Do you have dry, irritated eyes that just won’t go away? Artificial tears may be able to help.
Finding the right treatment for your dry eye symptoms could be as simple as heading to the pharmacy to buy over-the-counter artificial tears. But how do they work, and when is it time to consider further treatment?
Keep reading to learn more about how artificial tears help with dry eye!
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is an eye condition where your tear film is unable to properly lubricate the surface of your eyes. This can happen due to a lack of oil, mucus, or water in your tear film.
The result is poor-quality tears or tears that evaporate too quickly to keep your eyes hydrated. While most people experience dry eyes from time to time, dry eye is a chronic condition that doesn’t go away on its own.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Patients with dry eye experience many symptoms, including:
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Excessive eye watering
- Redness or excess mucus in and around the eyes
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses
- Eye fatigue
- Stinging, burning, or grittiness
- Feeling like there’s something in your eye
While these symptoms are commonly associated with dry eye, they could be indicators of other eye conditions like cataracts or conjunctivitis. You should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor at Colorado Eye Consultants so they can properly diagnose your condition and recommend treatment options to help you find relief.
Do Artificial Tears Help with Dry Eye?
The first line of treatment for dry eye is often eye drops or artificial tears. They can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies and come in different varieties to suit your needs.
They work by supplementing either the water or oil in your tears, which adds moisture and reduces redness and irritation. Your eye doctor can recommend specific brands for you depending on how sensitive your eyes are and how often you will need to use artificial tears.
How to Use Artificial Tears
To moisturize your dry eyes using artificial tears, first make sure to wash your hands. Then, gently pull your lower eyelid down with your finger while tilting your head backward.
Place the bottle over your eye and squeeze out the recommended amount of drops while being careful not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye. Then, close your eyes and let the drops start to work.
It’s best not to rub your eyes after applying artificial tears. However, you can place your fingers near the inner corners of your eyes to help keep the fluid in initially.
How Do Eye Doctors Treat Dry Eye?
If artificial tears are not enough to soothe your dry eye, your eye doctor may recommend a more comprehensive treatment like TearCare. This state-of-the-art system uses gentle heat and eyelid massage to release blockages in the meibomian glands.
This can help replenish the tear film with the oils it needs to keep your eyes lubricated. Non-invasive and taking just 15 minutes, this advanced dry eye treatment can help you find relief from the frustrating symptoms of dry eye and get back to living with comfort.
Are you ready to learn more about soothing your dry eye with artificial tears? Schedule an appointment at Colorado Eye Consultants in Littleton, CO, today!
