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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@monak

Thank you for this helpful information. Is the nasal spray available over the counter? (Tyrvaya (varenciline)) I didn’t see it on Amazon. I’ve just ordered the nighttime ointment you use.

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Hi, Tyrvaya is only available by prescription. So you will need to ask your primary care physician or ophthalmologist to check in to that for you.

Here’s the website for the Tyrvaya (vafenciline) so you can read up on the product and also share it with your physician to see if it’s right for you.
https://www.tyrvaya.com/
I quickly read some of your previous comments and see you’re dealing with some eye issues after cataract surgery. You’ll be visiting a new ophthalmologist at John Hopkins in February. So you may want to hold off on the Tyrvaya until getting that consolation.

If your eyes are super dry have you tried Systane Nighttime Ointment?

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@loribmt

Hi, Tyrvaya is only available by prescription. So you will need to ask your primary care physician or ophthalmologist to check in to that for you.

Here’s the website for the Tyrvaya (vafenciline) so you can read up on the product and also share it with your physician to see if it’s right for you.
https://www.tyrvaya.com/
I quickly read some of your previous comments and see you’re dealing with some eye issues after cataract surgery. You’ll be visiting a new ophthalmologist at John Hopkins in February. So you may want to hold off on the Tyrvaya until getting that consolation.

If your eyes are super dry have you tried Systane Nighttime Ointment?

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I know that the eye doctor said I had dry eyes, but my eyes never feel scratchy. They aren’t red. They don’t feel dry. I just feel like I have something in the outer part of my left eye. I am assuming that might be my symptom of dry eyes? The computer screen is so blurry, and I’m assuming that might be a symptom of dry eyes? I’ve just ordered the ointment and the gel drops. How often should I put in gel drops during the day? I do have astigmatism, and I wondered if the new lens did not completely fix it. I want to use the drops and ointment for several weeks before I go to the Hopkins doctor.

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@monak

I know that the eye doctor said I had dry eyes, but my eyes never feel scratchy. They aren’t red. They don’t feel dry. I just feel like I have something in the outer part of my left eye. I am assuming that might be my symptom of dry eyes? The computer screen is so blurry, and I’m assuming that might be a symptom of dry eyes? I’ve just ordered the ointment and the gel drops. How often should I put in gel drops during the day? I do have astigmatism, and I wondered if the new lens did not completely fix it. I want to use the drops and ointment for several weeks before I go to the Hopkins doctor.

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I never realized I had dry eyes either. It can start long before it’s obvious to us apparently. So it was recommended by my eye doctor to use some Systane drops daily and I admit my eyes felt better even though I hadn’t really been aware that I had minor symptoms such as you’re experiencing.

A few years ago, one of the permanent side effects of a medical procedure I had is very dry eyes. So I went from using Systane drops daily to also having to use the nighttime lubricant in my eyes. WOW did that ever make a difference so I hope it works for you too.

When you use the Systane nighttime goop, it is a little messy. If it’s cold in the bathroom I’ve found that before applying the gel at night I put the little tube in my pajama pocket to warm up so it flows better.
Also, it will make your vision a little blurry so put it in right before you go to bed and plan on sleeping. With blinking, the blurriness goes away.

To apply, just gently pull out your lower lid a little! You don’t need to stretch it very far. Then squeeze out a little 1/4 inch strip of the gel in the lower lid. It melts over the eye.

It’s also important to use it regularly every night. Initially I only used it sporadically and the results were pretty disappointing. But when I started using it faithfully every night it was like a miracle product. Now, I don’t use any drops during the day at all. My ophthalmologist and transplant team are happy with the results too!

I’m sure at some point I’ll be having cataract surgery too. The chemo progressed that situation and I also have servers astigmatism and heard that gets corrected with the surgery. I’m sorry you’re having issues with yours. Hopefully the consultation will give you some answers.

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@loribmt

I never realized I had dry eyes either. It can start long before it’s obvious to us apparently. So it was recommended by my eye doctor to use some Systane drops daily and I admit my eyes felt better even though I hadn’t really been aware that I had minor symptoms such as you’re experiencing.

A few years ago, one of the permanent side effects of a medical procedure I had is very dry eyes. So I went from using Systane drops daily to also having to use the nighttime lubricant in my eyes. WOW did that ever make a difference so I hope it works for you too.

