Wellness

[pggoody]

Over the past 2 years I have developed a dry eye condition that has required more than just the use of drops. I limit my time on the computer, reading, try to avoid winds, wear sunglasses in the sun, and even HD ones at some nights  to walk the dog . I know sleep is important so do my best to get at least 6 or 7 hours of sleep.   My allergies seem to be at the root of the problem. The weather here in California is not the best for someone suffering with dry eyes.  Our weather has been all over the place this winter and those of us with sinus issues are indeed suffering. They start off by feeling like I have an eyelash in my eye. I see nothing at first, then a day or so later a tiny spec just below my cornea. It is uncomfortable. I increase the drops (Systane)  and then use a preservative gel at nite also by Systane . Weather  plays a big factor, at least for me. I do see a specialist.  I made it a year between visits in 2015 and 2016.  Had my last treatment in late November but had to make another appt for this week. I  see an ophthalmologist. He has had to treat my eyes a few times where he has to remove mucus that seems to attach to my cornea. As he explained it to me, it's like the mucus attaches itself like a magnet and does not dissolve.  When I look in the mirror it looks like I have a tiny grain of sand. He has suggested using drops regularly and as often as I need in addition to Muro (sodium chloride)  Muro burns so I don't like to use daily. This week was bad so did use Muro  2x a day along with the Systane.   I was wondering if others have had success using Muro on a regular basis?  Or hoping others share what works for you .... . Thanks.

[pggoody]

I forgot to add that I do use a humidifier nightly.  I know I should strive to get more than 6 or 7 hours of sleep a night but that's the norm as I work and have a couple nights a week where I have evening commitments. 

[millieshops]

@pggoodyThanks for your detailed post.  I also suffer from extreme dry eye and this winter season here in SE Florida has been one of the worst, just like yours.  I've had painful burning for several days and even closing my eyes does little to mitigate  it.  I have an appointment with the opthalmalogist this week.  I'll ask about Muro which I'd never heard of prior to your post and ask about new drugs, etc.  I already use Restasis and lots and lots of over the counter products, but the results lately have been far less than helpful.

Beyond the pain, I am terribly concerned for my future independence as I watch a good friend struggle with living with almost no vision -  and her condition started with the effects of dry eye.  I've been doctoring for about 20 years now and really haven't found much progress in treatment for the condition.

Will report back later in the week.

[itsmagic]

My ophthalmologist told me to take fish oil supplements in addition to using eye drops/gels.  I've also found a warm wet washcloth used as a compress on my eyes for 15 minutes or so helps when my eyes feel really dry. 

[pggoody]

@millieshops  Yes, please share. What your doctor suggests.  I do take fish oil and also  think that Andrew Lessmans's Eye Support supplements help. I stared on this product in 2015 and think that is why I  managed to maintain with just drops.  The weather is a big factor. I also have a dog and i walk her daily unless we have really bad winds. I will let you know what my doctor suggests. 

[NeNe1010]

I was having a problem with my eyes several years ago. My Optamalogist put me on Restasis. About the same time I discovered a supplement called Sea Buckthorn oil which was showing promise in helping dye eyes. I started taking it regiously and still take it every day. I no longer use Restasis and I use no eyedrops of any kind anymore. You can find it on Amazon. Be sure to get the supplement using the oil and not the fruit. The kind I take is by Himalayan. It took about 3 weeks after starting the oil to start feeling relief from the dry eyes.    

[morganjen]

If you use OTC drops, use the preservative-free ones. They are the least irritating. Muro is good for swelling of the cornea. I don't have to use it, but heard others do well on it. For dry eyes, I swear by my Restasis, Systane Ultra PF, Bruder mask (2x a day), humidifer, Omega 3's, and GenTeal ointment with sleep goggles at night.

[Tissyanne]

I suffer from dry eyes, and have for several years. My right eye has a cornea problem called map dot dystrophy. That is a defect in a part of my cornea. It is like looking through wrinkled saran wrap. At times that flares up, and is very painful. Corneas have lots of nerve endings, and so it is very troublesome. I used Muro 128 drops, and the ointment at night for a few weeks. It really helped my problem. It burns because it is a salt mixture to draw the swelling from the cornea. Muro 128 is not used for just dry eyes. It is specific to a cornea dystrophy problem. I know all to well the pain of living with dry eyes, and I use Occusoft eyelid scrubs every morning, along with Restasis 2x in 24 hours. I tried going off of Restasis, and ended up depending on otc eye drops a lot. The Restasis definitely helps me. I also clean my eyelids and eyes with a warm wash cloth 2x daily. My eyelids get very oily throughout the day. One eye drop that is very good is Retaine for dry eyes. You can find these vials at drugstores. The solution is cloudy like Restasis, but is not a replacement for it. My best to everyone who suffers from any eye problems.