# Treatment for Severe Dry Eye

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/treatment-for-severe-dry-eye

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-06

> **Summary:** Dry eye occurs when the eye is not moistened enough, because tear volume falls, tear composition changes or the tear glands stop working. Treatment of severe dry eye depends on its cause and degree and ranges from artificial tears and ointments to punctal plugs and IPL.

## Quick Facts
- **Most used treatment:** Artificial tear drops
- **Punctal plugs:** A few minutes in the clinic
- **IPL:** May take several sessions
- **Common in:** Women during menopause, but possible at any age

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## Causes
Dry eye can be physiological or environmental and varies by person. Contributing factors:
- Ageing and menopause
- Wearing contact lenses (remove them daily and rest the eyes)
- Blocked meibomian (oil) glands at the lid edges
- Inflammation at the base of the lashes
- Eye inflammation or infection
- An eyelid that does not close fully
- Long time at computers and light-emitting devices
- Glaucoma
- Certain medicines: hormone, acne and systemic medicines
- Rheumatic conditions and rosacea
- Cigarette smoke, wind, extreme heat, dry air, air conditioning, low humidity
- Laser eye surgery

## Symptoms
- Excessive watering at times
- Stinging and burning
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- Foreign body sensation
- Light sensitivity
- Itching
- A greater urge to blink

Untreated dry eye can seriously damage the eye, so see a doctor promptly.

## Treatment
- **Artificial tears:** Imitate natural tears; used morning, midday and evening or once a day as the doctor recommends.
- **Suitable contact lenses:** Lenses that let the eye breathe, chosen for the eye's structure.
- **Eye ointments:** Keep the eyes moist through the day.
- **Eyelid treatment:** Treating lid inflammation that causes dryness.
- **Punctal plugs:** A small plug closes the tear duct opening so tears stay longer; takes a few minutes.
- **IPL (intense pulsed light):** Light pulses around the eye; also treats inflammation at the lash base; several sessions may be needed.
- **Stopping systemic medicines** that cause dryness may be considered.

## Prevention
- Avoid very dry or windy places and temperature changes from air conditioning and heating.
- Blink more often during screen use and reading; take breaks to rest the eyes.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Use artificial tears to keep moisture balance.