Dry eye is an eye condition that is experienced when your tears do not lubricate the eyes effectively. There are several reasons why tears can fail to lubricate the eyes effectively. For instance, you might not be producing sufficient tears or the tears that are being produced may be of poor-quality. Dry eye causes inflammation and can damage the surface of the eye. The main symptom of this condition is a stinging or burning sensation in the eyes and it’s very common in people who wear contact lenses.
Although in some instances it can be cured completely, in some people they have to live with it for the rest of their lives. However, it can be easily managed. The best treatment option will depend on the cause and extent of the condition. The most common dry eye treatment option that is recommended by eye doctors is artificial tears.
Artificial Tears
If you are suffering from the milder version of dry eyes which is normally caused by reading or staying in front of the computer for long periods of time, the best treatment would be using artificial tears or some other eye drops that lubricate the eyes. Although you can buy these over-the-counter, it is always best to see an eye doctor first so that he can give you a proper diagnosis. After the doctor has confirmed that you have the disease, he can recommend the best brand for you.
Usually, even though you have quite a severe case of dry eyes, the doctor will start by recommending artificial tears. These lubricating eye drops have different ingredients and thickness or viscosity. If you choose a brand that is thin and watery, the eye drops will give you relief very quickly and you will not experience blurry vision. But that soothing effect normally doesn’t last and you will be forced to use them more times just to get the relief that you desire.
If you opt for lubricating eye drops that are thicker and gel-like, they will give you longer lasting relief. But you have to be prepared to have blurry vision for a couple of minutes after applying them. If you are a contact lens wearer, you will have to make sure that you apply the eye drops several minutes before you wear your contact lenses, otherwise the blurry vision will affect you throughout the day. So, although they are the most effective lubrication eye drops, they are not the most ideal dry eye treatment option if you require clear vision instantly.
