What can be done if I have dry eye?

First of all, the more accurate question may be “what can be done when I have dry eye?”, since most of us will experience dry eye at some point in our lives.  Elderly patients, females, and contact lens wearers are particularly susceptible. Many systemic medications can trigger dry eye. Because it is difficult to increase tear production, your optometrist will initially focus on supplementing or retaining your natural tears.  Many lubricating drops are available; however, not all are equally effective – your optometrist can recommend or prescribe a product based upon your unique requirements.  That being said, Mother Nature is the best chemist, and your optometrist may suggest reversible blockage of the tear drainage ducts to keep more natural tears in your eye.