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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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libertyusa | @libertyusa | Nov 3, 2023

Hi -
I used to use Bruder eyepads (warm them slightly in microwave and lay on eyes a few minutes.)
But years ago switched to REFRESH eye drops (no preservatives).
They work fine. Sometimes I reuse a capsule if it is within 24 hrs. of opening. I carry capsules with me.
Andrea

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pkh3381 | @pkh3381 | Nov 4, 2023

I have dealt with extreme dry eyes for years and never did find a drop, over the counter or Rx, that ever helped. The only treatment that ever helped me was cauterization of the tear ducts. Unbelievably painful, but I had it done twice to both eyes and it did help for extended periods of time with each session, but when I called to make an appt for another session, the Dr had switched his practice and only sees patients with cataracts. I could never find another Dr who did this. Drops in my eyes cause burning that bring me out of my chair. The most help I get is with weighted eye masks, which is not a lot. I hope you can find more help that I have found.
P

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Langold | @rarelybees2889 | Nov 6, 2023
In reply to @sue225 "Yes, I have been dealing with dry eyes for 40 years! I use Allergan's Refresh Celluvisc..." + (show)
Profile picture for sue225 @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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Do you have Sjogrens Disease?

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1 reply
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Langold | @rarelybees2889 | Nov 6, 2023
In reply to @ashby1947 "Yes, dry eyes are a problem, but there are many ways to help yourself at home..." + (show)
Profile picture for ashby1947 @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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Warm compress and serum eye drops help me

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sue225 | @sue225 | Nov 6, 2023
In reply to @rarelybees2889 "Do you have Sjogrens Disease?" + (show)
Profile picture for Langold @rarelybees2889

Do you have Sjogrens Disease?

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No, I have been tested more than once. Most recently about two years ago. But I have other autoimmune conditions . Celiac disease being the
main one.
And my cousin was just diagnosed with Sjogrens at 73. She has dry eyes. Lots of dry eyes on my mother's side of the family.

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Langold | @rarelybees2889 | Nov 6, 2023

Suggest you read check this out
She is an MD with Sjogrens
https://www.sjogrensadvocate.com/classification-criteria
I started out seronegative but a lip biopsy and other testing was positive

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ellymary | @ellymary | Nov 6, 2023
In reply to @ashby1947 "Yes, dry eyes are a problem, but there are many ways to help yourself at home..." + (show)
Profile picture for ashby1947 @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.

Jump to this post

I just learned that ceiling fans can dry out your eyes and I have the sharper image eyelid heat pad that keeps the eyelid inflammation in check. I put it on twice a day fir 10 minutes and more often when I have an inflammation.

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izzy2023 | @izzy2023 | Nov 19, 2023

I was recently told I have dry eyes. My eye Doctor said I could have treatment they now do in the office. My eye insurance doesn't cover it so he suggested warm compresses to help. Maybe ask your eye doctor if they have the equipment to help with dry eyes. I believe it is a fairly new technology. Best of luck to you.

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3 replies
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cpd54 | @cpd54 | Nov 20, 2023

I have found that wearing just plain tightly fitting safety googles help my dry eyes tremendously!!! OF course I look like a dork wearing them but hubs will just have to get used to it😂

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