Dry eye is very common in Colorado. We have dry air at high altitudes along with the “brown cloud”. With humidity levels at often 10-15%, even our teenage patients complain of dry, burning, irritated eyes.
There are many treatments for dry eye. Lubricants are given first, and there are multiple types of lubricants. Steroids are often added (usually Lotemax) in addition to the lubricants. Restasis is a drug which can help increase tear production with certain forms of dry eye.
Another option is to have your eye doctor plug your tear ducts with special plugs to keep your natural tears in your eyes. These are known as punctal plugs. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for your condition.
