Dry eye is a common and often frustrating condition that can interfere with daily life, making your eyes feel gritty, dry, and irritated. While there are many causes, one of the most common and accessible treatment options is artificial tears.
 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Tears are essential for keeping the eye’s surface smooth, clear, and comfortable. When the tear film is compromised, symptoms such as burning, stinging, redness, blurred vision, and the sensation of something in the eye can develop. This condition can be chronic or temporary and often worsens with environmental triggers like wind, dry air, or long hours of screen use.
 

How Do Artificial Tears Work?

Artificial tears are over-the-counter lubricating eye drops designed to supplement your eye’s natural tear film. They help:

• Provide moisture to the eye surface

• Reduce irritation and dryness

• Improve comfort during daily activities

• Protect the cornea from damage due to friction
   

There are many types of artificial tears available, including preservative-free options for sensitive eyes or those who use drops frequently. Your optometrist can help you select the best formulation based on your specific symptoms and needs.
 

What to Expect During Treatment

Artificial tears often provide immediate relief, but the overall treatment timeline varies depending on the severity of your symptoms and consistency of use.

• First Few Days: You may notice temporary relief from burning or grittiness. Drops may be used several times a day, especially during symptom flare-ups.

• One to Two Weeks: With regular use, many patients report reduced frequency and severity of symptoms. It’s important to apply the drops consistently and follow any instructions provided by your doctor.

• Three to Four Weeks: If artificial tears are effectively addressing your dry eye symptoms, you’ll likely settle into a routine where maintenance becomes the focus. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it may be a sign that additional treatments are necessary.
   

When to See Your Eye Doctor

While artificial tears can be effective for short-term or mild dry eye relief, they may not address the root cause. It’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and personalized treatment plan with your optometrist if:

• You’ve used artificial tears regularly for more than a week with little or no improvement

• You experience eye pain, redness, swelling, or vision changes

• You need drops more than six times per day

• Your symptoms are worsening or affecting your daily life
   

Chronic or moderate-to-severe dry eye may require advanced treatment options such as prescription eye drops, warm compress therapy, punctal plugs, thermal pulsation therapy, or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Artificial tears can play an important role in managing dry eye, offering a safe and accessible solution for many patients. However, they are just one part of a broader treatment strategy. If your symptoms persist or impact your quality of life, a professional evaluation is key to identifying the underlying cause and finding long-term relief.
 

At Optometry Medical Group, we provide personalized dry eye evaluations and advanced treatment options to help restore comfort. Visit our offices in Seattle, Washington, call (206) 322-6915 for our Rainier office, or call (206) 395-2285 for our Madison office.