Table
2: Effective
and low risk interventions for dry eye syndrome.
Approach |
Details |
Rationale |
Treat
underlying condition |
Address
local or systemic findings that may contribute to dry eye. |
Treating
the underlying cause will allow for improved tear secretion and ocular
surface health |
Lid
hygiene |
Patient
is instructed to use a clean, warm and wet washcloth to gently scrub the
upper and lower eye lid margin in the morning and evening. |
Enhances
secretion of tear glands in the eyelid |
Warm
compresses to the eyelids |
Approximately
three times a day patient to heat a wet washcloth to a temperature that can
be safely tolerated on the skin, covers closed eyelids, and lets the washcloth
cool to body temperature. |
Enhances
secretions of tear glands in the eyelid and also helps the flow of lipid
based secretions as they are more liquid and less viscous when heated |
Behavior
modification |
Don’t
stare at computer screens, remember to blink often, look away from work or
near activities periodically, don’t sit in areas with high airflow or drafts
blowing across the eyes. |
Decreases
evaporation from the ocular surface |
Add
humidifier to room air |
Forced
air heat is very dry. Humidifying living or working areas can help reduce dry
eye symptoms. |
Decreases
evaporation from the ocular surface |
Use
artificial tears |
Start
with pro re nata use of preserved solutions in
multi-use containers. If symptoms require daily dosing, recommend
preservative free formulations. |
Wets
the eye, protects the ocular surface, and helps arrest the vicious cycle of
inflammation and corneal irritation |
Night
time use of gels or ointments |
Gels or
ointments are very effective at protecting the cornea in dry eye; they just
cause visual blur. These products are well tolerated when used just before
bed time. |
Protects
the ocular surface from desiccation during sleep |
Increase
systemic omega-3 fatty acid exposure |
Source
can be dietary or in the form of nutraceutical
supplements, e.g. two 1000 mg capsules 3 times per day |
Anti-inflammatory
activity. Shown in some studies to improve dry eye symptoms and tear
stability |