Understanding Dry Eye Disease Care

Dry, Tired, Gritty Eyes? Here’s What You Need to Know

Have you ever felt your eyes becoming tired, dry, or even gritty, like there’s sand inside? If that sounds familiar,
you’re not alone—and this is something you should pay attention to.

In today’s digital lifestyle, dry eyes are increasingly common. Long hours in front of screens and spending most
of the day in air-conditioned rooms can reduce tear quality and quantity. When dry eyes are left untreated,
they can become uncomfortable and start to interfere with daily activities. The good news is, Dry Eye Disease
(DED) can be managed with the right approach and care.

1. Start with Artificial Tears
Artificial tears are often the first option people try when dealing with dry eyes. They’re easy to find and simple to use, making them a popular starting point. However, for some people, the relief may only be temporary and not enough to fully manage DED. If symptoms continue, it’s important to speak with an eye doctor to find a treatment that truly fits your needs

2. Prescription Eye Drops for Better Control
Did you know there are prescription eye drops designed specifically for DED?

• Secretagogues like diquafosol help improve both the amount and quality of tears by stimulating the
  production of oil, water, and mucin. These support a stable tear film that keeps your eyes moist and
  healthy.
• Anti-inflammatory eye drops like steroids and cyclosporine work by addressing the underlying
  inflammation that often causes persistent dry eye symptoms, especially when discomfort doesn’t go
  away.

3. Small Lifestyle Changes Matter
Simple habits can also make a big difference. Taking regular screen breaks and reducing time spent in dry environments can help support your eye comfort.

Your eyes deserve better care, especially when you have DED.

Think beyond temporary relief and focus on long-term comfort. To understand the right treatment for you, consider consulting an eye doctor and *find doctors near you for professional guidance

REFERENCE

• DOL Video Content
• Al-Mohtaseb Z, et al. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2021;15:3811–3820.
• Chlasta-Twardzik E, et al. Diagnostics (Basel). 2021;11(3):392.
• Semp DA, et al. Clinical Optometry (Auckland). 2023;15:9–27.
• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Why Is Dry Eye Difficult to Treat? Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/fix-dry-eye-treatment-eyedrops Accessed January 24, 2025
• Kojima T, et al. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. 2020;78:100842.
• National Eye Institute (NIH). Dry Eye. Available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye Accessed February 18, 2025