How are you dealing with dry eyes?

@marieltha
Thank you so much! I did get the wrong one then. I'll look for the one you described above.

@mtnwoman
The Eucerin one is Eucerin Mineral Zinc Oxide for Sensitive Skin 50and is a bigger tube, 4 ounces. Comes in a box and the active ingredient is 24% zinc oxide. No titanium dioxide, so no/less white cast? Have to be careful picking out this one as well, as there are several similar, but the others have chemical sunscreens. I am experimenting with both now, using the Neutrogena on my face and the Eucerin on the neck and chest area.

@marieltha
Excellent information. Thank you!

@mtnwoman when I was at my optometrist yesterday he had a flyer advertising ipl and light therapy for dry eyes. I have tried the punctal plugs but they drove me nuts. Anyone tried the light therapy?

@cjval52
I am definitely considering the ipl. I'm not sure if I should wait until this round of cyclosporine is through to see if I have any improvement, or just go for the ipl now.

In response to issues mentioned above..I have suffered for many years from dry eye. Have had all the available treatments which only helped temporarily. I am trying Xiidra after having tried the other script drops; it's been about 13 days since I started and no relief yet but the instructions say any where from 2-12 weeks to see relief. If I don't see any I guess I wasted more money.

@mtnwoman I did 2 rounds of the cyclosporine drops and use the Systane. I also use Ocusoft eyelid cleaner daily,
I am going on the 20th of this month to have the IPL.
It is 4 - treatments ($120 per treatment) 2-4 wks apart. They will start with the Zest (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment)
Then the IPL
https://lumenis.com/vision/products/optilight/
This will be done at my Eye Dr's office.

@linda82
Thank you so much!
When you say 2 rounds of the cyclosporine drops, how many months is that? And did it help?
I have completed one month of a three month supply, but do not notice any improvement. I have a few types of ocusoft wipes; (plus a manuka honey wipe), a couple of hypochlor sprays; systane drops, purple and red optase drops, refresh mega drops; compresses, etc.
That's why I'm going to pursue what you have mentioned above as your next plan of action.
Thanks again.

@linda82 please give an update after you do this! I am seriously considering it, but I’m also a big chicken

@mtnwoman 2-rounds @ 3mth each. First round worked but, it came back after a couple of mths. Then I did the 2nd round and again it helped but, came back.
That is when my doctor told me about these other treatments.
Note on the cyclosporine - It worked better when I stored in the refrigerator
Note on the OCuSOFT - I use original foaming eyelid cleanser in the shower every day. Wipes for travel and in evening if I wear eye makeup
I have done some research on the IPL and I used to get IPL facials. (which you never get too close to eye area)
I took the paperwork to my Aesthetics office (I always go to in the winter for facials) and had RN) look over it.
She came back and said yes, do it. She said she remembered a had client that told her that the treatments she was given seemed to have helped with her dry eyes.
She also said that the Lumenis is the best machine out there and the tip for this treatment is not like the one for the none eye area. It is much smaller and more targeted.

I am very excited about it. I also understand that it should last up to a year.
I have had IPL's. And the only downside is you must try to stay out of the sun 2 wks before and after the wks after treatment. (wear sunscreen, hate, sunglasses) Also, make sure there is NO retinal/retinoid creams in that area.
Also, you could have discoloration after the treatment. They will assess your skin type to use the right amount of (light). I did well with it in the past on my face and have more of a Mediterranean skin tone. Knowing your ethnicity is a must for best results and knowing how your skin reacts to the sun.