Dry Eye and MGD
What treatments are available for dry eye?
Treatment is chosen according to the cause. Most people start with lubricating drops, lid warmth and hygiene, and changes to environment and screen habits. Where inflammation is present, an ophthalmologist may add anti-inflammatory treatment. Other options include gels or ointments at night, punctal plugs to retain tears and treatment of associated lid or skin conditions.
First steps
- Preservative free lubricating drops, used regularly rather than only when symptoms peak
- Gel or ointment at bedtime if the eyes are sore on waking
- Daily lid warmth, massage and cleaning where the oil glands are involved
- Reducing air conditioning, fans and dust exposure, and taking screen breaks
- Reviewing medicines with your doctor if one may be contributing, without stopping anything on your own
Medical treatment
When the surface is inflamed, a short course of a topical anti-inflammatory or a longer term immune modulating drop may be prescribed and monitored, since these require supervision. An oral antibiotic is sometimes used for its effect on the oil glands. Treatment of rosacea, allergy or blepharitis is part of the plan where those are present.
Procedures
- Punctal plugs, small inserts that partly close the tear drainage openings so tears stay on the eye for longer
- Expression of the meibomian glands in clinic
- Treatment of an eyelid that does not close fully or sits away from the eye, which may need surgical correction
- Bandage contact lenses or a protective approach in severe surface disease, under specialist supervision
What to expect
Dry eye is usually controlled rather than cured, and improvement is gradual, over weeks rather than days. Treatment often needs to continue. Standard Eye Specialist Hospital assesses the cause and puts together a plan, and where a treatment is available by arrangement rather than at every clinic this will be explained to you at your visit.
When to seek urgent assessment
- Increasing pain, reduced vision or a white spot on the cornea, which needs same day assessment
- Symptoms that worsen despite treatment, which may indicate another cause
Frequently asked questions
- Are drops that remove redness suitable?
- No. Drops that whiten the eye narrow blood vessels and do not lubricate. Used regularly they can make redness worse when they wear off.
- Do omega 3 supplements help?
- Some people find them helpful for gland related dry eye, although evidence is mixed. Ask your ophthalmologist whether they are appropriate for you, especially if you take blood thinning medication.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.
Care at Standard Eye
Related answers
- What are the symptoms of dry eye?
- What is meibomian gland dysfunction?
- What is eyelid hygiene and why does it matter?
- How do I use a warm compress for my eyes?
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