Treating Dry Eye

Gritty, tired and painful eyescan make it hard to read, work at the computer, watch television or even drive. But, unfortunately dry eyes can happen. Symptoms typically worsen throughout the day. To compensate for lost moisture, the body may, paradoxically, produce excess tears.
So, how can you treat dry eyes? Can a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) help in the process?
According to the Mayo Clinic, you can use a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products to treat dry eye symptoms.
For example, an article mentions, "Preservative vs. non-preservative drops. Preservatives are added to some eye drops to prolong shelf life. You can use eye drops with preservatives up to four times a day. But using the preservative drops more often can cause eye irritation. Non-preservative eye drops come in packages that contain multiple single-use vials. After you use a vial, you throw it away. If you rely on eye drops more than four times a day, non-preservative drops are safe."
Or you can rely on eye drops or ointments, but the same Mayo Clinic article cautions that ointments can "cloud your vision. For this reason, ointments are best used just before bedtime. Eyedrops can be used at any time and won't interfere with your vision."
Lastly, the Mayo Clinicadvises you to stay away from drops that reduce redness, as these can lead to irritations.
Another strategy you can use is to apply warm compresses to your eyelids directly. You can even use some mild soap, but it's best to ask your doctor.
You can also use your FSA to schedule an eye exam, if you're concerned about dry eye symptoms. Consulting an expert would be best if you have additional questions or are worried about consistent dry eye symptoms.
Learn more about available expenses via the Eligibility List.
Shop for Eye Care products with your Flexible Spending Account at FSA Store.