There are many causes of dry eye syndrome, but in general, the condition occurs because your tears are either abnormal or they are evaporating from your eye’s surface too quickly.

If you have mild dry eyes, you may be able to improve your symptoms just by changing your environment. Sitting too close to a heating or air conditioning vent exposes the eye to a constant flow of forced air, which can make tears evaporate too quickly. Cigarette smoke can irritate and dry out the eye surface as well, and quitting smoking often improves symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

If your eyes don’t produce enough tears or don’t produce healthy tears, there are tear replacements available. These artificial tears are sold over the counter in most drugstores and grocery stores. If your symptoms are mild to moderate, putting artificial tears into your eyes two to four times daily often helps relieve your symptoms.

If you require artificial tears more than four times daily, you may benefit from punctual plugs. The punctum is the opening in the lower eyelid through which your tears drain away. Plugging the punctum makes your tears—or artificial tears—stay on your eye surface longer, which improves your dry eye symptoms.

Moderate to severe dry eye may require medical therapy. Prescription eye drops are available that stimulate your tear glands to produce more of your own natural tears. All medications have side effects, and prescription medications can be costly, so this solution may not be for everyone.

If you have dry eye symptoms, talk to your eye doctor. Based on your lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms, your doctor will work with you to design a treatment plan to make your eyes comfortable.

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