Dry eye syndrome affects millions of people, causing irritation, redness, and blurry vision. While traditional treatments like artificial tears and warm compresses provide temporary relief, new advancements are making it easier to treat the root cause of dry eye for longer-lasting results.
If you’ve struggled with chronic dry eye, you’ll be excited to learn about the latest innovations in treatment—including intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and new prescription medications.
1. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy for Dry Eye
IPL therapy was originally developed for skin conditions, but researchers discovered it also helps with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)—a leading cause of dry eye.
- Uses gentle light pulses to reduce inflammation around the eyes.
- Helps unclog meibomian glands, restoring the natural oil layer in tears.
- Reduces redness, irritation, and overall dry eye symptoms.
- Non-invasive treatment with no downtime.
Patients often experience significant relief after just a few sessions.
2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Eye Drops
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of the most exciting regenerative medicine treatments for dry eye. It’s made from a patient’s own blood, processed to extract healing growth factors, and then formulated into custom eye drops.
- Natural and biocompatible—since it comes from your own body, there’s little risk of side effects.
- Helps repair and regenerate damaged eye tissues.
- Stimulates healthy tear production for long-term relief.
- Often recommended for severe dry eye or post-surgical recovery.
PRP eye drops are gaining popularity for their ability to heal the eye’s surface rather than just masking symptoms.
3. New Prescription Medications for Dry Eye
Several new FDA-approved medications are revolutionizing dry eye treatment by improving tear production, reducing inflammation, and promoting long-term relief.
Eysuvis® – Prescription Steroid for Flare-Ups
- The first short-term, FDA-approved steroid drop for dry eye flares.
- Provides fast relief for sudden inflammation and irritation.
- Designed for short-term use to complement other long-term treatments.
Miebo – New Treatment for Tear Evaporation
- Specifically targets evaporative dry eye, a condition caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.
- Works by stabilizing the tear film and reducing rapid tear evaporation.
- FDA-approved and shown to provide long-lasting moisture.
4. Tear Stimulating Nasal Spray
- Xiidra® blocks inflammation-causing proteins that contribute to dry eye.
- Restasis® helps the body naturally produce more tears over time.
- Both have been proven to reduce symptoms and improve tear quality.
5. Regenerative Therapies & Future Innovations
Research is ongoing into stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and advanced biomaterials to help treat severe cases of dry eye. Some experimental treatments include:
- Stem cell therapy to regenerate damaged tear-producing glands.
- 3D-printed artificial corneas for severe ocular surface disease.
- Neurostimulation devices to improve natural tear secretion.
Why You Should Schedule an Eye Exam
If you’ve been struggling with dry eye symptoms, there are more effective treatment options than ever before. New therapies like IPL, PRP eye drops, and advanced prescription medications can help target the root cause of dry eye rather than just treating symptoms.
At Market Square Optical our team stays up to date with the latest innovations in dry eye treatment and offers personalized solutions to help you find relief.
Schedule an eye exam to explore the best treatment options for your dry eye symptoms.