How Many of You Suffer from Dry Eyes and What Do You Do for It?

Pricebeat on 17/06/2016 - 17:19
Last edited 17/06/2016 - 17:23

I have been dealing from this miserable disease from a few months and it is really annoying. I previously made a post about it, when I was looking to get contacts. But I have accepted the fact that contact lenses are not compatible with dry eyes.

There is NO cure for dry eyes as most of people suffering from it would know. Someone told me "oh just use eye drops" but what they don't understand is that drops does nothing but make it worse in some cases. Most of OTC drops has preservatives in them such as BAK which makes dry eyes worse and this is the first resort for people who seek treatment for dry eyes.

I wanted to know how many of you suffer from it and what do you do to deal with this issue?

Poll Options

  • 67
    I suffer from it.
  • 36
    I have no idea what it is.
Health & Beauty

Comments

      • c0balt on 20/06/2016 - 14:08

        Well I'll continue to use them when the situation demands it, just not for the dry eyes at work.

        They work great for red eyes for other reasons.

        • Pricebeat on 20/06/2016 - 14:14
          +1

          I will leave it here for you http://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2014/09/09091…

        • c0balt on 20/06/2016 - 14:35

          @Jimmy007:

          I'll clue you in as you didn't seem to catch on to 'herbal' or 'other reasons'.

          There are certain recreational substances that cause the eyes to go bloodshot red as a side effect. These substances are a vasodialator, meaning the only way to not have bloodshot red eyes when feeling the effects is to use a vasoconstrictor on the blood vessels in the eye.

          There are times when having bloodshot red eyes is a much, much riskier prospect than using vasoconstrictors.

        • Member 0230 on 26/06/2016 - 18:41

          @Jimmy007: good source, thank you.

  • Aap Ke Papa on 20/06/2016 - 13:05

    People from asian decent tend to have dry eyes. It is prudent that you guys should keep your eyes well lubricated otherwise it can lead to many complications such as abrasions to the surface.

  • EyyBanane on 20/06/2016 - 13:15

    I have gone through the life cycle of having red irritable eyes, feeling of having sand under your eye lids, profusely watering eyes all the way through to the most painful recurrent corneal erosions, every week. I tried most of the natural, organic remedies after getting no result out of medication, allopathic, ayurvedic and chinese, none of provided a long term remedy! Finally I got my PTK done and hopefully this will solve it. Fingers crossed.

    • Pricebeat on 20/06/2016 - 13:40

      What's PTK? I hope you haven't had laser surgery?

      • DKC on 20/06/2016 - 20:41
        +1

        PTK - Phototherapeutic keratectomy, basically you do the same thing as LASIK but the aim is to therapeutically treat an eye condition (eg recurrent corneal erosion syndrome) rather than treating a refractive error.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2016 - 13:33

    See your doctor. Dry eyes are a surprisingly common element of connective tissue disease.

    Or it could be nothing. Not sure which I'd prefer

  • bargdebarg on 20/06/2016 - 16:16

    Yep, post laser eye surgery induced. When it gets bad http://www.nps.org.au/medicines/eye/artificial-tears/paraffi… works at night. Tried everything then this did the trick, it's so thick you cannot see well after applying it but keeps eyes super moist overnight so the next day I'm good to go.

  • Gmetal on 20/06/2016 - 20:06
    +1

    If you use eye drops, make sure you use a basic lubricating one, not a medicated one. The 'red eyes' ones will only help in the short run, in the long run they will cause futher dryness. I use Systane ultra whenever they are feeling a bit dry, works great.

  • Mumbles on 20/06/2016 - 20:57
    +1

    Have suffered painful dry eyes my whole life. Am middle aged but have never caused any permanent damage no matter how much I rub or abuse my eye. I just renewed my 10 year gold NSW drivers license and my eyesight is still above 20:20.

    In winter my eyes will start to dry and my eyelids will blink slower due to the stickiness. During Spring and Summer the lack of lubrication plus hayfever and grass pollen mean my eye will feel scratchy and turn bloodshot when I rub my eyes.

    I mitigate using lifestyle changes only. Use my dry skin and cracked lips as a gauge for dryness.

