Dry Eye Syndrome: Treatment Options and Expert Advice

Eye problems

Hello, Doctor! During the summer, I visited an ophthalmologist due to my dry eye syndrome.
During the examination, the doctor mentioned that I have symptoms of dry eye but I'm still young.
He then prescribed me two bottles of eye drops, instructing me to apply them five minutes apart.
The drops are labeled 1 and 2, but today after using the drop labeled 1 in one eye, it ran out, and I didn't apply the other eye.
I'm hesitant to use the second bottle of drops, but just now my eye suddenly started to hurt.
After the first application, my eye also suddenly hurt (this happens when I'm using the computer), but it subsided afterward.
I plan to ask the doctor about this issue during my next visit.
However, the doctor advised me to continue using the drops.
Recently, I've been considering whether to return to the same ophthalmology clinic or switch to another one.
I would like your advice on this matter.
Additionally, I would like to know if there are other medications besides artificial tears that can be used for dry eye syndrome.
Also, could you please advise me on what I can do in my daily routine to improve this condition? Thank you!

A Zhu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/31

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello, please give your eyes more rest, reduce the use of electronic devices, ensure adequate sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/07/31

More Info

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a common condition that can significantly affect your quality of life. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms can include dryness, irritation, redness, and a feeling of grittiness in the eyes. Given your situation, it’s important to explore both treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate your symptoms.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye Syndrome
1. Artificial Tears: The first line of treatment for dry eyes is often artificial tears. These are available over-the-counter and can help lubricate the eyes. It's essential to choose preservative-free options if you need to use them frequently, as preservatives can sometimes exacerbate dryness.

2. Prescription Eye Drops: If artificial tears are not sufficient, your doctor may prescribe medications such as cyclosporine A (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra). These medications help increase tear production and reduce inflammation in the eyes.

3. Punctal Plugs: If your dry eye symptoms are severe, your doctor might suggest punctal plugs. These are small devices inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, helping to keep tears on the surface of the eye longer.

4. Scleral Lenses: As you mentioned, scleral lenses can be an option for severe dry eye. These lenses create a reservoir of fluid that can help keep the cornea moist.

5. Lifestyle Modifications:
- Screen Time Management: Since you mentioned that your symptoms worsen while using the computer, consider implementing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain.

- Humidity Control: Using a humidifier in your home can help maintain moisture in the air, which can be beneficial for dry eyes.

- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain overall hydration, which is important for tear production.

- Dietary Changes: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and flaxseed oil, may help improve tear quality. Consider incorporating these into your diet or discussing supplementation with your doctor.

Addressing Your Concerns
Regarding your specific situation with the eye drops, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. If you accidentally miss a dose or run out of one type of eye drop, it’s generally advisable to contact your healthcare provider for guidance rather than self-adjusting your treatment. The sudden pain you experienced after using the drops could be due to several factors, including sensitivity to the medication, improper application, or even an underlying condition that needs further evaluation.

If you feel that your current treatment is not effective or if you continue to experience significant discomfort, it may be worthwhile to seek a second opinion from another eye care professional. Different doctors may have varying approaches to treatment, and a fresh perspective could provide new insights into managing your dry eye syndrome.

Conclusion
In summary, managing dry eye syndrome often requires a multifaceted approach that includes both medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments. While artificial tears are a common starting point, there are various other options available depending on the severity of your symptoms. If your current treatment is not providing relief, don’t hesitate to seek further evaluation and explore alternative treatments. Remember, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is key to finding the most effective management plan for your dry eye syndrome.

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