Top Treatments for Dry Eye: How to Find Lasting Relief
Phoenix’s desert climate makes dry eye incredibly common. For many people, symptoms flare during allergy season or after long days on devices. If you’re struggling with burning, gritty, or watery eyes, you’re not alone.
At a Glance
- Dry Eye Treatment options range from artificial tears to advanced healing solutions like AmnioGraft for Dry Eyes.
- Common Dry Eye Symptoms include burning, redness, and blurred vision.
- Causes of Dry Eyes include aging, medications, environment, and contact lens wear.
- Relief starts with an exam from an experienced Eye Doctor for Dry Eyes.
- Advanced therapies like AmnioGraft promote faster, long-term eye surface healing.
What Are the Top Treatments for Dry Eye Disease?
Top treatments for dry eye disease include:
- Artificial tears for hydration
- Punctal plugs to conserve tears
- Anti-inflammatory therapies or prescriptions
- Lid hygiene and regular compresses
- Amniotic membrane treatments like AmnioGraft for eye surface healing
If your eyes constantly feel dry or irritated, you’re not alone, and relief is closer than you think. The good news is that modern dry eye treatments do much more than mask symptoms. They can help your eyes heal and restore natural comfort.
At Horizon Eye Specialists, we treat the root causes of dry eyes, not just the dryness itself. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend therapies that hydrate, protect, or repair the eye surface, including advanced options like AmnioGraft for long-term dry eye relief.
Understanding Dry Eye Disease
Common Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry eye disease affects millions of people and often presents with more than just dryness. You may experience:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Itchy, sore, or burning eyes
- Redness or light sensitivity
- A gritty or sandy feeling
- Watery eyes (a sign of irritation, not hydration)
- Tired or heavy eyes after screen time
If you recognize these symptoms, schedule an exam with an eye doctor for dry eyes to confirm the cause and rule out underlying conditions.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Several factors can disrupt your eye’s natural tear film and lead to chronic dryness.
Aging and Hormonal Changes
As we age, tear production naturally decreases. Many adults begin to notice symptoms in their 40s or 50s, especially women due to hormonal changes.
Medications
Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, list dry eyes as a side effect.
Environmental and Lifestyle
Living in dry or windy climates (hello, Phoenix!), working long hours on screens, or frequent flying can all reduce blinking and moisture balance. Learn more about protecting your eyes in our eye health resources.
Contact Lens Wear
Extended contact lens use can increase friction and reduce oxygen to the cornea, worsening symptoms.
Underlying Health Conditions
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, and Sjögren’s syndrome are common causes of dry eyes and require specialized care.
Effective Dry Eye Treatments
Finding the right dry eye treatment starts with understanding what is causing your symptoms and how severe they are. Below is a list of common dry eye therapies, organized from mild home-care options to advanced medical treatments recommended by an eye doctor. This structure helps you see where your symptoms may fall and which therapies might offer the best relief.
Artificial Tears
For mild to moderate symptoms, preservative-free artificial tears can restore surface moisture and ease irritation. Your eye doctor can help you select the best formula and usage frequency.
Prescription Eye Drops
Medicated drops such as cyclosporine (Restasis®) help increase tear production and reduce inflammation. These are ideal for patients with chronic dry eye disease who need more than over-the-counter relief.
Warm Compress Therapy and Lid Hygiene
Applying warm compresses and practicing regular lid hygiene can help unclog blocked oil glands and improve the quality of your tears. This is especially beneficial for patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Treatments
When the oil glands in your eyelids become blocked, tears evaporate too quickly. Targeted in-office treatments can help clear gland blockages and restore normal oil flow to the tear film.
Omega-3 Supplements
Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, through fish oil or flaxseed oil supplements, may support healthier tear production and reduce inflammation contributing to dry eye symptoms.
Humidifier and Environmental Changes
Adjusting your environment can make a significant difference. Using a humidifier, taking breaks from screens, adding moisture to your home, and avoiding direct airflow can help maintain eye hydration.
Blepharitis Treatment
Blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation, often coexists with dry eye. Managing it with proper lid hygiene, medicated wipes, or in-office procedures can improve comfort and reduce irritation.
Punctal Occlusion
This in-office procedure gently places tiny plugs in the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly. This helps your eyes retain natural lubrication longer.
AmnioGraft for Dry Eyes
AmnioGraft is a breakthrough biologic treatment used to repair and regenerate damaged eye tissue.
- It uses a cryopreserved amniotic membrane recognized by the FDA for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
- It supports faster recovery for eyes affected by severe dryness, scarring, or surface damage.
- Many patients experience noticeable improvement in both comfort and clarity.
Learn more about this advanced procedure.
When do See an Eye Doctor for Dry Eyes
If your eyes burn, itch, or water frequently, or if over-the-counter drops are not helping, it is time to consult a specialist. A comprehensive exam can uncover the underlying causes of your dry eyes and lead to personalized treatment options.
Book your appointment for a comprehensive eye exam to start your journey toward clearer, more comfortable vision.
Find Lasting Relief at Horizon Eye Specialists
At Horizon Eye Specialists & LASIK Center, our dry eye team provides:
- Comprehensive tear film and gland evaluations
- Customized treatment plans for your symptoms and lifestyle
- Access to advanced therapies like AmnioGraft
- Multiple convenient locations across the Phoenix Valley
Schedule your eye exam today to take the first step toward comfortable, clear vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get relief from dry eyes?
+For mild symptoms, using preservative-free artificial tears several times a day can bring quick comfort. If over-the-counter drops don’t help, your eye doctor can recommend treatments like punctal plugs or AmnioGraft to restore long-term moisture and healing.
When should I see a doctor about dry eyes?
+If your eyes constantly feel gritty, red, or watery, or if your vision blurs after reading or screen time, it’s time to schedule an exam. Chronic dry eye can lead to inflammation or corneal damage, so catching it early helps prevent more serious issues.
What is AmnioGraft and how does it help with dry eyes?
+AmnioGraft uses a cryopreserved amniotic membrane that promotes natural healing on the eye’s surface. It reduces inflammation, repairs damaged tissue, and supports lasting relief for patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease or when the surface of the eye shows signs of damage. AmnioGraft is not a baseline dry eye treatment; it is typically recommended only when standard therapies (like artificial tears, prescription drops, or punctal plugs) are not enough, or when the cornea needs additional healing support. It can also be used for patients with corneal inflammation, persistent epithelial defects, or other surface diseases that require regenerative tissue healing.