Dry Eye Center · Treatments

The right dry-eye treatment depends on what the evaluation shows.

Dry eye can involve different contributors, so treatment is rarely one-size-fits-all. A plan may combine home care, medications, tear-retention strategies, eyelid-gland treatment, and in-office therapies based on the findings and your goals.

Treatment options

A broader toolbox, used selectively.

Home and environmental strategies

Changes such as taking screen breaks, improving blink habits, using a humidifier, reducing direct airflow, or adjusting the daily environment may be part of a broader management plan.

Lubricating eye drops

Artificial tears and other lubricating products can help improve comfort and tear-film support. The best type and frequency depend on the individual patient.

Prescription medications

Prescription drops or other medications may be considered when inflammation, tear production, or another specific contributor needs to be addressed.

Punctal plugs

Small devices placed in the tear-drainage openings may be used in selected patients to help retain natural tears on the eye longer.

Meibomian-gland care

When eyelid oil-gland dysfunction is contributing, treatment may include gland expression, heat-based therapies, eyelid care, or other approaches intended to improve gland function and tear-film quality.

Thermal treatment

The practice currently offers in-office heat-based therapy for selected patients with meibomian-gland dysfunction. Whether it is appropriate depends on the examination and testing.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL is an in-office light-based therapy that may be considered for selected patients with dry-eye disease and meibomian-gland dysfunction. A dry-eye evaluation is needed to determine whether it is an appropriate option.

Moisture protection

Moisture-chamber glasses, shields, or other protective strategies may help reduce evaporation in certain environments or during sleep.

Nutrition and general health

Diet, hydration, systemic health, and nutritional considerations may be discussed when relevant, but recommendations should be individualized rather than treated as a universal dry-eye solution.

What treatment is not

No single therapy is the answer for every patient.

The treatment that makes sense for one patient may be unnecessary or inappropriate for another. In-office procedures should be recommended because the examination and testing support their use, not simply because the technology is available.

Some dry-eye treatments may not be covered by insurance. The practice can explain expected costs and coverage considerations before treatment is started.

See How Dry Eye Is Evaluated

Build the plan around the patient

Start with the findings.

If over-the-counter drops have not been enough, a focused dry-eye evaluation can help determine whether there are additional treatment options worth considering.

Request a Dry Eye Evaluation