How to Get Long-Term Relief from Dry Eye
If you find yourself reaching for artificial tears several times a day but still have gritty, irritated eyes, you may be wondering if there’s a better path forward. Dry eye is one of the most common conditions Mid Ohio Eye treats, and while over-the-counter drops can help in mild cases, they don’t always address the underlying problem.
The good news is that several options can provide lasting relief from dry eye. Keep reading to learn about advanced dry eye treatments that can offer long-term relief.
The Benefits of Prescription Eye Drops over Artificial Tears
When over-the-counter tears aren’t enough, prescription eye drops can target the root of the problem. Medications like Restasis, Xiidra, and Cequa work by reducing inflammation in the tear glands and improving the quantity and quality of tears your eyes naturally produce. Unlike artificial tears, which add temporary moisture, these drops help your eyes generate better tears on their own over time.
Your eye doctor may also prescribe a short course of corticosteroid drops at the start of treatment to quickly reduce inflammation. Once the initial flare has settled, long-term prescription drops can help maintain the results.
Consider Punctal Plugs for Preserving Your Natural Tears
Punctal plugs are tiny silicone inserts placed into the small openings (called puncta) on the inner corners of your eyelids. These openings normally drain tears away from the eye and into the nose.
By blocking that drainage, punctal plugs keep your natural tears on the surface of your eye longer, increasing moisture and providing relief from dry eye throughout the day. The placement is a quick, painless procedure done right in the office.
Both temporary and longer-lasting options are available, and your doctor can remove them at any time if needed. Punctal plugs also make other treatments, like prescription eye drops, more effective by keeping the medication on the eye’s surface longer.
Advanced Treatments for Severe Dry Eye
For patients who have tried prescription eye drops and punctal plugs without adequate improvement, several advanced options are available:
Amniotic Membrane Therapy
Amniotic membrane is a biological tissue graft placed directly on the eye, similar to a contact lens. It contains natural growth factors that reduce inflammation and promote healing of the corneal surface.
The membrane stays in place for several days, and once removed, many patients notice a significant improvement in comfort. This in-office procedure is especially helpful for eyes with surface damage from prolonged dryness.
Autologous Serum Tears
Autologous serum tears are custom-made eye drops created from a patient’s own blood. After a blood draw, red blood cells are separated, and the remaining serum is processed into eye drops.
Because they come from your own body, these drops contain immunoglobulins, vitamins, and growth factors that closely match your natural tears. They offer real support for patients with severe dry eye who haven’t responded well to other treatments.
Boston Scleral Lens
The Boston scleral lens is a specially designed, larger-diameter contact lens that rests on the white of the eye (the sclera) rather than directly on the cornea. The space between the lens and the cornea is filled with preservative-free saline, creating a fluid reservoir that bathes the eye throughout the day.
It provides continuous hydration, protects the corneal surface from the environment, and delivers stable, clear vision. For patients with persistent or severe symptoms, a scleral lens can provide lasting comfort and dry-eye relief.
Get to the Bottom of Your Dry Eye Discomfort
Dry eye is a manageable condition, and the right combination of treatments can bring meaningful, long-term relief. If over-the-counter drops aren’t giving you the comfort you need, a conversation with your eye doctor is the best place to start.
Schedule a consultation at Mid Ohio Eye in Columbus, OH, today to explore which dry eye relief options are right for you.
