Chronic dry eye syndrome: What helps dry, itchy, swollen eyes?

Posted by shmerdloff @shmerdloff, Jul 3 12:39pm

Hi. Anyone have a solution (no pun intended) for chronic dry eye syndrome? Not Sjorgens. Hot? Cold? Oil? Drops? Duct blockage? Seems everyone uses everything with only moderate success. Saw ophthalmologist. Said use refresh🤷‍♀️

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Profile picture for thisfatoldlady @thisfatoldlady

My eye doctor recommends Alaway eye drops. They help relieve the itching.

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There is another discussion about eye dryness and someone recommended an omega 3 fish oil, they said it cured the problem. I did look into it online and they too recommended omega 3 oil but not necessarily fish oil, also it said that you would still need meds with this product, I think it’s worth checking it out to see what more you can find out about this product.

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I have no experience with omega 3 fish oil; it may treat the underlying condition. All Alaway does is "numb" up the eye so it doesn't itch or feel gritty. It treats the symptoms - not the condition. Good to know about the fish oil information! Thank you.

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Profile picture for ckemom @ckemom

It's OTC and recommended to me by my opthalmologist.
I had tried everything as well. Even Rx eye drops. This simple OTC product works. No more dry, gritty, stinging eyes. I can read up until 1 or 2am if I please.

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My ophthalmologist did several tests including tearing, blinking and took several pictures and the usual pressure. She determined that after blinking my eyes are dry almost immediately. She found mite adults and eggs on my lids. She also discovered that my eyes don’t completely close. She has me taking a Q-tip and washing my eye lids with a product twice a day. At bedtime I apply a more viscous eye salve and put some adhesive patches on each eye. It seems to be helping after a week. I’m also using Optase several time daily. Meds are coming for the mites

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New ophthalmologist specializing in dry eye etc. conditions says it rosacea (my cheeks are red).
This is covered in Mayo Clinic. I am using wetting drops and aquaphor.
Don't know yet if it's working.

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Profile picture for ozziero @ozziero

My ophthalmologist did several tests including tearing, blinking and took several pictures and the usual pressure. She determined that after blinking my eyes are dry almost immediately. She found mite adults and eggs on my lids. She also discovered that my eyes don’t completely close. She has me taking a Q-tip and washing my eye lids with a product twice a day. At bedtime I apply a more viscous eye salve and put some adhesive patches on each eye. It seems to be helping after a week. I’m also using Optase several time daily. Meds are coming for the mites

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Did your doctor mention hydrating eye goggles to be worn at night? They aren’t comfortable to me and require a good fit, but are supposed to help those whose eyes don’t close when asleep.

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cyclosporine (rx eye drops) have helped me enormously. initially, i used the normal strength,.05, Restasis. In more recent years, i have used, Cequa, .09 cyclosporine.

Both may require opthamologist to document medical necessity for insurance coverage purposes

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Profile picture for elisabeth007 @elisabeth007

cyclosporine (rx eye drops) have helped me enormously. initially, i used the normal strength,.05, Restasis. In more recent years, i have used, Cequa, .09 cyclosporine.

Both may require opthamologist to document medical necessity for insurance coverage purposes

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i have used all eye drops suggested in the previous articles unsuggesfully over the past seven I had eye drop serum made from my own blood cells. My eyes have been photoed many times saying there is fluid there but not lubricatubg my eyes. I have severe dry eyes and willing to travel any where tp find some type of solution.. My visual acuity is getting worse. Any suggestines> Thank you

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Profile picture for celia16 @celia16

Did your doctor mention hydrating eye goggles to be worn at night? They aren’t comfortable to me and require a good fit, but are supposed to help those whose eyes don’t close when asleep.

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No she did not just the adhesive patches, which I don’t like. I had an ectropion operation to lift the lids, but says I need it again. There is a new laser or electrical procedure that is offered now. It’s $2000 out of pocket but no cutting so I may opt for that. I will ask about the goggles ,
Thank you

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Profile picture for ozziero @ozziero

No she did not just the adhesive patches, which I don’t like. I had an ectropion operation to lift the lids, but says I need it again. There is a new laser or electrical procedure that is offered now. It’s $2000 out of pocket but no cutting so I may opt for that. I will ask about the goggles ,
Thank you

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I had trouble finding goggles that fit right. There are at least a couple of websites that feature them and they are expensive.

I hope you can find something that helps. It’s been my experience that eye issues are very costly as hardly anything is covered by insurance and it’s super expensive. My nighttime ointment is all out of pocket and a small tube is quite expensive. There is little competition with eye lubricant ointment. It feels unconscionable to me.

The company I bought my goggles refused a return. I had bought another pair elsewhere that didn’t work out either. Sigh.

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Profile picture for milwaukee @milwaukee

i have used all eye drops suggested in the previous articles unsuggesfully over the past seven I had eye drop serum made from my own blood cells. My eyes have been photoed many times saying there is fluid there but not lubricatubg my eyes. I have severe dry eyes and willing to travel any where tp find some type of solution.. My visual acuity is getting worse. Any suggestines> Thank you

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See a corneal specialist ophthalmologist. This is because dry eyes that persist can damage the cornea resulting in poorer vision. I use Hilo eye drops gel, and Cequa a ciclosporine eye drop that stings a bit but has significantly improved my dry eyes according to the specialist. I hope you can find a solution. I would be concerned if you feel your vision is impacted.

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