Dry eyes can be a constant source of discomfort, affecting your quality of life and eye health. Artificial tears are often the first line of defense for people dealing with dry eye. However, if you suffer from chronic or severe dry eye, these over-the-counter solutions might not be enough. Learn about some of the potential disadvantages of solely relying on artificial tears for relief:
Only provide temporary relief
Artificial tears can hydrate your eyes for short periods, but their effects may not last long enough for those with chronic or severe dry eye issues. You may need to use them multiple times throughout the day to keep your eyes comfortable. Over time, this can become tedious and costly.
Allergic reactions to preservatives
Some artificial tears contain preservatives that can irritate your eyes, leading to redness or itching. Preservative-free alternatives are available, but they can be more expensive. If you use these eye drops frequently, the cost can add up.
Masks underlying issues
Artificial tears won’t treat the underlying causes of dry eye, which can vary depending on the person. Conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) or autoimmune disorders could be contributing to dry eye symptoms. Many people find that a more comprehensive approach, which includes lifestyle changes and professional treatments, is necessary for lasting relief. At Coral Gables Eye Care, we offer advanced solutions like iProX IPL and RF treatment, which target the root causes of dry eye to help you feel better.
Risk of dependency
Using artificial tears too often can lead to dependency, where your eyes start to rely on these drops instead of producing natural tears. This reliance can worsen your symptoms by reducing your tear production over time. Our eye care professionals can help you find better, long-lasting solutions.
If over-the-counter eye drops aren’t providing the relief you need, it may be time to explore other options for dry eye treatment in Coral Gables. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the right solutions for your dry eye symptoms. Our dry eye treatment options, such as iProX IPL and RF treatment, are designed to provide lasting relief and improve your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with our experts today.