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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@rarelybees2889

I use celluvisc, serum eye drops, and gel. Anyone have blepharitis? Mine eye issues are autoimmune related. I think of all things, serum eye drops help the most...

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I have had blepharitis. It helps to use a warm compress held over the eyelids. My new opthalmologist recommended serum tears. I chose not to do it. I hate having blood drawn as I often get a localized phlebitis. And when I spoke to the nurse who does the blood letting 😉the amount of blood drawn and the fact that it has to be done every three months put the kibosh on the whole thing. Also you dont know if the serum tears will work for you for awhile. So I continue on with my artificial tears and nightime ointment like I've been doing for forty years now. That's wonderful that you've had good results.

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Hi
I have severe dry eye and its a huge issue. Also significant eyelid margin issues....I have Sjogrens...

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I have seen many of you dealing with dry eye. I too had a big problem with dry eye as I was losing my sight because of non-arteritis ischemic optic neuropathy. My ophthalmologist had me use De 3 which is made of many different fish oils. I buy it at my ophthalmlogist office and I might use drops once every other day instead of every hour

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@weezy1939

I have seen many of you dealing with dry eye. I too had a big problem with dry eye as I was losing my sight because of non-arteritis ischemic optic neuropathy. My ophthalmologist had me use De 3 which is made of many different fish oils. I buy it at my ophthalmlogist office and I might use drops once every other day instead of every hour

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Hi @weezy1939, I moved your message to the active discussion about dry eyes so that everyone would see your post.

You mention that you use De3 Dry Eye Omega Benefits drops but that you are thinking of putting them in every second day instead of once an hour. That seems like a radical shift. Were they prescribed to be used every hour? Or was that only after a surgery? Can you help me understand the shift in frequency?

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@colleenyoung

Hi @weezy1939, I moved your message to the active discussion about dry eyes so that everyone would see your post.

You mention that you use De3 Dry Eye Omega Benefits drops but that you are thinking of putting them in every second day instead of once an hour. That seems like a radical shift. Were they prescribed to be used every hour? Or was that only after a surgery? Can you help me understand the shift in frequency?

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Hi! the reason I put them in so seldom is I am seldom bothered by dry eye now that I am using De3.

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@ashby1947

Yes, dry eyes are a problem, but there are many ways to help yourself at home as well as some new physician procedures. First, any eye drops that have preservatives dry your eyes out more! That means that most OTC drops will aggravate dry eyes instead of helping. I have been using Retaine MGD for several years, and a single use vial lasts for several drops/day. Oasis is also a good drop. I have glaucoma, a precipitating factor in dry eye syndrome, and have even gone to preservative free glaucoma drops. I use lid scrubs daily and agree with you that the warm eye mask is very beneficial in stimulating the meibomian glands. Another important consideration is to not have air blowing on your eyes, which is quite a task since I live in FL and everything is air conditioned to the max - sigh! I hope sharing information will be of value to others who are dealing with dry eyes. Best Regards, Ashby 1947.

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I have discovered sunglasses when I am out in moving air as well as an eyemask while sleeping help a lot. I use systane liquid tears, PM ointment at night and RX for Pataday. Rinse my eyes out when I come in from outside.

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Have been using systane during the day n XIIDRA 2 x a day they hsve helped. Me slot before my eyes would glue shut when I wake up during the nite

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Just saw the opthalmologist. Ready to start using Xiidra. Apparently takes 2 to 3 weeks to know if it works for you. Fingers-crossed.

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@colleenyoung

Hi @weezy1939, I moved your message to the active discussion about dry eyes so that everyone would see your post.

You mention that you use De3 Dry Eye Omega Benefits drops but that you are thinking of putting them in every second day instead of once an hour. That seems like a radical shift. Were they prescribed to be used every hour? Or was that only after a surgery? Can you help me understand the shift in frequency?

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@weezy1939 I am sorry that I didn't describe De3 better. De3 are soft gel capsules and I take 3 a day with food. They contain different types of fish oils. I frequently was using drops but rarely need to use them anymore.

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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 used Xiidra now for about 2 years now. I have had good results with the drops. The taste is not that great but does go away, just don't lay down right after you use. Also, do not miss any doses unless directed by your doctor.

Since you are unable to save any drops I use the whole tube. My eyes are very dry since I live in West Texas and I have Sjogren's.
The drops are quite expensive if you do not have insurance.

Good Luck!

De

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