Relief for Gritty Eyes: Summary of steps to treat Dry Eyes

Here is a summary of the steps need to provide relief for gritty eyes. Each step may only improve your comfort by 5%. However, added together they can make a big difference.

Getting the eye lids into good shape

Take Omega 3 fatty acids as either Flax seed oil or Fish Oil.

Massage eye lids in morning after heating them up in the shower or with hot flannel.

Use a hot compress in the evening. This could be a hot flannel or a wheat bag that has been heated in a microwave oven.

Clean eyelid margins carefully either with Novartis Lid Care or cotton buds dipped in a diluted solution of Johnson's baby shampoo.

Do the above for 3 weeks then once or twice a week as ongoing maintenance.

Damage caused by dry eyes

This is the kind of damage that dry eyes can do to your cornea.

The brightly coloured shiny dots represent cells on the surface of the eye that have damaged by the lack of tears.

The good news is that corneal cells heal really quickly. Even this sore uncomfortable eye could be back to normal in a few days with the right treatment.

Drops and Sprays

On a daily basis, as often as needed, use tear replacement drops. Remember that people vary enormously in their preference for drops. You need to find one that suits you.

Also on a daily basis use a lid spray such as Tears Again or Clarymist. There is good evidence that these are very beneficial in providing relief for gritty eyes.

Still not comfortable?

If you take the above action and you stil experience symptoms of dry, gritty, burning eyes, you need to consult an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist.

You may be offered prescription medication and punctal plugs.

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