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The severity of the dry eye and the patient symptoms usually dictate the course of treatment.
Mild Dry Eye
Moderate Dry Eye
Severe Dry Eye
Other Treatments for Dry Eye
Mild Dry Eye
 In mild cases, the doctor may recommend the use of artificial tears or gels which are placed in the eye at regular intervals.
Many of these artificial tears and gels can be purchased over-the-counter at the pharmacy.
Moderate Dry Eye
For moderate conditions or for those who fail to show improvement with the use of artificial lubrication,
occlusion of the lacrimal drainage system may be necessary.  Occlusion consists of placing small silicone plugs into the
puncta(the small openings in the nasal corner of the eye where the tears drain). The plugs act much like a dam for the tears thus creating a "lake" of water for the eye.
The procedure is quick, simple, painless and is often very effective in relieving dry eye symptoms.
If the patient should experience too many tears or excessive tearing, the plugs can just as easily be removed.
Severe Dry Eye
For severe case or where patient symptoms dictate medical treatment, new topical treatments using androgens or cyclosporine may be used.
Restasis™, cyclosporine, is a relatively new treatment for dry eye. Its use has been highly effective and is quickly becoming the
treatment of choice for many doctors. Other topical drops like steroids may also be used in combination with Restasis™.
Other Treatment for Dry Eye
 New studies recently released show that nutrition also can play a role in relieving dry eye symptoms.
Diets high in Omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial to maintaining a proper tear film. Patients may be advised to supplement
their diets with Omega 3s if they are not getting enough in their diet.
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