Systemic Treatments

Select Treatments:
  • What is it and how does it work?
  • Who is it for?
  • Who is it not for?
  • How well does it work?
  • What are the possible side effects?
  • Will it inconvenience me?
  • How much does it cost?

Topical Treatments

What is it and how does it work?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears and omega-3 supplementation

Artificial tears or ocular gels: act as lubricants for dry eyes
Omega-3 supplementation: improves oil production in eyes.

Topical cyclosporine drops

Topical cyclosporine drops are an antibiotic treatment that reduces swelling and dryness in the eye.

Warm compresses, lid hygiene, lid massage

Doxycycline reduces inflammation.

Who is it for?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears and omega-3 supplementation

Mild, moderate and severe eye problems.

Topical cyclosporine drops

mild, moderate and severe eye problems.

Oral Doxycycline

Mild and moderate eye or eyelid problems, mild to severe pimples.

Who is it not for?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears and omega-3 supplementation

There are no contraindications.

Topical cyclosporine drops

Some patients may be sensitive to topical cyclosporine drops and should not use it.

Oral Doxycycline

Mild and moderate eye or eyelid problems, mild to severe pimples.

How well does it work?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears and omega-3 supplementation

While these treatments are widely used, current studies are small and evidence is limited.

Topical cyclosporine drops

While these treatments are widely used, current studies are small and evidence is limited.

Oral Doxycycline

Oral doxycycline has been shown to be effective in treating dry eye symptoms.

What are the possible side effects?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears and omega-3 supplementation.

n/a

Topical cyclosporine drops

Burning or itching of the eye, pain when using eye drops, eye redness. Safe to use in pregnancy.

Oral Doxycycline

skin may become darker, upset stomach, diarrhea, increased blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy: Tetracyclines taken by the mother can reach the baby and cause harm. These drugs should be avoided if possible during pregnancy. Category D.

Will it inconvenience me?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears and omega-3 supplementation

Apply artificial tears at least once per day. Take an omega-3 pill once per day.

Topical cyclosporine drops

Apply eye drops twice per day.

Oral Doxycycline

Requires taking a pill once or more per day.

How much does it cost?

Eye Problem Treatments

Artificial tears and omega-3 supplementation

$. Cost is based on price without insurance and may vary.

Topical cyclosporine drops

$$$. Cost is based on price without insurance and may vary.

Oral Doxycycline

$+. Cost is based on price without insurance and may vary.