How do you deal with dry eyes?

Posted by maryy @maryy, Jun 10, 2019

I have dry eyes due to sjogren's syndrome. Does anyone else deal with dry eyes?

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@peach414144

This is a different category but I did not know where to put it. Here goes: Have been trying to find a doctor to help with the three stents placed into my iliac veins. Seems none of the cardiologists here where I live can do this. Big story behind this but why make this more confusing. I am very freaked out with this. The pain is to much to bear any more and this will be the end of me. Legs have turned darker and darker with time. Must I move (which I cannot do at my age 82). to a more advanced area? Cannot drive any more due to gloucoma and. I need some one to guide me. Must find somewhere to look up where to call. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

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@peach414144, there are two discussions with posts about stents and iliac veins that I think your question might get some more responses.

Multi vessel stenting vs bypass surgery: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/multi-vessel-stenting-vs-bypass-surgery/
May-Thurner syndrome (MTS): https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hello-2/

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Yes, my dry eye problem started in my last year of university. I am now 65. Use Refresh Celluvisc (many times a day) and night time ointment. Restasis caused too much discomfort (more than my usual). Have a box of Xiidra in the cupboard which I am reluctant to start. Not interested in the blood serum method. My eyes are always dry and always uncomfortable but somehow I've managed. Tested negative for Sjogrens many years ago but I have other autoimmune conditions (celiac disease). Sjogrens is in my family on my mother's side.

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My Opthomologist diagnosed : dry eyes
He recommended daily over the counter eye drops.

My P.A. daughter wrote a paper about the importance of hydration. I never gave it much thought!
I increased my daily water intake.

When I went to my yearly Opthomologist appointment, he was surprised that I no longer had dry eyes. I told him that I increased my water intake.

This is not a recommendation. Ask your doctor about intake of water. I read that you can over hydrate (hypernutremia?) .. I think that is the term.
Always ask your doctor 🥼

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P.S. I also join you in the world of celiac!
NO wheat!
A wonderful reference book is Celiac for Dummies.(University of Virginia)

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@sue225

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.

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I have been using Xiidra for a few months and I think it works well. The only issue with it is when you put it in, your vision is blurred for about 15 minutes.

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@slturley

I have been using Xiidra for a few months and I think it works well. The only issue with it is when you put it in, your vision is blurred for about 15 minutes.

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That's good to hear. My opthalmologist gave me steroid drops to use for a couple of weeks prior to/ or along with the xiidra in order to reduce the occurrence of stinging and burning. Seem to remember her saying it takes a number of weeks until you know if it is helping.

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I have very bad dry eyes use XIIDRA 2 x day s they really help, systane drops during the day avoid wind wear sunglasses if out side
Before using these drops my eyes would bleed during the nite had to use compress works the best

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@wisfloj

My tip re: Bruder mask for MGD. I order a cheaper brand that they make from Amazon, it is only nine dollars and called Thermalon. I also cut off the straps so I can lay back and press/mold the beads right onto every bit of my eyelid. The last Eye Dr. I went to seemed quite impressed and agreed this was a good method and kind of implied she would be passing it on to her patients. When they put one on me at the office, strapping it to the back of my head, it seemed to mainly heat my cheekbones more than anything because the beads tend to settle downwards, I prefer to lay almost flat on my couch. I use this one to two times per day, but definitely not a cure all. Plus omega-3, plus drops, plus blink exercises…

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Thank you for your post. I have 2 masks so that I can wash one and let it dry for a few days before using again. I'll look on Amazon next time.

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systane eye drops work best for me. Once in morning once at night before bed. They are much better. I can use more as needed but that usually only an occasional time during the day especially when windy.

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@sue225

Yes, my dry eye problem started in my last year of university. I am now 65. Use Refresh Celluvisc (many times a day) and night time ointment. Restasis caused too much discomfort (more than my usual). Have a box of Xiidra in the cupboard which I am reluctant to start. Not interested in the blood serum method. My eyes are always dry and always uncomfortable but somehow I've managed. Tested negative for Sjogrens many years ago but I have other autoimmune conditions (celiac disease). Sjogrens is in my family on my mother's side.

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@sue225 I have used a preservative free eye drops for my dry eyes . This works pretty well for me . Refresh Optiva

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