Tears can be replaced by using eye drops called artificial tears. Artificial tears imitate all of the layers in the tear film. They lubricate and moisturize your eyes. If you are sensitive to preservatives in artificial tears, or you use artificial tears more than every two hours, you may want to try a preservative-free variety. Conserving your eyes own tears is another way to keep your eyes from drying out.
Tears drain out of the eye through a small canal into the nose.
An ophthalmologist may close these canals, either temporarily or permanently, to conserve your tears or to make artificial tears last longer. There are other steps you can take to help prevent your tears from evaporating. In the winter, use a humidifier or place a pan of water on the radiator to add moisture to dry air. People with dry eye should also try to avoid overly warm rooms, hair dryers, the wind, and cigarette smoke.