How are you dealing with dry eyes?

@joybringer1
I have recently discovered that certain sunscreen ingredients can aggravate eyes, including Octinoxate, which is in the sunscreen I have been using for several years at the recommendation of my dermatologists, the EltaMD UV Clear SPF46 (clear or tinted) for sensitive skin and rosacea-prone skin. The sunscreen has Zinc Oxide and Octinoxate. I stopped using it and my eyes feel quite different! MUCH BETTER! I think that some of the dry eye and/or seasonal pollen allergy characteristics I have had were instead octinoxate allergic aggravation symptoms. The sunscreen is listed as hypoallergenic, but perhaps they only mean that in relation to the skin, not the eyes? I did not put it on the eyelids or skin just below the eyes, but had it everywhere else on my face--close enough to aggravate my eyes obviously. I am now using either Neutrogena SPF70 or Eucerin SPF50 MINERAL sunscreens. When my eyes were first aggravated, my eye dr said to ask my allergist and my allergist said to ask my eye dr. Sigh. Clearly, getting the Vivity EDOF lenses and having the astigmatism corrected, were significant improvements. Both the opthamologist and the cataract surgeon said my eyes didn't show dry eye symptoms to warrant prescription dry eye drops. So I think I have figured out the "sometimes" aggravation symptoms on my own? I now use just IVIZIA or Refresh Plus, both preservative-free, a few times a day/as needed. The Safari online search I did listed Oxybenzone, Avobensone, Octinoxate, and Homosalate as "main culprits" for eye aggravation. I hope this helps!

@marieltha
But doesn't Neutrogena SPF70 have Avobenzone, and Homosalate? I did buy it, but the looked at the active ingredients so I don't know if I should use.

@mtnwoman
The mineral one for the face doesn't have those chemical sunscreens: Its title on the label is this:
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Mineral Sunscreen For Face, Lightweight, Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Facial Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin Leaves a Silky, Non-Greasy Finish, Oxybenzone-Free Sun Care, 1.4 fl. oz
Active ingredients/ Sunscreens in it are mineral: Titanium Dioxide (6.6%) and Zinc Oxide (14.4%) .
It's confusing because they make several with similar names.
It's a small bottle that comes in a box.

@marieltha
Thank you so much! I did get the wrong one then. I'll look for the one you described above.

@mtnwoman
The Eucerin one is Eucerin Mineral Zinc Oxide for Sensitive Skin 50and is a bigger tube, 4 ounces. Comes in a box and the active ingredient is 24% zinc oxide. No titanium dioxide, so no/less white cast? Have to be careful picking out this one as well, as there are several similar, but the others have chemical sunscreens. I am experimenting with both now, using the Neutrogena on my face and the Eucerin on the neck and chest area.

@marieltha
Thank you so much! I did get the wrong one then. I'll look for the one you described above.

@mtnwoman when I was at my optometrist yesterday he had a flyer advertising ipl and light therapy for dry eyes. I have tried the punctal plugs but they drove me nuts. Anyone tried the light therapy?

@cjval52
I am definitely considering the ipl. I'm not sure if I should wait until this round of cyclosporine is through to see if I have any improvement, or just go for the ipl now.

@mtnwoman I did 2 rounds of the cyclosporine drops and use the Systane. I also use Ocusoft eyelid cleaner daily,
I am going on the 20th of this month to have the IPL.
It is 4 - treatments ($120 per treatment) 2-4 wks apart. They will start with the Zest (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment)
Then the IPL
https://lumenis.com/vision/products/optilight/
This will be done at my Eye Dr's office.