Therapy - with tear supplements

An important basic therapy for dry eye that typically provides immediate relief of the annoying symptoms are various tear supplements. They are often called tear ´substitutes´ although they can not fully substitute the natural tears with their many active ingredients or they are even termed ´artificial tears´ etc.

=> here you will find more information about Tear Supplements

  • Tear supplements are freely available without prescription. So, different preparations can be tried until an individually well-tolerated and effective preparation is found.

  • Tear Supplements without Preservatives are always preferable, because preservatives can damage the ocular surface tissue, in particular when they are used frequently as is typical for dry eyes.

  • However, the costs are typically not reimbursed by health insurance companies.

  • Tear substitutes can usually improve a deficient tear film immediately to a certain extent. However, they work only temporarily and therefore have to be dripped several times a day. The necessary frequency can be up to every hour depending on the severity of the condition.

  • In case of moderate to severe dry eyes, it is recommended to use of a thicker gel that stays on the eye longer and thus protects the surface better - especially overnight.

The ease with which various tear substitutes are available, however, should not disguise the fact that your choice should be carefully considered in order to obtain a sufficient and beneficial effect on the eye.

It is therefore advisable to consult your ophthalmologist (!) for a thorough diagnosis of the condition and for the recommendation of suitable tear substitutes and recommendations for their use as well as probably advice for other therapy, if necessary.

Depending on the type and severity of the disorder, also other therapy options may be recommendable.

=> In case of severe dry eyes, your ophthalmologist can decide to apply prescription medicine, if necessary.

=> Next Page: An Overview of general therapy options for Dry Eyes, Eyelids and Meibomian Glands