Eye Dryness: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

A chronic lack of moisture or sufficient lubrication on the eye surface leads to eye dryness. Consequence of this condition ranges from significant inflammation to constant eye irritation and even causes scarring of the eye’s front surface. Dry eye syndrome is quite common and is one of the main reasons of visiting an eye doctor. A recent survey revealed that nearly 48% of people aged 18 years and older commonly faced this problem. There are multiple symptoms associated with eye dryness condition which include itchiness, burning sensation, fatigued eyes, heavy eyes, blurred vision, aching sensations, dryness sensations, light sensitivity (photophobia), sore eyes, red eyes, and sore eyes.

Only a careful observation of your eyes done by an ophthalmologist or optometrist can reveal the severity of eye dryness and help your doctor figure out the best possible treatment to suit your eyes and keep it comfortable, healthy and seeing well. There are effective treatment methods available to treat this chronic condition. In many cases, there are routine usages of minor behavioral modifications and artificial tears to significantly reduce the symptoms. In-office procedures and prescribed eye medications are also recommended by your eye doctor to help you create or secrete tears that will decrease inflammation and eye irritation.

Eye dryness is a typically progressive and chronic condition which may sometimes not be completely cured or managed, depending upon its cause and severity. But in most of the cases, it has been found that eye dryness has been managed successfully, which usually results in fewer dry eye symptoms in future, greater eye comfort, and sharper vision in rare cases. A variety of treatment options are approached towards this condition as it has a number of causes.

In case of mild dryness of the eye caused due to excess use of computer, schoolwork, reading and other situations, the best treatment for the eye available is frequent usage of lubricating eye drops or artificial tears. These drops are light and watery roving quick relief with little blurring of the vision on application. Often times, their soothing effect is short lived and should be used frequently for adequate relief. Long-lasting lubrication can be provided by certain eye drops which are more gel-like and have a high viscosity. The ingredients used in a particular eye drop associated with certain brands determine the type of eye dryness condition to which they are best suited. For example, a particular brand may work better for an evaporative dry eye condition while some other brand may be effective for aqueous-deficiency dry eyes. Be sure to follow the directions of your eye doctor on which formulation or brand of eye drop you should use and how often you should use them.

Women who are not pregnant, adults and even children are eligible for the treatment.

Pregnant women in some cases are not eligible for the treatment as the eye drop may enter the bloodstream and harm the fetus.

The side effects of the treatment include burning, itching, stinging and irritating sensation for 1-2 minutes on application. Other side effects are temporary blurred vision, allergic reactions, cloudy vision, and increased sensitivity to light.

After application of the eye drop, keep your eyes close for 2 to 3 minutes and put your head down while looking at the floor. Cigarette smoke can increase the risk of developing eye dryness. It is advisable to stay away from it. Warm compresses over your eyes will provide immense relief and will fend off irritation. You can then wash your eyes later on with baby shampoo to help release the oil in the glands of the eyelids’, which also improves the quality of your tears. Finally, completely rinse your eyes from soap to avoid irritation. A diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acid supplement will help your eye condition.

It takes approximately 6 to 12 weeks to recover from eye dryness condition.

The price of the treatment ranges from Rs. 18 to Rs. 3,000.

No the results of the treatment are not permanent and the eye drops have to be taken frequently for a proper and adequate effect to be noticed.

In case you are having side effects from excessive usage of eye drops then your doctor might recommend you to take certain medications and antibiotics to relieve your eye. An anti-inflammatory medication known as the cyclosporine is prescribed to increase tear protection and prevent corneal damage.