Best Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome

The treatment of dry eye syndrome aims to relieve symptoms, protect the cornea, maintain and restore normal tear film function, and thereby improve patients' quality of life and visual function. Treatment strategies should be individualized based on the cause, severity, and specific circumstances of each patient.

For mild to moderate dry eye syndrome, the use of artificial tears is the first-line treatment. Artificial tears can replenish moisture on the surface of the eye and alleviate dryness. Examples include sodium hyaluronate eye drops and polyvinyl alcohol eye drops, which provide hydration and lubrication to relieve dryness.

If ocular inflammation is present, appropriate use of anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroid eye drops may be added, although care should be taken regarding duration and dosage to avoid side effects. For dry eye syndrome caused by autoimmune diseases, systemic medication such as cyclosporine A might be required to modulate the immune response.

Applying warm compresses using a warm towel or eye mask can help promote secretion from the meibomian glands and improve tear film quality. Gland expression through meibomian gland massage can help unclog blocked gland orifices and facilitate the discharge of secretions.

For patients who do not respond to medical and physical treatments, surgical interventions such as punctal plugs or salivary gland transplantation may be considered to improve tear production and distribution.