Temporary punctal occlusion. Your doctor might opt to close the punctum, or duct that drains tears from your eye. He might start with a temporary plug designed to dissolve over time. Based on how it works, he'll know whether permanent plugs will help.

Nondissolving punctal plugs and punctal occlusion by cautery (application of heat to tear exit duct). If temporary plugs work well, your doctor may move to longer-lasting ones. Or he could choose a procedure called cautery. He'll give you a drug that relaxes you, then use a special tool to burn the opening shut. The scar that forms makes a permanent plug. These measures increase your tear level by blocking the “drainpipe” through which tears usually go from your eye to your nose. Tear plugs are easy to remove, but sometimes they come out on their own or fall down the tear drain. They can make your eyes feel better and lower your need for artificial tears.

Lipiflow. This medical device uses heat and pressure to unclog blocked glands on your eyelids. These glands produce the oil in your tears. It keeps your eye moist and prevents your tears from evaporating.

Testosterone cream. It doesn’t happen often, but dry eye can be related to a lack of testosterone in the oil glands on your eyelids. The doctor might give you a testosterone cream that you apply to your eyelids. It can help your oil glands work better.

Cyclosporine ( Restasis). This prescription eye drop helps your eyes boost tear production.

Lifitegrast (Xiidra). These drops are taken twice daily to kick-start tear production.

Other medications andnutrition: You can use steroid eye drops, for short periods, along with long-term measures. Adding fish oil or omega-3 to your diet or can also help.

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