What is the best eye drops to keep eyes hydrated?
Author: I’m constantly in the computer because of school and work and because of that I have dry red eyes, plus i don’t get enough sleep. So i would like to start using eye drops to better hydrate my eyes, any brand recommendations? I heard visine is no good, so any others other then that?
Also any tips on taking care of eyes? vitamins, etc etc
Thanks
It is common for the eyes to dry out with any activity that involves extended concentration such as computer use. Treatment options include the following:
1) Tear Replacement Therapy (artificial tears). There are so many brands out there it is difficult to recommend just one. Some of the better brands include:
- Blink
- Endura
- Optive
- Refresh
- Soothe (my personal favorite)
- Systane
- Theratears
Each one is formulated differently so which one works best is hard to determine without first trying it.
2) Nutritional Supplements. There is some evidence that taking Omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish oil or flax seed oil) by mouth can benefit the symptoms of dry eye. These come in gelcaps and are generally recommended once or twice a day with food.
3) Prescription medication. Currently only one medication, Restasis, is approved by the FDA for treatment of dry eye. This must be used twice a day for at least a month. It stings, is expensive, and only works in 50% of people who take it.
3) Punctal plugs. When someone’s eyes are not producing enough tears to keep the eyes lubricated it does not help that tears drain through "puncta" into the nose (this is why you get the sniffles when you cry). The solution: plug these drainage duct with small silicon plugs. This can be done by an eye doctor in the office. It is a painless procedure that only takes a few minutes.
Hope this helped.
David D. Richardson, M.D.
Medical Director
San Gabriel Valley Eye Associates, Inc.
207 S. Santa Anita Street, Suite P-25
San Gabriel, CA 91776
626.289.7856