There are a number of products available which help to relieve mild symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome. The aim of treatment for dry eyes includes relieving the symptoms and discomfort associated with dry eye and improving the customers quality of life, preventing or minimising any structural damage to the surface of the eye and identifying any underlying medical treatment that may be causing the symptoms.

How artificial tears act is generally poorly understood although suggested effects include a lubricating effect, replacement of missing tear components, dilution of inflammatory substances or a combination of these effects. Tear replacement or artificial tears are available in drops and gels which temporarily replace natural tears. Many treatments can be used for temporary symptoms as well as for those customers who have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome.

Wearers of contact lenses should always seek advice before using any eye treatments and best practice is to stop wearing the lenses until symptoms improve. Lenses should be removed before applying most eye treatments and should only be replaced when any irritation or blurred vision has ceased, many products recommend between 15 and 30 minutes. A preservative free product should always be recommended to soft contact lenses wearers as preservatives can cause an irritant reaction. Always check the manufacturer's instructions on use with contact lenses before advising any eye product to contact lens wearers. If customers experience persistent symptoms, pain or changes in their vision they should stop using the treatment and be referred to the pharmacist.

Customers using eye drops frequently during the day, i.e. more than 4-6 times may develop a sensitivity to the preservative and should be recommended preservative free eye drops. When considering a customer's exposure to preservatives in eye drops or ointments it is important to consider all eye products they are using, including those supplied on prescription.