Yes, I have been dealing with dry eyes for 40 years! I use Allergan's Refresh Celluvisc preservative free eye drops (artificial tears) many times during the day and night time ointment at night. Years ago, I tried Restasis which I discontinued because of severe stinging and burning. Just had an appointment with my over 80 now retiring ophthalmologist who recommended trying Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) which recently became available in Canada. Was just about to start a discussion group to get feedback on Xiidra.
@sue225 Ivizia eye drops have been a godsend. They have worked fast for me and last up to eight hours. Otc. A bit pricey, but well worth it. Good luck.
@sue225 Ivizia eye drops have been a godsend. They have worked fast for me and last up to eight hours. Otc. A bit pricey, but well worth it. Good luck.
@actionkw
Thanks for letting me know!
Wonder if you or anyone with dry eyes reading this has tried or know someone who has tried light therapy for dry eyes. Recently saw dry eye opthalmologist specialist who does this. I also have meibomian (probably spelled incorrectly) gland dysfunction. On one lid, a lot of the glands are partly gone. Was supposed to schedule treatment but pretended to forget.
Happy New Year
@actionkw
Thanks for letting me know!
Wonder if you or anyone with dry eyes reading this has tried or know someone who has tried light therapy for dry eyes. Recently saw dry eye opthalmologist specialist who does this. I also have meibomian (probably spelled incorrectly) gland dysfunction. On one lid, a lot of the glands are partly gone. Was supposed to schedule treatment but pretended to forget.
Happy New Year
@sue225
I have suffered with dry eyes for many years and have tried every OTC eyedrop available with little relief. I now use Autologous Serum Tears which are made from my own plasma. I am happy to say I no longer have the discomfort of dry eyes.
@sue225
I have suffered with dry eyes for many years and have tried every OTC eyedrop available with little relief. I now use Autologous Serum Tears which are made from my own plasma. I am happy to say I no longer have the discomfort of dry eyes.
@loram that option was discussed and I maybe I will go that route instead. I understand that it may take up to a month until you know if the serum tears are effective.
How many times a year do you have to have blood drawn in order to prepare the drops?
Thanks for letting me know that they worked for you.
@loram that option was discussed and I maybe I will go that route instead. I understand that it may take up to a month until you know if the serum tears are effective.
How many times a year do you have to have blood drawn in order to prepare the drops?
Thanks for letting me know that they worked for you.
@sue225
The blood is drawn every three months to create 3 bottles of tears. Two are frozen and the bottle in use must be refrigerated. I experienced comfort right away.
@sue225
The blood is drawn every three months to create 3 bottles of tears. Two are frozen and the bottle in use must be refrigerated. I experienced comfort right away.
My year of dry eye is somewhat inflammatory (I collect autoimmune diseases, a sucky hobby). I've tried (1) preservative free artificial tears and gel (gel tend to clog oil glands), (2) heated eye mask, (3) Ocusoft eye scrubs to keep lids and oil glands clear, (4) humidifier in room, and (5) eye mask when sleeping. All helped but not enough so eye dr. put me on cyclosporine eye drops 2 bid. It takes up to 6 mo before lacrimal gland stops slacking and makes more tears, and oil glands improve, but I've seen some improvement in dry eye in a week. Effects are almost all local, some short-term burning and blurring, and unlike other anti-inflammatory eye drops they are not supposed to affect eye pressure, so less risk of glaucoma or retinal detachment.
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@sue225 Ivizia eye drops have been a godsend. They have worked fast for me and last up to eight hours. Otc. A bit pricey, but well worth it. Good luck.
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1 Reaction@actionkw
Thanks for letting me know!
Wonder if you or anyone with dry eyes reading this has tried or know someone who has tried light therapy for dry eyes. Recently saw dry eye opthalmologist specialist who does this. I also have meibomian (probably spelled incorrectly) gland dysfunction. On one lid, a lot of the glands are partly gone. Was supposed to schedule treatment but pretended to forget.
Happy New Year
@marye2 , do you still take Plaquenil? I’m getting ready to start.
@sue225
I have suffered with dry eyes for many years and have tried every OTC eyedrop available with little relief. I now use Autologous Serum Tears which are made from my own plasma. I am happy to say I no longer have the discomfort of dry eyes.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@loram that option was discussed and I maybe I will go that route instead. I understand that it may take up to a month until you know if the serum tears are effective.
How many times a year do you have to have blood drawn in order to prepare the drops?
Thanks for letting me know that they worked for you.
@sue225
The blood is drawn every three months to create 3 bottles of tears. Two are frozen and the bottle in use must be refrigerated. I experienced comfort right away.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@loram thanks so much. Helps in making my decision. And best wishes for a healthy and happy 2026.
My year of dry eye is somewhat inflammatory (I collect autoimmune diseases, a sucky hobby). I've tried (1) preservative free artificial tears and gel (gel tend to clog oil glands), (2) heated eye mask, (3) Ocusoft eye scrubs to keep lids and oil glands clear, (4) humidifier in room, and (5) eye mask when sleeping. All helped but not enough so eye dr. put me on cyclosporine eye drops 2 bid. It takes up to 6 mo before lacrimal gland stops slacking and makes more tears, and oil glands improve, but I've seen some improvement in dry eye in a week. Effects are almost all local, some short-term burning and blurring, and unlike other anti-inflammatory eye drops they are not supposed to affect eye pressure, so less risk of glaucoma or retinal detachment.