How do you deal with dry eyes?

@joybringer1 not yet. Will add to the list. First I want to try Refresh Optive Mega 3 with flaxseed and castor oil. Great to get all these different recommendations!

@lacy2 I'm so sorry you,be had another melt down Look at Tapping.com This I think will help you Dr Mercola, and other well known Dr,s It's the meridian line,brain process it helps with a merriade of problems It's lengthy for me to explain

I periodically get wigged out and overwhelmed- have Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and symptoms ebb and flow. I am on Zoloft, which helps focus, and some with pain. A daily walk is imperative for those days when I am amok. Intentional breathing is great and easy: Dr Weil's take is 8 in, hold for 4, 8 out. EFT tapping is great (steps at https://www.emofree.com/nl/eft-tutorial/tapping-basics/how-to-do-eft.html ). Also, 5-hydroxy gaba helps - I take it for sleep 45 minutes before bed. For a week, take it 3 times a day; I got it from a Compounding Lab nurse, but can buy on Amazon (Precision One) Otherwise, it is mind over body, and a massage, or reflexology helps. Revert to good diet (non-processed, avoid sugar), stay hydrated and plan. I do get up early and do Just One Thing to feel like I have purpose, even if it is emptying the dishwasher. Plan your day's tasks (no more than 2 hours) in your nightly peace. Take your time; small changes matter and you will get past this!

I like an eyemask for dry eyes, but they are so tight! I've been putting a dark sock over my eyes that seems to last enough time for sleeping. There are some that have a bubble over the eyes. However, then the mask from my CPAP gets in the way.

My ophthalmologist told me after my last visit to use plain eye drops to add moisture for my "aging eyes" when they feel scratchy, a bit dry, etc. I asked him which type or brand, but he said any eye drop without extra additives was fine. I've been using original Systane without preservatives and haven't tried any other brands. I read what some of you are using and was just wondering if there is something that would be better that you would recommend and I could try next time I buy eye drops. I haven't had any issues with Systane and it does the job O.K, but doesn't leave my eyes feeling anything exceptionally soothed after using. I have had cataract surgery on both eyes in the past and my vision is generally good.

If you have autoimmune, you can have more than just aging eyes! I've also had cataract surgery. I have discovered that my eyes get blurry about as often as they feel dry. I use drops frequently throughout the day. An allergy pill and washing your face periodically can help during allergy season. I gently scrub my eyelids in the shower to activate tear ducts. Besides Systane, which I like most, I use PM Ointment at night for the days when drops are not enough. I have a prescription for Pataday which I use daily when it feels chronically gritty. The Pataday (prescription) is spendy, but makes a difference. A loose eyemask at night (no pressure on eyes) is very helpful, particularly if you have a fan running or vent aimed at the bed. I wear sunglasses outside if there is air movement and if I am on the computer for many hours. Hope this helps. (I have symptoms of Sjogrens, which is the root of my issue)

Thank you for tips. My doctor feels blurriness is due to dry eyes - therefore the reason he suggested eye drops. I have Hashimoto disease diagnosed over 30 years ago and no eye issues until later years and after cataract surgeries. I always wear sunglasses outdoors too, eyes water and tire quickly if I don't.

@lacy2 I found an eyedropper I like its Walgreens brand

@marye2 I had catar5 removed from both eyes and dry eyes and M D so Dr has me on AREDS for aging eyes and m.d. The one I have has extra lutein and bill berry in So I don't have to take as many drops during day When eye allergies start I use a eye rinse it really makes them feel better and drops less

@lacy2, @cherriann I just happened to see these posts on dry eyes regarding finding an over the counter product.
My experience: One of the side effects of a bone marrow transplant seems to be dry eyes. Fortunately I’ve been able to manage mine with OTC products so far. The worst was at night when my eyelids would stick to my eyes. Trying to get them open was so painful! Daytime, my eyes were burning, gritty, making it difficult to read or be at the computer.
The best by far has been Systane Nighttime ointment! I use it religiously at night. Within the first week of not forgetting a night, my dry eyes improved dramatically. To the point I no longer need drops during the day. My eyes even look like they have a twinkle again. They are definitely healthy looking now.
I think the key is to use it faithfully on a nightly basis. It is goopy and once you apply it, your vision does get blurry so it’s best to just go to bed right away. To apply, I hold out my lower lid just a little and lay a line of the gel along my lower eye lid. The gel melts as you apply it and coats your eye. It doesn’t burn at all and feels really soothing. Just something to consider. Any drug store and usually grocery stores have it in the eye care section. Lori