Advanced treatments for dry eye disease include: intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, punctal plugs to block tear drainage, specialized contact lenses like scleral lenses, eyelid hygiene practices like lid scrubs, prescription eye drops targeting inflammation (like cyclosporine), and in some cases, minimally invasive procedures to unblock clogged meibomian glands.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy : Uses light pulses to target inflammation in the eyelids, often beneficial for patients with blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid glands) which can contribute to dry eyes.
Punctal plugs : Small silicone or gel inserts placed in the tear ducts to slow down tear drainage and keep more tears on the eye surface.
Scleral contact lenses : Large diameter lenses that create a fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea, providing continuous hydration for severe dry eye cases.
Prescription eye drops : Medications like cyclosporine (Restasis) can help stimulate tear production and reduce inflammation.
Meibomian gland expression : A procedure where a doctor manually expresses the oil glands in the eyelids to clear blockages and improve tear quality.
Lid hygiene practices : Regular cleaning of the eyelids with warm compresses and gentle lid scrubs to remove debris and maintain healthy oil gland function.
Environmental modifications : Using a humidifier, avoiding air drafts, taking breaks from screens, and wearing wraparound sunglasses
Dietary supplements : Omega-3 fatty acids may help support tear production in some individuals
Artificial tears : Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to provide temporary relief