Dry Eye Treatment – Artificial Tears

Are you using over-the-counter, artificial tears to soothe your dry eye symptoms? Artificial tears can offer relief from your dry eye symptoms, but with so many options, how do you know which drops are right for you?

Next time you are selecting artificial tears, consider the following… Artificial tears help supply the eye with fluids, minerals, and lubricating materials which are normally found in tears. They are designed to soothe irritation, temporarily relieve the symptoms of dry eye, and help protect the eye against further irritation. Artificial tears can be split into two categories: eye drops with preservatives, and preservative-free eye drops.

Eye drops with preservatives typically come in multidose containers, using additional chemicals to protect against the growth of bacteria once the container is opened. For some patients, especially those with more moderate or severe dry eye, these preservatives can cause further eye irritation. If you experience irritation, you may consider preservative-free eye drops, which usually come in single-dose containers, and may be more expensive.

These drops are typically recommended if you have moderate to severe dry eye, or are using artificial tears several times a day. Dry eye symptoms can be frustrating. If you use over-the-counter, artificial tears but continue to experience dry eye symptoms, speak with us today. We will find the cause of your dry eye, and we will help select the best treatment plan for you. Let us help you find relief from your dry eye.e.