When you use the Systane nighttime goop, it is a little messy. If it’s cold in the bathroom I’ve found that before applying the gel at night I put the little tube in my pajama pocket to warm up so it flows better.
Also, it will make your vision a little blurry so put it in right before you go to bed and plan on sleeping. With blinking, the blurriness goes away.

To apply, just gently pull out your lower lid a little! You don’t need to stretch it very far. Then squeeze out a little 1/4 inch strip of the gel in the lower lid. It melts over the eye.

It’s also important to use it regularly every night. Initially I only used it sporadically and the results were pretty disappointing. But when I started using it faithfully every night it was like a miracle product. Now, I don’t use any drops during the day at all. My ophthalmologist and transplant team are happy with the results too!

I’m sure at some point I’ll be having cataract surgery too. The chemo progressed that situation and I also have servers astigmatism and heard that gets corrected with the surgery. I’m sorry you’re having issues with yours. Hopefully the consultation will give you some answers.

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I’m so grateful for your kind help. My Systane products arrive next week, and I will follow your instructions carefully.

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@monak

I’m so grateful for your kind help. My Systane products arrive next week, and I will follow your instructions carefully.

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You’re most welcome and I hope this helps your eyes. Will you let me know how the nightime gel works for you?
And good luck with your upcoming consultation! Finger’s cross for some positive answers. ☺️

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@loribmt

Hi, Tyrvaya is only available by prescription. So you will need to ask your primary care physician or ophthalmologist to check in to that for you.

Here’s the website for the Tyrvaya (vafenciline) so you can read up on the product and also share it with your physician to see if it’s right for you.
https://www.tyrvaya.com/
I quickly read some of your previous comments and see you’re dealing with some eye issues after cataract surgery. You’ll be visiting a new ophthalmologist at John Hopkins in February. So you may want to hold off on the Tyrvaya until getting that consolation.

If your eyes are super dry have you tried Systane Nighttime Ointment?

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I am sure Tyrvaya is very expensive since it is so new. Does anyone know if insurance covers it?

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@nac1

I am sure Tyrvaya is very expensive since it is so new. Does anyone know if insurance covers it?

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Hi Nancy, I looked at the website for Tyrvaya and there are offers for discounts from their company for prescriptions and information to see if this product is right for you.

A quick search online shows a monthly supply is $580 to $630. Definitely on the pricy side!

Here is the link: https://www.tyrvaya.com/

Do you suffer from dry eyes? What do you use for relief?

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Thank you for the information Lori. At that price, I won't be trying Tyrvaya. I suffer greatly from Dry Eye. I use Restasis in morning and night; Systane gel at night and very often Genteal drops during day. Been using silicon plugs for a couple of years but had them removed because they irritated my eyes. Am also using warm compresses when I take a bath. Just ordered preservative-free drops and hope they help. I love to read but haven't been able to with the dry eyes.

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@rexsan20

Has anyone had PRP lacimal injection?

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What is that injection and does it really help?

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@nac1

Thank you for the information Lori. At that price, I won't be trying Tyrvaya. I suffer greatly from Dry Eye. I use Restasis in morning and night; Systane gel at night and very often Genteal drops during day. Been using silicon plugs for a couple of years but had them removed because they irritated my eyes. Am also using warm compresses when I take a bath. Just ordered preservative-free drops and hope they help. I love to read but haven't been able to with the dry eyes.

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That’s so miserable not being able to enjoy reading because of your dry eyes! I’m sorry for that. It’s a big part of my life and really tough to imagine giving up that daily enjoyment.
However, there was a period a few years ago, going through some medical issues, when I wasn’t able to hold a book or read much. A friend gave me a subscription Audio Books. That was a really great way to still enjoy my books without having to physically be involved. The only drawback, I would fall asleep pretty often while listening. 🥴 But it was pretty easy to simply back track to find where I drifted off.

Have you tried Audio books or another narrated literature APP? How about any Podcasts?

Another thing I’ve used but no longer need is the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress. (About $20.00) You can put it in the microwave for an even, warm heat on the eyes without having to get up and re-warm the wash cloth? Have you tried that?

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