Controlling your Dry Eye Disease: Compliance 101
By Dr. Diana Nguyen
If you’re living with dry eye disease, you know how uncomfortable it can be with burning, irritation, redness, or that gritty “sand in your eyes” feeling. What many people don’t realize is that controlling dry eye is a chronic disease that can’t be cured with a quick fix. It is a disease that requires building healthy, consistent habits at home to improve the oil function and tears.
Treating Dry Eyes is like Treating High Blood Pressure
Think of your dry eye care routine the same way you would treat another chronic condition like high blood pressure. People with hypertension don’t only take their medication when they feel unwell, they take it every day to keep things under control.
Your eye drops, eyelid wipes, omega-3 supplements, and warm compresses are your eye’s version of blood pressure medication. They help restore balance and protect your tear glands from further damage. Skipping them because your eyes feel better for a few days can let symptoms and the disease slowly worsen over time.
Building Healthy Habits
Here’s another way to think about it: You don’t brush your teeth once a week and expect to prevent cavities forever. You brush and floss twice a day because oral hygiene is a habit and not a onetime fix.
The same goes for your eyes. Using your lid wipes, preservative-fee drops, omega-3s, and warm compresses every day is like brushing and flossing for your eyelids and tear glands. This consistency keeps your eye surface healthy and prevents future flare ups.
Dry eye is a Multifactorial Disease
Additionally, dry eyes aren't caused by just one problem because it’s a multifactorial disease so it can stem from several underlying issues such as:
Poor oil gland (meibomian gland) function
Tear film instability
Inflammation on the eye surface
Environmental factors like dry air or screen time
Since there’s more than one cause, there is more than one treatment. Preservative-free eyedrops such as Thealoz Duo provide symptomatic relief but it doesn’t treat the root cause of dry eyes. That’s why eye doctors often recommend combining multiple at home dry eye therapies for best results including eyelid hygiene, omega-3 supplements, and heat masks. Additionally, if at home therapies aren’t enough, eye doctors may also recommend advanced in-office therapies such as Intense Pulse Light, InMode Radiofrequency and/or Jett Plasma Pen
Easy Ways to Stay Consistent
Here are simple, realistic ways to stay on track and improve your results:
Bring your eye drops everywhere – Keep Thealoz Duo or your preferred preservative-free drops in your bag or desk. Reapplying throughout the day helps your eyes stay hydrated especially in air-conditioned or digital environments.
Pair your omega-3s with breakfast or coffee – Take your re-esterified triglyceride omega-3 supplements (such as PRN) with food or your morning coffee/tea to boost absorption and form a lasting habit.
Set reminders for medicated drops – Use your phone or smartwatch alarm to remember your prescription drops, such as Cequa (cyclosporine 0.09%) or Thealoz Duo, so you never miss a dose.
Combine eye care with other routines – Place your Blephaclean eyelid wipes near your toothbrush. It’s a great visual cue that eyelid hygiene and oral hygiene go hand in hand.
Keep your heat mask in sight – Store your Bruder Mask or Blepha EyeBag beside the microwave, so it’s ready to use during your morning or evening routine.
Long-term Relief Starts at Home
Dry eye disease can’t be cured overnight, but with the right daily care, it can absolutely be controlled. Staying consistent with your at-home routine supports your in-office treatments and helps protect your tear glands for the long term. Your eyes deserve daily care just like the rest of your body!
If you’re struggling with persistent dry eye symptoms or aren’t sure which therapies are right for you, book a dry eye consultation with one of our experienced doctors in East Vancouver or South Burnaby.
