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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@maryy I have dry eyes Dr told me to get Systain drops out in 3 x a day also I have glaucoma use a drop at night of Latanoprist drops

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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 Sjogren 's syndrome which causes dry eye and dry mouth for many years! I also use Allergan's Refresh eye drops twice a day. Just read that Krill oil may help relieve dry eye symptom. Start taking it last week instead of fish oil!

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I had cataract surgery in one eye. I elected not to have same ophthalmologist do the other eye because my new eye now has a pupil larger than in the other eye (I think from stretching during surgery) and I have a very slight eyelid droop (again from a tool he used). He told me he had trouble dilating my eye prior to surgery (but later on, he denied he said that ?!?). THE GOOD NEWS IS MY DISTANCE VISION HAS DEFINITELY IMPROVED and the surgery was not painful. But, with regard to your question on dry eyes - I use a computer daily for many hours. I use drops (Systane and others). But what I want to mention is the BRUDER EYE PADS. The Dr. suggested them and I find them to be very good. The mask (eye pads) has granules in it; you put it in the microwave for 14 seconds. Then (it cannot be TOO HOT) put them over you eyes for 5 minutes. I think they help and I believe the heat opens the tiny blood vessels in your eyelid which simulates tears. (NOW, I MAY NOT HAVE EXPLAINED THat CORRECTLY, BUT I DO THINK THEY HELP). Best wishes, "GolfandTennis".

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@libertyusa

I had cataract surgery in one eye. I elected not to have same ophthalmologist do the other eye because my new eye now has a pupil larger than in the other eye (I think from stretching during surgery) and I have a very slight eyelid droop (again from a tool he used). He told me he had trouble dilating my eye prior to surgery (but later on, he denied he said that ?!?). THE GOOD NEWS IS MY DISTANCE VISION HAS DEFINITELY IMPROVED and the surgery was not painful. But, with regard to your question on dry eyes - I use a computer daily for many hours. I use drops (Systane and others). But what I want to mention is the BRUDER EYE PADS. The Dr. suggested them and I find them to be very good. The mask (eye pads) has granules in it; you put it in the microwave for 14 seconds. Then (it cannot be TOO HOT) put them over you eyes for 5 minutes. I think they help and I believe the heat opens the tiny blood vessels in your eyelid which simulates tears. (NOW, I MAY NOT HAVE EXPLAINED THat CORRECTLY, BUT I DO THINK THEY HELP). Best wishes, "GolfandTennis".

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@tennisgolf Sorry to hear about your experience, I also suffer from dry eyes and as you, they got worse after cataract surgery. I use herbal tea bags warmed in water, and I find them very soothing. All the best, Isabel

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@ew100

I have Sjogren 's syndrome which causes dry eye and dry mouth for many years! I also use Allergan's Refresh eye drops twice a day. Just read that Krill oil may help relieve dry eye symptom. Start taking it last week instead of fish oil!

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Thanks . I have Sjogrens Syndrome too, unfortunately. Do you take any medication for Sjogren? Methotrexate or Azathioprine?

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@libertyusa

I had cataract surgery in one eye. I elected not to have same ophthalmologist do the other eye because my new eye now has a pupil larger than in the other eye (I think from stretching during surgery) and I have a very slight eyelid droop (again from a tool he used). He told me he had trouble dilating my eye prior to surgery (but later on, he denied he said that ?!?). THE GOOD NEWS IS MY DISTANCE VISION HAS DEFINITELY IMPROVED and the surgery was not painful. But, with regard to your question on dry eyes - I use a computer daily for many hours. I use drops (Systane and others). But what I want to mention is the BRUDER EYE PADS. The Dr. suggested them and I find them to be very good. The mask (eye pads) has granules in it; you put it in the microwave for 14 seconds. Then (it cannot be TOO HOT) put them over you eyes for 5 minutes. I think they help and I believe the heat opens the tiny blood vessels in your eyelid which simulates tears. (NOW, I MAY NOT HAVE EXPLAINED THat CORRECTLY, BUT I DO THINK THEY HELP). Best wishes, "GolfandTennis".

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Thank you @tennisgolf

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@libertyusa

I had cataract surgery in one eye. I elected not to have same ophthalmologist do the other eye because my new eye now has a pupil larger than in the other eye (I think from stretching during surgery) and I have a very slight eyelid droop (again from a tool he used). He told me he had trouble dilating my eye prior to surgery (but later on, he denied he said that ?!?). THE GOOD NEWS IS MY DISTANCE VISION HAS DEFINITELY IMPROVED and the surgery was not painful. But, with regard to your question on dry eyes - I use a computer daily for many hours. I use drops (Systane and others). But what I want to mention is the BRUDER EYE PADS. The Dr. suggested them and I find them to be very good. The mask (eye pads) has granules in it; you put it in the microwave for 14 seconds. Then (it cannot be TOO HOT) put them over you eyes for 5 minutes. I think they help and I believe the heat opens the tiny blood vessels in your eyelid which simulates tears. (NOW, I MAY NOT HAVE EXPLAINED THat CORRECTLY, BUT I DO THINK THEY HELP). Best wishes, "GolfandTennis".

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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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@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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@ashby1947 I have dry eyes,glucoma and macular degeneration. The eye Dr. gave me samples of Systein compltere its the newest one in Systien it really works and I have cut down on the number of drops from 6 a day to only 3 .

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@libertyusa

I had cataract surgery in one eye. I elected not to have same ophthalmologist do the other eye because my new eye now has a pupil larger than in the other eye (I think from stretching during surgery) and I have a very slight eyelid droop (again from a tool he used). He told me he had trouble dilating my eye prior to surgery (but later on, he denied he said that ?!?). THE GOOD NEWS IS MY DISTANCE VISION HAS DEFINITELY IMPROVED and the surgery was not painful. But, with regard to your question on dry eyes - I use a computer daily for many hours. I use drops (Systane and others). But what I want to mention is the BRUDER EYE PADS. The Dr. suggested them and I find them to be very good. The mask (eye pads) has granules in it; you put it in the microwave for 14 seconds. Then (it cannot be TOO HOT) put them over you eyes for 5 minutes. I think they help and I believe the heat opens the tiny blood vessels in your eyelid which simulates tears. (NOW, I MAY NOT HAVE EXPLAINED THat CORRECTLY, BUT I DO THINK THEY HELP). Best wishes, "GolfandTennis".

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My tip re: Bruder mask for MGD. I order a cheaper brand that they make from Amazon, it is only nine dollars and called Thermalon. I also cut off the straps so I can lay back and press/mold the beads right onto every bit of my eyelid. The last Eye Dr. I went to seemed quite impressed and agreed this was a good method and kind of implied she would be passing it on to her patients. When they put one on me at the office, strapping it to the back of my head, it seemed to mainly heat my cheekbones more than anything because the beads tend to settle downwards, I prefer to lay almost flat on my couch. I use this one to two times per day, but definitely not a cure all. Plus omega-3, plus drops, plus blink exercises…

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