    Replaced all my fan heaters with gentle column heaters which improves the room humidity a lot. I avoid exposing myself too long in low humidity situations Eg. slow my bicycling speed or cut out cycling in Winter.

    When my eyelids start feeling sticky/sluggish I consciously force myself to blink long whilst moving my eyes around to help lubricate the lens (am not sure if it's hocus pocus but I blink a lot quicker afterwards).

    Most importantly for myself is plenty of sleep and better nutrition.

  • kangaroo on 20/06/2016 - 21:47

    I have it at times, especially during winter months. The sun hitting my eyes during less humid winter months makes my eyes feel dry (irritated).
    Most of the days I experience these symptoms, I had poor sleep the night before. So I believe sleep plays a big role here.

  • Pricebeat on 20/06/2016 - 21:59
    +1

    Okay so I will post what I have found to be useful from my online research and personal experience
    1. Flax seed oil
    2. Coconut oil
    3. Omega 3 or Fish Oil
    4. Manuka honey
    5. Scleral/Prose lenses
    6. Blinking more
    7. Increase water intake
    8. COD liver oil
    9. Vitamin D (Get blood test done)
    10. Vitamin A (Get blood test done)

    • Member 0230 on 26/06/2016 - 18:46

      Tried big doses of flax seed oil, as well as some fish oil supplementation, but it wasn't very effective for me. I hope it does you good.

      Oral azithromycin was the game changer in my case.

      Good hydration, sufficient sleep, and a decent diet are helpful regardless of state of health 😊.

      • Pricebeat on 26/06/2016 - 21:53

        I am still waiting for my appointment with the ophthalmologist you recommended :)

        So you do not suffer from dry eyes anymore? like do you get irritated eyes while using aircon in car or plane travel?

        Sufficient sleep is hard for me since sometimes I do night shifts at work and it is really hard to get sleep during day.

        • Member 0230 on 27/06/2016 - 09:26

          My symptoms are reduced by 60-80%, so it's not noticeable most of the time. Expression of glands show a somewhat cloudy oil, but this is much better than the toothpaste consistency we'd get out in years past.

          Aircon will still exacerbate it so I'd move away from directly under vents.

          What's even better is I only feel the need to take azithromycin once every THREE months, compared to the recommended frequency of monthly - testament to its effectiveness for me. Not bad for someone Dr.David reckons is one of his worst chronic cases - although he didn't say it that way, his "bedside manners" are better than that.

          However every person is different so here's hoping you get the same or better results, with azithromycin or another approach.

  • MMM on 20/06/2016 - 23:50
    +1

    ** Air Humidifier ** try the beurer LB88 tried many others and this works best and has a very large holding tank (its not cheap). Sprays a fine mist into the air, I am sitting here typing with it on right next to me. Its not a cure but HELPS the only way to cure dry eyes is to stop staring at computer monitors. Suffered with dry eyes for years caused from sitting in front of a computer monitor as you are probably aware your blink rate decreases when you look at a computer screen which is the main cause of dry eye syndrome. I used to have contact lenses and had Lasek surgery to correct which was life changing but the dry eyes persisted have used all brands of spray, eye drops, eye gels nothing worked now I use the Air Humidifier and it is the only thing that has helped.

    • wyrmy on 21/06/2016 - 09:41

      How loud is the LB88? I need something almost silent for the bedroom during sleep and the HoMedics I have currently is not very quiet. Have you tried the LB44 as well?

      • MMM on 21/06/2016 - 10:47

        Did try the homedics cant remember why, but I returned it and got the LB88, never tried the LB44 as the water tank was small.
        All humidifiers are noisy and I am a super silence freak, I have 2.5inch drives in my desktop PC because I cant stand the noise made from a 3.5 HDD. I only use the humidifier on my desktop and only as I have no other choice hate the sound so I switch it off and my eyes get really bad again so I switch it back on:)

        • Midz on 21/06/2016 - 19:07

          How do you find it? What's the relative humidity normally like to warrant it.
          I previously used a humidifier but as Sydney and in my apartment the RH was above 60% it just sat there and did nothing.

