OTC or prescription eye drops (artificial tears) can treat dry eye symptoms, but no cure exists. A doctor may recommend an eye procedure, such as a minor gland salivary autotransplant, to help relieve symptoms.

People tend to naturally make fewer tears as they age, which may contribute to dry eyes. Environmental factors may also contribute to dry eyes.

Many health conditions may cause dry eyes, including:

Dry eyes can be temporary, especially if environmental or lifestyle factors are causing your symptoms, such as:

If your medications cause dry eyes, your symptoms may disappear when you stop taking them. But speak with your doctor before stopping any medications to discuss whether you should stop or find other dry eye treatments instead.

Dry eyes may be a chronic condition for some people. Although symptoms may improve over time with treatment, they may never completely disappear.

Chronic dry eye occurs when the eyes can’t produce or maintain enough tears for a healthy tear film. It’s often related to other health conditions, such as:

Dry eye symptoms may go away once an irritant is removed. Symptoms may also come and go with changing seasonsTrusted Source.

Lifestyle changes may help keep dry eye symptoms at bay:

  • Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water may help you produce natural tears more effectively.
  • Increasing humidity: Adding a humidifier to your living space, especially in a dry climate, can keep the eye surface moistened.
  • Keep blinking: Blinking often when doing tasks that require concentration, like reading or using the computer, can also reduce symptoms.
  • Adjust electronic screens: Positioning your computer screen below eye level may help, as you won’t have to open your eyes as wide to view the screen, reducing strain.

Chronic dry eye, however, may require treatment. The underlying health condition should also be treated to help relieve dry eyes.

Dry eyes can often be managed but not completely cured. Some treatments may permanently manage your symptoms if used consistently.

Prescription medications and over-the-counter eye drops (OTC) (artificial tears) may help you relieve common symptoms of dry eyes or produce more natural tears. Examples are:

But artificial tears only lubricate the eye’s surface and don’t treat the underlying cause.

When OTC artificial tears or other eye drops don’t relieve your symptoms, devices known as punctal plugs may be inserted to keep your tears. The insertion is a minor, noninvasive procedure.

While punctal plugs may help the eyes retain tears, you may still need to use artificial tears.

These procedures may help reduce signs and symptoms of dry eye in people with severe cases in the long term but aren’t cures for dry eyes. They may need to be repeated.

Another option is an amniotic membrane that can be applied surgically or as a contact lens (nonsurgically), such as Prokera.

Autologous serum eye drops are highly effective for treating severe dry eye disease. These eye drops are made from your blood and more closely resemble real tears.

Artificial tears may provide temporary but immediate relief if your symptoms are mild. You may need to reapply them throughout the day.

Using drops with preservatives more than four times daily may irritate your eyes. Talk with your eye doctor about preservative-free eye drops, which you can use as often as needed.

It can take a few weeks to a few months to start seeing an improvement with continued use if your doctor prescribes dry eye medication.

Dry eyes rarely lead to blindness in the U.S. In places where medical treatment is difficult to access, however, severe cases of dry eyes may cause other eye conditions that can lead to blindness.

Without treatment, severe dry eyes can lead to a corneal ulcer, which, when left untreated, can spread and scar the eyeball, causing partial or complete blindness.

Dry eyes can be temporary or a chronic condition, depending on the underlying cause. Chronic dry eye can lead to complications, like a corneal ulcer, without treatment.

OTC artificial tears and lifestyle changes are often enough to manage mild dry eye symptoms. If these don’t work, an eye care professional can help you find a suitable treatment, such as prescription eye drops or an in-office eye procedure.

If you have dry eyes or think you do, talk with an eye doctor.