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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Eye Conditions Support Group.

@krisjb1

My eye dr today prescribed Restasis. My pharmacy called as soon as they got the prescription to warn me of the cost for the prescription. Medicare+ a supplement +Part D and I would pay $501 out of pocket! No! I cancelled that and ordered an eye gel from Amazon. At least for under $10. I will know right away if it helps.

Jump to this post

@krisjb1 the one thing I would say about Xiidra and Restasis is the benefit they provide in actually “correcting” (for lack of a better word) dry eyes. I used Xiidra for about 3 months and then could cut back to only once a day without the need to use any other drops. Unfortunately I became lazy and didn’t use for many months and had to start again with 2 applications a day and supplemental OTC preservative-free drops. Just thought I’d share that info.

REPLY
@sue225

Interestingly, Xiidra no longer being recommended to me. No told that if I had stinging with Restasis it would be the same or worse with Xiidra which is fine with me. Will continue doing my usual regimen.
My only bit of advice to you, whatever artificial tear,or gel you buy, always best to go with a preservative free product. The preservatives often irritate the dry eye.

Jump to this post

I have insurance so Restasis is not that expensiive unless I get in the doughnut hot. So I use Restatsis in the morning and evening(can get two doses from one tube). During the day, I use Systane preservative-free drops that come in long tubes. I use Systane preservative-free gel drops that come in a small bottle before I go to sleep at night.

REPLY
@bustrbrwn22

@krisjb1 the one thing I would say about Xiidra and Restasis is the benefit they provide in actually “correcting” (for lack of a better word) dry eyes. I used Xiidra for about 3 months and then could cut back to only once a day without the need to use any other drops. Unfortunately I became lazy and didn’t use for many months and had to start again with 2 applications a day and supplemental OTC preservative-free drops. Just thought I’d share that info.

Jump to this post

Xiidra must be used twice a day. Unlike unpreserved eye drops, xiidra will reduce the cause of dryness.

REPLY

I use Systance Complete for my dry very dry eyes

REPLY
@rarelybees2889

I have tried everything for severe dry eye due to Sjogren's disease. Finally the cornea specialist cauterized all four of my eyes and my eyes are still a major problem with margin lid disease, blepheritis and watery disfunctional tears.
I've lost a lot of lashes, they are red rimmed and swollen. Hope you've had better experiences. I wish they had not been all cauterized, it wasn't a good solution....

Jump to this post

Hello. I’m so sorry you are experiencing so many eye problems. Do you mean you had the tear duct cauterized? Just to reiterate others. Always use preservative free drops. Have you tried nighttime pm. Ointment?

REPLY
@krisjb1

My eye dr today prescribed Restasis. My pharmacy called as soon as they got the prescription to warn me of the cost for the prescription. Medicare+ a supplement +Part D and I would pay $501 out of pocket! No! I cancelled that and ordered an eye gel from Amazon. At least for under $10. I will know right away if it helps.

Jump to this post

I would recommend that you use only preservatives free drops and try pf pm ointment at night. My most recent eye doctor has prescribed The use of wearing a contact lens which is soft. It protects the Eye and has made my dry eyes dry I feel so much better. I do not need to use many drops during the day anymore.

REPLY
@bustrbrwn22

@krisjb1 the one thing I would say about Xiidra and Restasis is the benefit they provide in actually “correcting” (for lack of a better word) dry eyes. I used Xiidra for about 3 months and then could cut back to only once a day without the need to use any other drops. Unfortunately I became lazy and didn’t use for many months and had to start again with 2 applications a day and supplemental OTC preservative-free drops. Just thought I’d share that info.

Jump to this post

It is great that they worked for you. I decided against the purchase of Restasis for $501 or Xiidra for $549 out of pocket. So far I can control the problem with hot compresses and over the counter meds. As long as it doesn't get worse I can deal with it.

REPLY

I’m dealing with this but I’m not sure why it’s happening I’m just trying to manage it until further investigation is done by my team. 🙏🏻 blessings of healing ❤️‍🩹

REPLY

I have severe Sjodrens- not only do I have dry eyes, but I must drink a sip of water before during and after taking a bite of food or I can't swallow it. No tears available to cry, and worst of all can cause difficulty with bowel function. My Ophthalmologist showed me how to massage my lacrimal glands (above your eyes), run my finger across my lower eyelid, and to use warm compresses. But what I have found to help the most is an eye drop that contains N-Acetylcarnosine called Can-C. It provides me the most relief for a longer period of time. You can get it on Amazon, and it's not any more expensive than other eye drops. Using the bottle can be tricky; you can't get any drops out by squeezing the sides of the bottle, you have to press the bottom of the bottle. Hope this helps-

REPLY

@maryy @meg2147 have anyone tried any special or specific eye drops for the symptoms of the dry eyes?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated 🙏🏻 blessings of healing ❤️‍🩹 🌼

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.