Dry eye can be frustrating, and artificial tears are the go-to solution for many people. These over-the-counter eye drops can offer quick relief when your eyes feel dry, gritty, or irritated, but they aren’t always the best long-term option. While artificial tears can help in certain situations, they might not be addressing the underlying issue causing your discomfort.  

If you’ve been using artificial tears and still struggle with dry, uncomfortable eyes, it may be time to explore more advanced treatments that can target the root cause of your symptoms and give you the relief you deserve. Here are some of the drawbacks of relying on artificial tears exclusively: 

Not a long-term solution 

Artificial tears can be a great way to relieve dry, irritated eyes, but it’s important to know they only provide temporary relief. They won’t resolve underlying causes like inflammation, poor tear quality, or a chronic condition like meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). 

Overuse can worsen symptoms 

Using artificial tears occasionally is fine but overusing them can worsen your symptoms! Many artificial tears contain preservatives to keep them fresh, and these can be harmful to your eyes if used too frequently. This can lead to a frustrating cycle where you keep reaching for more drops, but your eyes never seem to get better. 

Not effective for inflammation or tear quality issues 

Dry eye isn’t just about not having enough tears but also about the quality of those tears. Your tears need the right balance of oil, water, and mucus to keep your eyes properly hydrated. Artificial tears don’t improve tear quality or reduce inflammation, which are often the real culprits behind chronic dry eye. You may need treatments like BlephEx® or LipiFlow® to help your eyes produce better-quality tears and reduce inflammation. 

Limited in treating severe dry eye 

If you have moderate to severe dry eye, artificial tears may not be enough to provide relief. These drops can’t address more complex issues, and relying on them could prevent you from getting the treatment you need. Advanced dry eye often requires a more in-depth approach, such as prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or specialized therapies that go beyond what over-the-counter solutions can offer. 

Can delay proper treatment 

Because artificial tears can temporarily relieve dry eye symptoms, they may give the impression that the condition is under control. You may delay seeking proper treatment due to this temporary comfort. The longer you wait to address the root cause of your dry eye, the worse it may become. It’s important to consult with an eye care professional to identify the best long-term solution for your dry eye. 

Discover effective treatments at our Dry Eye Spa 

If artificial tears aren’t providing the relief you need, it might be time to explore more advanced solutions. At Quality Eye Care Clinic’s Dry Eye Spa, we offer a range of dry eye products as well as dry eye treatment in Elgin and Kildeer to get to the root of your dry eyes and provide lasting comfort. 

• LipiFlow®: This in-office treatment uses gentle heat and pressure to unclog blocked oil glands in your eyelids, which are often the cause of poor-quality tears. By improving the oil layer of your tears, LipiFlow® helps keep your eyes hydrated for longer periods, offering more effective relief than artificial tears. 
• BlephEx®: Dry eyes are often made worse by debris and bacteria that accumulate along the eyelid margins. BlephEx® is a painless treatment that exfoliates your eyelids, removing this buildup and reducing inflammation, which can lead to healthier, more comfortable eyes. 
• TempSure Envi: If inflammation or poor tear production is causing your discomfort, TempSure Envi may help. This non-invasive therapy uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production around your eyes, improving the overall health of your tear glands and encouraging better tear production. 
• PROKERA amniotic membranes: For more advanced dry eye cases, where damage has occurred on the surface of the eye, PROKERA is a highly effective treatment. This healing membrane helps repair and regenerate damaged tissue, offering long-lasting relief and improving eye health. 

At Quality Eye Care Clinic, we treat dry eyes at the source rather than masking the symptoms. Our experienced eye doctors will work with you to determine the best treatment plan based on your specific needs, ensuring you receive the care that’s right for your eyes. Request an appointment today at our Elgin or Kildeer location and let us help you find the best solution for your dry eyes!