Best New Dry Eye Treatments: What’s Working Now

Dry eye disease isn’t just annoying – it can seriously affect your daily life, especially when blinking starts to feel like a chore or your vision fluctuates throughout the day. If you’ve tried the classic lubricating drops and still find yourself rubbing your eyes or avoiding windy days, it may be time to consider some of the latest treatments now available. In the past few years, there’s been a real shift in how dry eye is understood and treated – and that’s great news for patients like you.

In this article, we’ll walk through some of the newest dry eye therapies that are showing real results. We’re talking about more than just hydration – these innovations target the actual causes of dryness, inflammation, and tear film instability. Whether you have mild discomfort or full-blown chronic dry eye disease, you’ll find options here that go beyond the basic drop.

Tyrvaya Nasal Spray

Tyrvaya (varenicline solution) is the first dry eye treatment you spray into your nose instead of your eyes – and surprisingly, it works. Approved by the FDA in 2021, Tyrvaya stimulates the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway, which increases your natural tear production. Think of it as turning the tap back on, rather than just adding artificial tears.

For many patients, especially those who don’t respond well to traditional drops, this has been a game-changer. It avoids the burn or blurring that some eye drops cause, and it can be easier for those who struggle with putting things in their eyes. Some patients notice a mild sneezing sensation after use, but it typically fades quickly. Best of all, many users report feeling more comfortable throughout the day with more consistent tear coverage.

Miebo Eye Drops (Perfluorohexyloctane)

Unlike standard artificial tears, Miebo is a preservative-free, water-free drop designed specifically to target evaporative dry eye. It stabilises the lipid layer of the tear film, which is often disrupted in people with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) – a common underlying cause of dry eye.

Miebo’s unique formula means it doesn’t rely on water to provide relief, making it ideal for patients whose tears evaporate too quickly. It’s been shown in clinical trials to reduce dryness symptoms and improve tear stability without the irritation that sometimes comes with preservative-laden products. For people with more advanced or resistant dry eye symptoms, Miebo offers a more tailored solution.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy

Traditionally used for skin conditions like rosacea, IPL is now being used to treat dry eyes caused by inflammation and clogged meibomian glands. By using bursts of light near the eyelids, IPL helps to reduce inflammation and stimulate better oil gland function.

This in-office procedure is especially helpful for patients with MGD, which is often at the root of evaporative dry eye. It’s painless and takes just a few sessions to start seeing results. You won’t feel instant relief, but over a few weeks, many patients experience reduced redness, less grittiness, and more stable vision. It’s not usually a first-line treatment, but if standard options haven’t worked, it might be worth discussing with your specialist.

Probing and Thermal Gland Expression (Lipiflow and iLux)

These treatments aim to unclog blocked meibomian glands using heat and pressure. Lipiflow and iLux are two of the most popular devices used to perform this procedure. Essentially, they heat the eyelids to soften the oils inside the glands and then gently massage them to release the blockages.

It’s a bit like a spa treatment for your eyelids. These therapies are often recommended when over-the-counter drops and warm compresses aren’t enough. For many patients, just one session can make a noticeable difference, and results can last for months. It’s safe, effective, and can drastically improve oil production, which is critical for keeping your tears from evaporating too quickly.

Regenerating Eye Drops (RGTA-based Therapy)

This newer class of drops doesn’t just hydrate – it helps heal. RGTAs (ReGeneraTing Agents) are biopolymers designed to mimic the extracellular matrix of the eye, promoting regeneration of damaged cells on the ocular surface. These drops have been especially useful in severe or chronic dry eye cases where the corneal surface has been damaged.

They’re prescription-only and usually reserved for more advanced conditions, but they’ve shown strong results in reducing pain, healing ulcers, and restoring comfort. For people who feel like nothing else has worked, RGTAs could be the missing link in long-term recovery.

Autologous Serum Eye Drops

This is one of the most personalised dry eye treatments available. Autologous serum drops are made from your own blood – the serum is separated out, diluted, and formulated into eye drops rich in growth factors and nutrients that promote healing and lubrication.