        • MMM on 21/06/2016 - 19:27

          @Midz: The beurer LB88 is ultrasonic nebulization which make a fine mist. I have it right next to me or even facing towards me when I am working on the computer… feel like a rock star engulfed in mist:) but it makes a difference. The problem with staring at a computer all day is that you forget to blink so the mist from the humidifier moistens your eyes… works for me.

  • hughar on 21/06/2016 - 09:36
    +1

    I had this issue for a while, mine turned out to be Blepharatis, check it out, it may or may not be relevant to some of you.

    Basically I fixed it by using VERY hot facewasher compresses on my eyes and washing my eyelids with REALLY hot water. This unblocks some of the ducts that supply your eye with lube.

    Easiest way when i feel it coming back a bit is just to turn shower a bit hot and run the water over your eyes while rubbing them.

  • Plumpton on 21/06/2016 - 10:10

    I also use Systane Ultra and Bion Tears - preservative free.

  • goinspired on 21/06/2016 - 10:12

    I have the solution and you will not believe it. At least it works for me. Try to use Telfast and there is nothing to lose. Let me know guys how will it go. I hope you will have no more dry eyes anymore. Please give me feedback if it works. Goinspired

    • Pricebeat on 21/06/2016 - 12:31

      Telfast is an antihistamine which are known to excerbaste/cause dry eyes. Mine was caused by antihistamines too.

  • EnALup on 21/06/2016 - 13:18
    +2

    Interesting thread. Not sure if my situation was same as your OP, but I have dry eyes and never knew it.
    It used to irritate over prolonged computer use and sometimes without it. I used to blink eyes more due to this and as there was no lubrication, it used to hurt a little.
    Doctor explained it to be dry eyes few years back and started using the natural tears eye drops. disposable ones were my favourite. but I didnt like the use of them for too long. I looked at my routine and realised I rarely rested my eyes. I used to wash my eyes frequently (splashing water in them) and stopped after eye specialist told me. Tried following:
    1. Realised dryness was worse when I had less sleep. So started taking 7-8 hours of sleep and problem was much much better.
    2. Stopped splashing water in eyes. It was making them more dry. Close eyes when washing them and preserve the natural tears.
    3. Might be funny for few, but if you yawn, your eyes releases tears naturally. So if you eye ends are hurting due to dryness, try to yawn and will lubricate your eyes. Might need some time to master.
    4. After every hour of use, I tend to rest my eyes by closing them for few seconds or taking a call or so for few minutes. Dont stare computer from too close. half a metre distance at-least. Try to make room lit properly. Is it is dark, decrease brightness. Used f.lux and it was irritating, so stopped using it. proper lit room will decrease pressure on eyes.

    I have not used eye drops and my eyes are much better now. Occasionally when I am waking for too long and have too much work it comes again. So I was sure it somehow was related to the rest to eyes.

    Every case is different so it might take sometime to find out your cause if it is eye fatigue and decrease in lubrication or allergy.

    Good luck.

  • svmick on 21/06/2016 - 14:38
    +2

    hey I suffered from it for a long time. took lot of medications but those hardly helped. Once you stop the medications I used to get that symptoms back.
    I followed most of these strictly for almost 3 months and almost got rid of it. Now I hardly get any symptoms( never actually got one for the past 6 months.
    It worked for me. You can try and see>

    1. First and foremost- 8 hrs of sleep is a must.
    2. STOP CAFFEINE INTAKE.( It dehydrates you.)
    3. Avoid Staying for long duration in Air conditioned room.Take frequent breaks to get fresh air.
    4. Get daily walk (at least 30 mins)
    5. Plenty of water.
    6. Try to avoid computers & tablets.Yeah.It will be difficult but it really helps. NEVER WATCH your tablets/computers in dark room. ie ( Always have external lights ON when you are using them. You can use EYELEO app to help take breaks at proper intervals.
      Download link: http://eyeleo.com/download
    7. Take blueberries or Cranberries daily ( a HAND FULL).
    8. Take a one glass of (green tea with honey) everyday. Mix organic honey 1 teaspoon when it is warm. Do not add honey into hotwater as it rips off its properties.
    9. Take one omega 3 tablet once a week . ( If you are taking any other medications for heart problems/ Blood pressure etc. you have to consult your doctor before taking it). (YOU CAN TAKE SALMON FISH)
    10. Stay Active. (Watch your sugar intake level) ( Avoid sugar wherever possible- NO Aerated drinks - cause most have sugar content at alarming levels.)

