Many people rely on over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops for dry eye relief, but for some, these solutions provide only temporary comfort. One patient at Dr. James Bedsole Eye Care shared how they had used lubricating drops multiple times a day, yet still experienced redness, irritation, and fluctuating vision.
If you’re constantly reaching for artificial tears without lasting relief, it may be time to explore prescription treatments. Thanks to advancements in dry eye care, options like Restasis, Xiidra, and Tyrvaya can help target the root cause of chronic dryness rather than just masking symptoms.
When Should You See a Doctor for Dry Eye?
Mild dry eye can often be managed with OTC lubricating drops, warm compresses, and lifestyle changes. However, you should book an eye exam if you experience:
- Persistent dryness, irritation, or burning despite using artificial tears.
- Blurred or fluctuating vision that worsens throughout the day.
- Eye fatigue or discomfort when reading or using screens.
- Sensitivity to light or excessive tearing (a sign of compensatory dryness).
- Trouble wearing contact lenses due to discomfort or irritation.
At Dr. James Bedsole Eye Care, we use advanced diagnostic technology like InflammaDry, LipiFlow, and TearLab to determine the underlying cause of your dry eye before recommending the best treatment plan.
Prescription Treatments for Dry Eye
If your dry eye symptoms are moderate to severe, your doctor may prescribe one of the following treatments to improve tear production and reduce inflammation.
1. Restasis® (Cyclosporine) – Increases Natural Tear Production
- Helps the eyes produce more tears naturally over time.
- Reduces inflammation in the tear glands, improving overall eye hydration.
- Requires consistent use for several months to achieve full results.
2. Xiidra® (Lifitegrast) – Blocks Inflammation in Dry Eye
- Works by blocking proteins that cause inflammation, reducing irritation and redness.
- Many patients experience relief within a few weeks.
- Can cause a mild, temporary metallic taste after application.
3. Tyrvaya™ (Varenicline Nasal Spray) – Stimulates Natural Tear Production
- Unlike eye drops, Tyrvaya is a nasal spray that activates tear production.
- Helps increase both quantity and quality of tears.
- Ideal for people who struggle with applying eye drops.
What If Prescription Drops Don’t Work?
If prescription eye drops or nasal sprays don’t provide enough relief, your doctor may recommend advanced in-office treatments like:
- LipiFlow® – Uses gentle heat and massage to unclog meibomian glands, improving the oily layer of tears.
- TearLab® – Measures tear concentration levels to guide treatment decisions.
- InflammaDry® – Tests for inflammatory markers, helping determine if anti-inflammatory treatments are needed.
Take the Next Step Toward Long-Term Dry Eye Relief in Pell City, AL
If OTC drops aren’t enough and your symptoms persist, it’s time to consider prescription treatments or advanced therapies. At Dr. James Bedsole Eye Care, we specialize in diagnosing and treating chronic dry eye with the latest medical advancements.
Schedule an appointment to explore the best treatment options for long-term dry eye relief