Dry eyes can be a chronic condition that affects the tear film, causing uncomfortable symptoms like burning, itching, watering, or blurred vision. While there is no cure for dry eyes, there are several treatments that can help manage the symptoms. Here are some ways to help dry eyes:

• Artificial tears: These are over-the-counter eye drops that work like your own tears and may help lubricate your eyes. There are many different brands, and some have preservatives added so they last longer, but using those too often may irritate your eyes.

• Warm compresses: Using warm compresses or eye masks daily can help clear up blocked oil glands and improve the health of your tears.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet may help relieve dry eye signs and symptoms. These are available as supplements and in foods such as flaxseed, salmon, and sardines.

• Castor oil eye drops: These eye drops may improve symptoms by reducing tear evaporation.

• Lifestyle changes: Avoiding smoke, wind, and air conditioning, using a humidifier to keep the air in your home from getting too dry, limiting screen time, and taking breaks from staring at screens can help protect your eyes.

• Prescription medicines: If your dry eye is more serious, your eye doctor may give you a prescription for medicines called cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra). These medicines are both types of eye drops that can help your eyes make more tears.

• Procedures: There are several procedures that can help with dry eyes, such as thermal pulsation therapy (Lipiflow®), which helps people who have an unstable tear film due to blocked oil glands.

Its important to note that you may need to try several different treatments to find what works best for you, and its worth the effort to manage your symptoms. If your current treatments arent working or you want to discuss other options, talk to your healthcare provider.