Dry eye can significantly impact your comfort and vision. At Gregg Family Eye Care, we’re committed to helping you find relief through accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment options. Let’s explore what dry eye is, the common treatments, and what you can expect in terms of relief.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears that evaporate too quickly. This imbalance in tear production and quality can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including a burning or stinging sensation, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and a gritty feeling, as if something is in your eye. The condition can result from several factors such as aging, environmental influences, prolonged screen use, contact lens wear, certain medications, or underlying health conditions like autoimmune disorders.

Common Prescription Treatments for Dry Eye

When over-the-counter lubricating drops are not enough, your optometrist may recommend prescription treatments such as:
 

• Cyclosporine (Restasis®): Helps increase tear production by reducing inflammation in the tear glands.

• Lifitegrast (Xiidra®): Targets inflammation at the cellular level to relieve symptoms.

• Corticosteroid eye drops: Often used short-term to reduce inflammation.

• Punctal plugs: Minimally invasive and help retain moisture on the eye's surface.

How Long Before You Notice Relief?

The timeline for seeing results varies based on the type of treatment and your individual eye health. Here’s a general idea:
 

• Restasis: May take 3 to 6 months of consistent use for full results.

• Xiidra: Some patients report symptom relief in as little as 2 weeks, though others may take longer.

• Steroid drops: Often provide quick relief within days to weeks, but they are not suitable for long-term use.

• Punctal plugs: Relief can be noticeable within a few days to weeks.

Factors That Influence Treatment Effectiveness

Several factors affect how quickly and effectively a dry eye treatment works:
 

• Severity of your condition

• Consistency with treatment use

• Underlying causes (autoimmune disease, medications, etc.)

• Overall eye hygiene, including lid care and warm compresses

When to See a Doctor

If you’ve been using a treatment consistently and haven’t noticed improvement within the expected time frame, or if your symptoms worsen, it’s time to consult your eye doctor. You may need a different approach, such as combining treatments or addressing a related condition like meibomian gland dysfunction.
 

Find Relief from Dry Eye at Gregg Family Eye Care

Prescription dry eye treatments can offer significant relief, but patience is key. We’re here to guide you through your treatment journey, helping you find long-term comfort and healthier eyes.

If dry eye is interfering with your daily life, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Gregg Family Eye Care to determine the best treatment plan to soothe your symptoms. Visit our office in Secane, Pennsylvania, or call (610) 831-4300 to book an appointment today.