My dry eye treatment isn’t working

@ashleyharris728
I put my mask in for 30 seconds in the microwave (the maximum time) and the heat lasts for min. 20 minutes.
Did the light treatments work for you? Any side effects from the treatment? (To your skin?) Also, those protective shields that are placed in the eye make me nervous.
Have you tried the serum tears? Serum tears are not covered in Canada.
For now I am still in decision mode. I can use my FML steroid drop when required and have my eye pressure checked every four months (prolonged use of steroid drops can lead to glaucoma).
Thanks for your message.

@ashleyharris728 agree on the expensive part of IPL. I have had in the past for face treatments and has to be done by a nurse or Dr. They have to determine what (number) to use based on your DNA and not much pain due to numbing gel and my skin did great from it. But, the one for under your eyes is targeted smaller head and they can adjust the strength.
I decided to wait until the winter to do if needed. (due to sun exposure)
I decided to do the Zest treatment ($220) on Feb 23rd. The following week I was in FL and was shocked I did not use eye drops once! (I still use my ocusoft in the shower)
I am pleased with the effects of the treatment.

Hi. I too have been dealing with chronic dry eye conditions for at least two decades. Recently I learned about Lacrifill. It’s a relatively new treatment approved by the FDA within the last year.

The treatment consists of your ophthalmologist inserting a gel like substance into your lower lid. I did not find it uncomfortable. This gel like substance lasts for about 6 months. I tried it for the first time this past December. Of all the treatments I’ve been recommended and there have been dozens, I have found this to be the only treatment in which I noticed a difference immediately. That gel like substance helps keep the eye moist. I continue to use all of the other prescribed drops but this treatment, for me, has been surprisingly beneficial.
Good luck.

@sue225 I do use the serum tears. They were very highly recommended to me by my optometrists. I think they are helpful although I hate having my blood drawn for them. That’s my personal issue, though.

I think there are skin benefits for IPL. People get it at esthetics clinics for beauty treatments. It’s supposed to help with rosacea, which is also an issue for me, so I just put up with the pain because it is supposed to help my eye and I do notice clearer, less red skin for awhile. It is a good idea to wait until the winter to limit your sun exposure. I try to schedule my treatments around things like spring break trips as well.

@ashleyharris728
The reason I have not tried serum tears is because I sometimes get localized phlebitis just from having routine bloodwork done. A number of years ago, it was quite bad the vein got inflamed all the way up the arm and took two months to resolve. Since that time, I never offer up my right arm for blood tests! It was a terrible experience;-painful and unable to use that arm fully for a while.
For now, I am not changing anything.
Celluvisc, Soothe nightime ointment, Bruder Mask and FML one drop in right eye not every day but sometimes.
Thank you for sharing what you do.
Good to know that IPL actually helps rosacea.
An optometrist once told me that dry eye and rosacea are a common combo in some people.
Thanks again.

@sue225 I understand the reservations with the blood draw completely. I have had so many issues with blood draws that I’ve developed needle annxiety although I hesitate to call it a full on phobia. unfortunately just yesterday I was getting my blood drawn for the tears and had another terrible experience. You do not get to choose the location of your draw, it is contracted through the serum tears company. So there certainly can be a cost in that regard. If I’m out and about, I use Refresh Optive Mega 3 single use droperettes which work okay for me. Unfortunately all of this has escalated into corneal neuropathic pain which is a whole thing but trying to get creative about managing that as well. There is some evidence for Botox but it goes back to the problem with needles!

My opinion, for what it is worth, if it's just pain, or discomfort and there is no keratitis, the surface of the cornea looks good, then my inner voice says to me, leave well enough alone for now. Eyes are precious things and unnecessary damage is to be avoided.
I have tried the drops you mention but for me, the ingredient that my eye seems happy with is hydroxypropylmethelcellulose 1% which is what Refresh Celluvisc is. Over the many years, have tried others(some much more expensive) and not as effective.
Re bloodwork..requisition in my purse for days (unrelated to eyes) and psyching myself to go tomorrow!!
I remember a friend of my mum's saying years ago.."whoever coined the term golden years..they're rusty years!