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Original poster

Long term solution for very dry eyes?

40 replies

TinyRobins · 17/05/2021 09:24

I’ve not been able to wake up and open my eyes normally for over a year now. I visited my optician at the time who said I had very dry eyes and to use hycosan extra twice daily. When I wake, my eyelids feel like they fuse to my eyes and I can’t open them without forcing in the drops first, I use the drops before bed but it still happens. I can’t go outside without my eyes streaming down my face and my right eye (where this started, it’s now both eyes) the lid is starting to droop. I have just had blood tests done, for chronic tiredness which were all clear so it can’t be anything serious but I’m so fed up of the dry eyes. Anyone had similar?

OP posts:
Auntpodder · 17/05/2021 23:46

This is probably a better link www.optometrytimes.com/view/ipl-treats-rosacea-and-meibomian-gland-dysfunction

KeyboardWorriers · 18/05/2021 00:05

I have this. Brutally dry eyes and a pronounced eyelid droop. Also really bad cold intolerance and fatigue. The Dr isn't interested. I use a lot of hycoscan.

Original poster
TinyRobins · 18/05/2021 10:09

@Auntpodder

Do you have rosacea by any chance? A recent study found a connection between the two (ie, both are part of the same inflammation) www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ocular-rosacea/symptoms-causes/syc-20375798 - my optician says doing laser treatment on the rosacea can lead to dry eyes improving
No I don’t have that, probably one of the few things that I don’t have wrong with me at the moment 😟
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Original poster
TinyRobins · 18/05/2021 10:14

@KeyboardWorriers

I have this. Brutally dry eyes and a pronounced eyelid droop. Also really bad cold intolerance and fatigue. The Dr isn't interested. I use a lot of hycoscan.
Same with the cold, freezing all the time except in the night or on any exertion then I sweat like crazy. It’s like I have no temperature regulation. It’s a nightmare that I can’t actually see a doctor at the moment, only communicate via e-consult then a doctor emails or calls back but it’s a different GP every time. I was told to try HIT workouts for the tiredness 🙄 I can barely walk around without my legs feeing like they will give way. I feel about 90!
OP posts:
Horsemad · 18/05/2021 10:46

What were your thyroid levels from your bloods?

Original poster
TinyRobins · 18/05/2021 10:53

@Horsemad

What were your thyroid levels from your bloods?
Completely in range. TSH 1.1 and free T4 was 12.
OP posts:
JoSilence · 14/10/2021 11:11

Have you been checked for anaemia? I am feeling the same and have just discovered I am anaemic. I have read that you can get sore, dry eyes with anaemia.

underneaththeash · 14/10/2021 11:23

Optometrist here:
There are many conditions which cause dry eye

Blepharitis (of which there are 3 types), viral conjunctivitis can cause dryness for several months after infection, allergic conditions, medications, Sjogren's syndrome (although many sufferers have inflammatory markers in their blood).

They all have different treatments and often respond better to different drops. I'd go back to your optometrist first of all and say that it's no better/worse. There is little point going to your GP again yet, they don't have the equipment to examine your eye properly.

Violetroselily · 14/10/2021 11:32

My optician told me to use hycosan extra in the day and Xailin ointment at night - like a PP said, it feels like putting vaseline in your eye but it does help.

Are you on any medication? Some antidepressants can cause dry eyes (mine have got worse since taking sertraline)

Porridgeislife · 14/10/2021 11:37

I have very dry eyes due to my tear ducts being blocked but also just insufficient tear volume. I’m having IPL on my lid margins to try and reverse the blocked ducts.

Punctal plugs are fantastic (to stop what tears you have being washed away) as is using a wheat bag on my eyes before bed. If you are near London, the Dry Eye Centre on Cavendish St is really good (albeit expensive).

Porridgeislife · 14/10/2021 11:44

Also try Theoloz Duo drops overnight - they’re thicker than Hycosan.

teaandpastries · 14/10/2021 11:47

The only thing that works for me is to use Xailin Night ointment.
It's on repeat prescription and I put it in like clockwork as soon as I lay down to sleep. If I don't use it my eyes stick and I can get serious corneal irritation.

EKGEMS · 14/10/2021 12:36

I use restasis eye drops twice a day and it's helped and have regular checkups with a retina specialist

CiderWithLizzie · 24/03/2022 20:00

Sorry to revive this thread but I suffer with extreme dry eyes as a result of Stevens Johnson Syndrome 30 years ago. I’ve recently tried Theoloz Duo drops and gel and think they are really helping! I also use Xailin ointment at night and have punctual plugs. First session of IPL tomorrow - hoping it’s going to help 🤞 if not scleral lenses are next.

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