Because they mimic natural tears more closely than any artificial drop, they’re highly effective in severe cases of dry eye, particularly those related to autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome. While they require a bit more effort to prepare and store, they can offer unparalleled relief for people with chronic, non-responsive symptoms.

TearCare System

TearCare is a wearable device that delivers heat therapy directly to the eyelids while allowing the patient to blink normally during treatment. It’s similar in purpose to Lipiflow but designed for more natural eye function during the session.

The system warms the meibomian glands and then follows with manual expression by your eye doctor. This combination addresses the root cause of evaporative dry eye and helps maintain long-term tear stability. It’s ideal for patients who need a more active, yet still comfortable, in-office therapy.

Prescription Anti-Inflammatory Drops (like Xiidra or Cequa)

These prescription medications target inflammation directly, one of the main drivers of chronic dry eye. Xiidra (lifitegrast) and Cequa (cyclosporine) are both designed to reduce inflammatory response on the ocular surface, which in turn promotes healthier tear production.

While they can take a few weeks to show full results, many patients experience a significant reduction in discomfort, burning, and redness. They’re often recommended for people whose dry eye has an autoimmune or inflammatory component. While some may experience temporary stinging or a strange taste after use, the benefits often outweigh these minor side effects.

Omega-3 Supplementation and Nutrition Therapy

It might not sound cutting-edge, but there’s increasing evidence that what you eat can impact your eye health. High-quality omega-3 supplements, particularly those rich in EPA and DHA, have been shown to reduce inflammation and support tear film stability.

While it’s not a standalone treatment for moderate or severe dry eye, it’s an excellent complement to medical therapies. Combining good nutrition with more targeted treatments can help prolong their effects and prevent flare-ups. Always speak with your clinician before adding supplements, especially if you’re on medication or have dietary restrictions.

Plugging the Tear Ducts (Punctal Plugs)

Punctal plugs are tiny devices inserted into your tear ducts to slow the drainage of tears from your eyes. This helps keep your natural tears around longer, improving moisture levels.

