Eye and Vision Care

Dry eyes

08/14/2008 09:23AM

Question:

I have dry eyes from my rheumatoid arthritis. I have been useing Refresh Tears for almost a year now. My opomologist told me to use them 3-4 time a day. I have been using them three time a day an only four when they get realy dry. Lately they have been realy dry and even the four times a day is not helping. On the bottle it said that I can use it as much as I need to. Can I use then more then 4 times a day or should I try an ointment instead?

Answer:

If your dry eye symptoms are worsening, I do recommend you schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for evaluation. While increasing the amount of artificial tears you use throughout the day and adding an artificial tear ointment at night may provide improved relief from the dryness symptoms, it would be best to notify your physician since he or she may have better recommendations based on your specific symptoms, eye and systemic health. Thank you for visiting NetWellness.

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Response by:

Julia Rae Geldis, OD, MS
Assistant Professor
College of Optometry
The Ohio State University