Chronic vs. Acute Dry Eye
Dry eye is such a frustrating dry eye condition for folks because there are so many variables such as tear chemistry, environment, treatments and unknown factors.
Dry Eye Symptoms yo-yo up and down as chronic dry eye tends to be punctuated with acute bouts. The management of these phases has to be very different...
Chronic Dry Eye is typically managed with some combination of:
- Over the counter drops/gels/ointments (e.g. Hyabak, PUR, Thealoz DUO)
- Omega 3 supplements
- Procedure based treatments (e.g. IPL)
- Warm compresses
- Lid care
- Prescription immune system modulating medications (e.g. Restasis)
- Oral medications (e.g. doxycycline)
- Low dose steroids (e.g. Alrex)
Acute Dry Eye is typically managed with all of the above plus
- Prescription topical steroids (e.g. Lotemax gel, FML)
Once acute treatments (steroids) kick in and eyes feel better, the question always arises "Why can't I stay on this medication! It works so well". Topical steroid treatment has risks and can actually make other eye conditions / infections worse.
Always follow your eye care providers recommendations and do not keep a bottle of acute treatment steroids for emergency use!
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Still looking for more dry eye information written by eye care professionals? Learn the basics of dry eye 101
RELATED TOPICS: #1 Reason Why Dry Eye Treatment Fail, My Eyes tear constantly - How can I have Dry Eye?
References: NIH National Library of Medicine - Steroids for Dry Eye Treatment
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Away from corporate influences and their churn, I believe in time and an unhurried environment. At mEYEspa and my clinic, we are UNcorporate Optometry. I have special interest in occupational vision needs, concussive injury to the visual system and dry eye management. I am the owner of mEYEspa and a dedicated to the delivery of relevant information and clinic-tested eye care products. -Doctor of Optometry - University of Waterloo 1994 -Honors Bachelor of Science – Waterloo 1994 -Registered Ontario College of Optometrists -Member of Ontario Association of Optometrists -Member of Canadian Association of Optometrists -10 year straight winner of 3 Best Rated Optometrists London ON
