Patient education is important in the management of dry eye syndrome. Patients need to know that treatment is longterm and may be slow to take effect. Non-drug interventions that may improve dry eye symptoms in some patients include:

• Avoiding aggravating factors, such as cigarette smoke, dry heated air and air conditioning
• Considering using a humidifier to introduce moisture into the air
• Limiting the use of contact lenses
• Taking frequent breaks from computer use
• Applying a hot compress (such as a facecloth soaked in warm water) or other eyelid warming devices (such as eye masks) to the eyes for three to 10 minutes. This may help unblock the meibomian glands on the eyelids, which produce a fatty secretion (meibum) and so improve tear film quality. Eyelid massage immediately afterwards helps the flow of meibum.

Patients with more severe symptoms, and who are not helped by OTC products and practical measures, should be advised to seek medical assessment.