Dry, itchy, or burning eyes are uncomfortable, and struggling to find effective relief can be frustrating, especially when over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops seem like they should be a quick fix. But even though artificial tears can be helpful, they’re not always the right solution for dry eye — and they’re far from the only one.
If your eyes frequently feel dry and uncomfortable, avoid the temptation to self-diagnose and self-treat. Book an appointment with an eye specialist like Anthony Cirino, DO, and our team at Cirino Eye Center. We’re here to diagnose your symptoms and give you a treatment plan that delivers lasting relief for dry, itchy eyes.
The tears your eyes make are more complex than they may seem. Tears contain a balance of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies that all play a role in keeping your eyes healthy.
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears they make don’t stay on the surface long enough to keep your eyes properly lubricated. This can cause symptoms like:
Without enough high-quality tears, your eyes can get irritated, inflamed, or even more vulnerable to infection.
Many eye conditions share similar symptoms, so it’s not easy to determine what’s causing your discomfort without a professional’s help. What feels like dry eye could actually be caused by an allergy, blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), a blocked tear duct, or a more serious corneal issue.
And without knowing your diagnosis, it’s possible that using the wrong type of eye drops can make the problem worse. For example, decongestant drops (“redness relievers”) may temporarily improve redness but can cause rebound irritation with frequent use.
That’s why it’s essential to have your eyes evaluated by a professional. Dr. Cirino can examine your tear quality, check your glands, and rule out other causes before recommending a treatment plan that truly addresses the root of your symptoms.
Here’s a look at different treatments and when they’re appropriate.
If you’re diagnosed with mild dry eye disease, OTC artificial tears can be an effective first-line treatment. These lubricating drops can supplement your natural tears and provide temporary relief from dryness or irritation.
Several different types of OTC eye drops are available, including preservative-free options, thicker gel formulations, or drops designed for contact lens wearers. We can help you choose the best kind based on your symptoms and give you recommendations on how often you need to use them.
For moderate to severe dry eye, OTC drops alone may not be enough. At Cirino Eye Center, we offer a range of advanced treatment options, including:
These treatments target the underlying cause of your dryness rather than just masking symptoms, which can help you achieve lasting comfort and healthier eyes over time.
The bottom line is that OTC eye drops can be a helpful part of managing dry eye, but they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The most important step you can take is scheduling an eye exam to confirm the cause of your symptoms and discuss treatment options that work best for you.
At Cirino Eye Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye with a personalized approach that helps you see and feel your best every day. Book an appointment online or call our Brunswick, Ohio, office at 330-222-8528 today.
