How do you deal with dry eyes?

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.

I had a severe allergic reaction to Xiidra because it is a sulpha drug. My doctor prescribed it without checking my allergy list.

I suspect I may be allergic to sulfa also. Had a reaction to an antibiotic so many years ago. That is really good to know. I was not aware of this.

I use Restasis for my dry eyes without problems.

I use Restasis for my dry eyes without problems.

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.

Never use anything with preservatives in your eye, especially benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which is in nearly every eye lubricant. BAK disrupts and inflames your ocular surface. It's used to INDUCE dry eye in animal experimentation. Go to pubmed and search benzalkonium chloride and dry eye, if you find this hard to believe. Why do ophthalmologists and optometrists continue to prescribe BAK containing drops? I sure as heck can't figure it out. Because my insurance won't pay for BAK free glaucoma medication, my doctor has sent a prescription for Zioptan (preservative free) to Eagle Pharmacy in Florida, who ship it to me. I use Purilens as my daily lubricant. Another note: I tried silicone punctal plugs many years ago. Large gross looking tumor type things grew out of the inner corners of my eyes. My ophthalmologist said I must be allergic to silicone. So I had acrylic plugs inserted, and unfortunately chose a brand that was later recalled for causing frequent infections. My doc had a heck of time trying to get all of both plugs out of my eyes, and I refused subsequent plugs. Another note: if you have rosacea and/or blephartitis , try using Zocular wipes for cleansing. I cut the wipes into smaller squares for cleansing, because the wipes are expensive. Follow this up with Derma-Care smoothed lightly over the rims of your eyelids.

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?