    Cheers.

  • worldwidehappiness on 21/06/2016 - 20:02

    I get dry eyes when I stare too much at a book, TV, or computer. Doing more relaxed and natural things helps. Swimming in the ocean is good.

  • matn on 22/06/2016 - 07:32

    Not sure if dry eyes is what I'd call the problem I have but I certainly have some kind of resistance or allergy towards most lens cleaners and it took me months to come to that conclusion. Luckily a second optometrist I've been to recommended me a different lens solution which works as it should, no issues at all.

    Years ago when I started wearing contacts and didn't care much about which lens solution to use, I didn't have any issues either but it started suddenly that I'd have irritated eyes. If I tried using those again today I would only notice a true discomfort the day after and would basically have to skip wearing contacts for the day or longer. I have mistakenly blamed my contacts for a long time but my biofinity are great.

    What doesn't work is the usual solution like opti-free replenish or specsavers easy vision but bio true works for me. Might have to do with certain preservatives.

  • TCL on 22/06/2016 - 13:37

    Yes I suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome. My eyes are dry with glasses on but when I wear contacts they are even worse. There is something you can do about it! The reason why your eyes are so dry is that your Meibomian Glands are blocked.

    On Channel 7 one of the current affair they did a story about Dry Eye Syndrome and they talked about an IPL device called E-Eye which zap the glands the release the oil which your eyes need. I found one optometrist in Perth called Special Eyes Subiaco. They just don't automatically do for you straight away. They advised me to use heat compress on my eyes for 5 minutes every night, then massage the glands to unclog and release all the old oils. This worked really well for me and I didn't need to use the IPL. I have friends who have used IPL E-eye and it has changed their life!

    There is also advanced level of eye drops more lubricated than Systane Balance and these you can get prescribed from the optometrist too.

    See link below.

    www.dry-eyes.com.au/

    Good Luck!

    • Pricebeat on 22/06/2016 - 14:30

      Thanks, do you still have dry eyes?

      • TCL on 22/06/2016 - 14:46

        As long as I keep up my heat compress and massage a few times a week my eyes are pretty good. There are special eye heat compresses you can get from the optometrist. There is also a special way to massage so I advise you speak to optometrist before starting this. I still use the special eye drops when using contact lenses. If you use the E-Eye Ipl you have to do 3 sessions about $600 and then only once every 6 months I think. My friend who has had it done says she felt instant relief and it does last!

  • ribbles on 22/06/2016 - 14:30
    +1

    I get dry eyes from hay fever. Horrible feeling!

    I drink a mix of dried nettle and chamomile tea or I pop a hay fever tablet and it resolves itself.
    I also wear a gel eye mask to bed each night and as a preventative measure.

    I couldn't imagine having dry eyes on a more permanent basis, my deepest sympathies to you all.

    • Pricebeat on 22/06/2016 - 20:04
      +1

      I hope no one ever gets it. The worst feeling ever!

  • acersaurus on 22/06/2016 - 15:58

    I find that taking a daily dose of fish oil (which is anti inflammatory) lessens the problem about 50%.

  • Member 0230 on 27/06/2016 - 09:44
    +1

    This is an articulate, well-researched open letter to the eye care profession about the problem we face - the misdiagnoses, ineffective treatments, high costs, and levels of suffering that are often unappreciated. Long but good reading:

    An Open Letter to All Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, and Oculoplastic Surgeons of Australia

  • 11112007 on 16/07/2016 - 09:27

    I have really bad dry eyes to the point the cheapo lenses (Air Optix, Focus, Acuvue Moist) just kept stinging my eyeballs.

    Now i use silicon hydrogel based lenses which are mostly water content and i havent had an issue.

  • BoomTetrisForJeff on 11/03/2019 - 21:12

    Did you ever fix your dry eyes?

    • Member 0230 on 12/03/2019 - 08:28

      Azithromycin is a real game changer for me, see earlier post. I use it regularly and my eyes are comfortable.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join