Nothing has helped my dry eye which started after blepharoplasty

I haven’t had cataract surgery but have had surgery on my left cornea, due to Salzmann’s nodule. I also have had 2 blepharoplasties. I also have had severe dry eye, though thankfully my vision has remained good. I recall after my surgeries my eyes were particularly uncomfortable. I was distraught and sought advice from my ophthalmologist who is a cornea specialist at Duke. I can just say what helped me though it took months. I consistently practice eye care. Also, I sought treatment from a very experienced acupuncturist. He developed a treatment plan and after 2 weeks the improvement was incredible. I continued to go for several months. It wasn’t covered by insurance or I would still be going. It was the biggest thing that helped me. I also,

Use daily warm compresses, use preservative free ointment every night, apply moisturizing drops during the day as needed, avoid fans, always wear sunglasses outside, etc. I would get a second opinion on any eye surgery.

Good luck. I was very down when my eyes were at their worst. It ‘s hard to believe things got so much better. I hope that happens for you. Have they checked the lens from the cataract surgery?

@celia16
Plse describe your acupuncture treatment.

@missopal , alright and I also got punctual plugs for dry eye several times. The last time it was especially helpful, but they fell out and I need new ones.

The acupuncturist was highly regarded and rated. Initially, I saw him at Duke’s Functional Medicine center, though he had his own private practice. I was the first patient that presented with that issue. He placed the needles on certain places on my wrist and ankle. The room was serene and had peaceful music playing with dim light. I thought it would be painless, but it was uncomfortable for me. The needles were larger than I expected and so I kept reminding myself it would be worth it. And it was! After 2 visits, I was much better and each week my eyes felt better. I was so relieved. I was very down about my eyes, so this really turned my life around. I had plained to return for maintenance, but then covid hit.

I will add that this acupuncturist also does therapeutic touch. One day I arrived for eye session and was in severe pain in my foot (plantar fasciitis flare) and back (over exerted while packing). I explained about the foot and back….he said he could do a little something for it that might help, before he did acupuncture and I welcomed it. He said it might hurt, and it did hurt my calf as he pressed it very firmly. He touched all over my back, but not hard. No pain with that. No popping or cracking, like chiropractors. Then did acupuncture.Lasted an hour. I walked out feeling about 90% less pain. The next day like new! He’s a very gifted person.

Before I made the appointment, I found some articles online about positive results of acupuncture. I reported this to my ophthalmologist so she can share with others who suffer like me.

I have had dry eye for 35 years. I have tried it all, the compresses, 2 or 3 RX drops, a humidifier, and all the drops one can use at will to help alleviate symptoms. Last year, because one more drop failed for me, my ophthalmologist put punctal plugs in. I have small tear ducts and he actually put them in my upper lids. They have been in more than a year for have made a huge difference. I do enjoy the compresses but of all the things the plugs have been the best. Go figure.

Have you had a consultations with a dry eye specialist?

@missopal , alright and I also got punctual plugs for dry eye several times. The last time it was especially helpful, but they fell out and I need new ones.

The acupuncturist was highly regarded and rated. Initially, I saw him at Duke’s Functional Medicine center, though he had his own private practice. I was the first patient that presented with that issue. He placed the needles on certain places on my wrist and ankle. The room was serene and had peaceful music playing with dim light. I thought it would be painless, but it was uncomfortable for me. The needles were larger than I expected and so I kept reminding myself it would be worth it. And it was! After 2 visits, I was much better and each week my eyes felt better. I was so relieved. I was very down about my eyes, so this really turned my life around. I had plained to return for maintenance, but then covid hit.

I will add that this acupuncturist also does therapeutic touch. One day I arrived for eye session and was in severe pain in my foot (plantar fasciitis flare) and back (over exerted while packing). I explained about the foot and back….he said he could do a little something for it that might help, before he did acupuncture and I welcomed it. He said it might hurt, and it did hurt my calf as he pressed it very firmly. He touched all over my back, but not hard. No pain with that. No popping or cracking, like chiropractors. Then did acupuncture.Lasted an hour. I walked out feeling about 90% less pain. The next day like new! He’s a very gifted person.

Before I made the appointment, I found some articles online about positive results of acupuncture. I reported this to my ophthalmologist so she can share with others who suffer like me.