Replacing natural tears with artificial tears is the basis of treatment for dry eyes. Artificial tears are available without a prescription and are used as eye drops to lubricate the eyes and compensate for the missing moisture. There are many brands of artificial tears in the market, and many people try several different brands to find one which suits them best. The artificial tears may be used only once or twice a day, or as often as several times an hour. Solid inserts that gradually release lubricants during the day are also beneficial to some people.

Conserving the Tears

Conserving the naturally produced tears is another way of keeping the eyes moist. After bathing the eye’s surface, the tears enter a small opening in each lid, the pomatum, and drain through a small canal, the canaliculus, into the lachrymal sac and down the nasolachrymal duct into the nose. These channels may be closed, temporarily or permanently, by the ophthalmologist. The closure creates a reservoir of tears which allows the eyes to stay moist for longer periods of time.

An ophthalmologist is the medical doctor who is educated, trained, and licensed to provide total care of the eyes. Total eye care includes performing comprehensive medical eye examinations, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing diseases and disorders bf the eye and using the appropriate medical and surgical procedures necessary for their treatment. Only an ophthalmologist can provide total eye care.

Anything that adds to dryness, such as overly warm room, hair dryers, wind or irritants in the air, makes persons with dry eyes more uncomfortable. Smoking is especially bothersome.

Some people with dry eyes complain of ‘scratchy eyes’ upon awakening. This symptom can be treated by using an ointment at bedtime. Use the smallest amount of the ointment necessary for comfort since the ointment can cause a temporary blurring of vision.

Although ointments containing vitamin A seem to be of some benefit to people with extremely dry eyes due to scarring from Stevens – Johnson syndrome or pemphigoid, vitamin A does seem to help people with ordinary dry eyes.

Dry eyes can also be associated with arthritis and accompanied by a dry mouth. People with dry eyes, dry mouth and arthritis are said to have Sjogren’s Syndrome.

Allergy to drugs and medication, e.g. Sulpha or Brufen used in excess or over a prolonged period, can also cause dry eyes by reducing tear secretion. Since medication is often necessary, the dry eye condition may have to be tolerated or treated with artificial tears. Drug induced ‘dry eye’ is the most common malady of modern times. Preservatives used in making eye drops by pharmaceuticals are the agents that cause” dry eyes” if used indiscriminately and for a long time without medical supervision. They are Benzylcholium Chloride and Mercuric Nitrate.