They’re a simple in-office procedure and reversible if needed. They don’t treat the root cause, but they’re often very effective as part of a broader dry eye management plan. If your eyes are making tears but they’re draining away too quickly, this might be a great option.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What actually causes dry eye disease?
    Dry eye disease can result from reduced tear production, excessive tear evaporation, or an imbalance in the composition of the tear film. Common contributing factors include age, hormonal changes (especially in women), long hours of screen use, certain medications like antihistamines, and conditions such as blepharitis or autoimmune diseases. Environmental elements like wind, smoke, or dry air can also worsen symptoms.
  2. Are newer treatments more effective than regular eye drops?
    Yes, for many people they are. Traditional lubricating eye drops can offer temporary relief but often don’t address the root causes. Newer treatments such as Tyrvaya, Miebo, and IPL therapy target specific mechanisms behind dry eye — like tear film evaporation, inflammation, and meibomian gland dysfunction — which can provide more lasting improvement in comfort and vision.
  3. Is it really safe to use a nasal spray like Tyrvaya for dry eye?
    It might sound unusual, but yes — Tyrvaya is a prescription nasal spray specifically approved to treat dry eye by stimulating the nerves that trigger natural tear production. It doesn’t go anywhere near your eyes, and because it activates the trigeminal nerve pathway, it can increase tear volume effectively without needing to apply anything directly onto the eye surface.
  4. Do I need a prescription to access these newer treatments?
    Many of the newer and more advanced treatments do require a prescription or must be administered by a specialist. For instance, Tyrvaya, Xiidra, Cequa, and autologous serum eye drops are only available through an eye care professional. Devices like Lipiflow or TearCare must also be performed in clinic settings. However, some options like omega-3 supplements or eyelid wipes can be purchased over the counter.
  5. Are there any side effects with these treatments?
    Most treatments are well tolerated, but minor side effects can occur. Tyrvaya may cause sneezing or a mild throat taste. Xiidra can sometimes lead to a strange taste or temporary eye irritation, and IPL therapy might cause light sensitivity for a short period. Autologous serum drops are generally very safe but require careful handling and refrigeration. It’s always important to discuss risks with your eye specialist before starting any new treatment.
  6. How long before I start seeing results from these new therapies?
    The timeframe for improvement varies depending on the treatment and the severity of your condition. Anti-inflammatory drops like Xiidra or Cequa may take several weeks to show full benefit. Thermal therapies like Lipiflow or TearCare may offer improvement within days to a couple of weeks. Miebo and Tyrvaya also tend to show noticeable results within the first month, but consistency is key for all therapies.
  7. Can diet or supplements really improve dry eyes?
    Absolutely. Numerous studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA found in fish oil, help reduce inflammation and improve the stability of the tear film. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants and hydration also supports overall eye health. While diet alone won’t cure dry eye, it can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments and reduce flare-ups.
  8. Are punctal plugs safe and reversible if they don’t work?
    Yes, punctal plugs are a low-risk and reversible option for helping tears stay on the eye surface longer. If they don’t provide the desired relief or cause excessive tearing, they can be easily removed by your eye care provider. They’re especially useful for people who still produce tears but lose them too quickly due to drainage through the tear ducts.
  9. Do I need to continue treatment indefinitely?
    Some people find that once their symptoms are under control, they can reduce the frequency of treatment or switch to maintenance options. Others with more persistent or autoimmune-related dry eye may need ongoing care. Treatments like Lipiflow or IPL are often repeated every 6–12 months, while prescription drops may be used daily long-term. Your treatment plan should be reviewed regularly with your clinician.
  10. When is it time to stop managing this at home and see a specialist?
    If you’ve been relying on over-the-counter drops for weeks with little relief, or your eyes feel gritty, painful, or frequently blurry, it’s time to see a dry eye specialist. Persistent symptoms can signal more complex issues like meibomian gland dysfunction or ocular surface damage, which require more advanced therapies than self-care alone can provide.

Final Thoughts

There’s no longer a one-size-fits-all approach to treating dry eye. From next-gen nasal sprays to innovative light therapies and regenerative eye drops, today’s treatments are more targeted, comfortable, and effective than ever. If you’ve been putting up with discomfort or relying on over-the-counter drops without much success, it might be time to explore the new options available to you.

At Eye Clinic London, we stay up to date with the latest advances in dry eye treatment and can help you find a plan that works for your specific situation. Book a consultation today and take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable vision.

References

  1. Wirta, D.L. et al. (2022) Efficacy and Safety of OC‑01 (varenicline solution) Nasal Spray on Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease: The ONSET‑2 Phase 3 Randomized Trial. Ophthalmology, 129(4), pp. 379–387. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161642021008368 (Accessed: 3 August 2025).
  2. Frampton, J.E. (2022) Varenicline solution nasal spray: a review in dry eye disease. Drugs, 82(14), pp. 1481–1488. Available via PubMed Central: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9533262/ (Accessed: 3 August 2025).
  3. Hauswirth, S.G. et al. (2023) Safety, adherence and discontinuation in varenicline solution nasal spray trials for dry eye disease. Clinical Ophthalmology. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10402908/ (Accessed: 3 August 2025).
  4. Tauber, J. et al. (2023) NOV03 (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution) for Dry Eye Disease Associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Results of the Randomized Phase 3 GOBI Study. Ophthalmology, 130(5), pp. 516–524. Available PDF reprint: https://miebo-ecp.bl-ppd.com/siteassets/pdf/mbo.0100.usa.23-gobi‑study‑reprint.pdf (Accessed: 3 August 2025).
  5. Bacharach, J. et al. (2025) Early effects of perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution (PFHO): rapid symptom improvement in dry eye disease. Ophthalmology and Therapy, 14(2), pp. … Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40123-025-01097-z (Accessed: 3 August 2025).