Options, side by side
Dry eye treatments, and what the FDA says about each
Treatments can help many people feel better. Results vary from person to person, and your doctor explains the risks and what is known about each option before you decide.
| Option | FDA status in the US | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm compresses and lid cleaning at home | FDA status in the USA home routine. The doctor explains what is known about it. | How it worksHeat on closed lids, then a gentle clean along the lash line, to help the oil glands release. | Good to knowDaily, for the length of time the doctor suggests. Most people can start the same day. |
| Lubricating eye drops | FDA status in the USSold without a prescription. The doctor explains which kind fits. | How it worksDrops that add moisture to the surface and ease the feeling of dryness for a while. | Good to knowSome contain preservatives. We suggest a type after the tests. |
| Prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops | FDA status in the USFDA-approvedApproved by the FDA for dry eye. | How it worksDrops used twice a day that calm inflammation on the surface of the eye. | Good to knowThey can sting at first, and they are used over weeks. Checked at the follow-up. |
| Thermal pulsation of the eyelids | FDA status in the USFDA-clearedCleared by the FDA for dry eye from blocked eyelid glands. | How it worksA device warms the inner lids and presses the outer lids to move out oil that has thickened. | Good to knowDone in the office in one visit. A plan may not cover it. |
| Intense pulsed light | FDA status in the USFDA-clearedCleared by the FDA for dry eye from eyelid gland dysfunction. | How it worksLight pulses on the skin below the eyes, aimed at the glands that make the oil layer of tears. | Good to knowSeveral visits, spaced weeks apart. Not suited to every skin type. A plan may not cover it. |
| Punctal plugs | FDA status in the USFDA-clearedCleared by the FDA for dry eye. | How it worksA tiny plug placed in the drain of the lid so tears stay on the eye longer. | Good to knowPlaced in the office. They can be taken out, and the doctor explains the risks first. |
After the tests
How the doctor chooses
- 01
Start with the cause the tests point to
Thin tears, gland trouble and a worn surface call for different steps. The doctor starts with the one the results show.
- 02
Change one thing at a time
That way you and the doctor can tell what helped and what did not.
- 03
Repeat the tests
At the return visit the doctor repeats the tests that were done at the first one and compares the results with you.
In the office
A treatment room, not an operating room
In-office treatments are done in a quiet exam room in a reclining chair. The doctor explains the steps, the risks and what you may feel before anything starts, and you can stop at any time.
Treatments are billed to medical insurance when the plan covers them. Where a plan does not, we say so in writing first.
- Sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a curtain over your vision, a chemical splash or an eye injury needs care now. Call our office right away or go to an emergency room. If you can't reach us, call 911.
About the options
Which treatment will I get?
The one the tests point to, chosen with you. Many patients begin with home care and drops, and the doctor adds an in-office treatment only where it fits.
How long until I feel a difference?
It varies. Some people notice a change in days and others need weeks. Results vary, and the doctor explains what to expect for the option you choose.
Are there risks?
Every option has some, from stinging drops to skin sensitivity after a light treatment. The doctor goes through them before you decide.
Does insurance cover these?
Drops and the visits are often billed to medical insurance. Some in-office treatments are not covered by every plan. We check before the visit and put the answer in writing.
Talk it through with a doctor
A dry eye evaluation comes first, so the options fit your tests.