin to work towards eliminating it. Once you know what is giving you dry eye syndrome, you can begin to search for a treatment that will work.
Eye Drops
One of the simplest ways to cure dry eye syndrome is with a bottle of artificial tears, or eye drops. Your physician may recommend this treatment, especially if the case is not too severe. Eye drops will add moisture and lubrication to eyes and help lessen or completely stop itching. The down side is that you will most likely have to keep eye drops on hand every time you encounter the cause of the problem. If the cause can be removed, then you may only need eye drops for a short time.
Improved Tear Production
Standard, over the counter eye drops can help alleviate symptoms of dry eye syndrome. However, Restasis eye drops can begin to help cure the problem all together. This type of eye drop actually encourages tear production. There are currently no other eye drops that can do this. There is another, somewhat similar solution called Lacrisert. This is a small object inserted inside the lower eye lid. Lacrisert contains hydroxypropyl cellulose, which lubricates the eye.
Slowed Tear Release
Some people with dry eye syndrome have a hard time producing enough tears to last through the day. Punctal plugs can be put into place that actually block tears from leaving tear ducts (or puncta). There are permanent, silicone punctal plugs as well as temporary ones that can be used to determine if the patient prefers this treatment method. Collagen is used to make the temporary punctal plugs so that they can dissolve.
Physically Block Irritants
Some dry eye syndrome sufferers prefer to physically block irritants in cases where the environment is the cause. Some people wear sunglasses that can block dust particles, pollen, and other flying debris from coming in contact with the eye. These can also provide a shield against the wind itself, which can further dry eyes.