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Dry eye syndrome - Treatment

Alternative Names

Keratitis sicca; Xerophthalmia; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Treatment:

Treatments may include:

Wetting drops called artificial tears
Lubricating ointments (in more severe cases)
Tiny plugs placed in the tear drainage ducts to help the tears stay on the surface of the eye
Medications such as Restasis, topical corticosteroids, and oral tetracycline and doxyccycline

Surgery may be used if the eyelids are in an abnormal position.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most patients with dry eye have only discomfort, and no vision loss. With severe cases, the clear window on the front of the eye (cornea) may become damaged or infected.

Complications:

Ulcers or infections of the cornea are serious complications.

Calling your health care provider:

See your health care provider immediately if you have dry eyes and have:

A sudden increase in discomfort or redness
A sudden decrease in vision

Eye anatomy

Reviewed last on: 10/6/2008
Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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