Extremely dry eyes

[MilfordCubicle]

Not relieved by conventional eye drops, even the extra lubricating ones designed for post surgical use.

I've been using yellow soft paraffin ointment for two days now and it's definitely helping, but I've read that it can block the oil secreting glands in the eyelids.

Can anyone recommend anything? I have been doing warm compresses, massage and washing the eyelids, but the eye still dries out. I have a feeling I'm not secreting much natural oil and all the eye drops are immediately evaporating.

I've had this problem for over 20 years now.

Have you had your tear ducts plugged with punctal plugs? I found that once the ophthalmologist plugged my lower tear ducts then the eye drops were more useful -well they didn't instantly vanish. If the film on your eye is very broken up the tears dont disperse evenly. I have the Hylo tears and Hylo forte that do help but it depends on the weather/wind/being tired etc etc.

No, I haven't seen anyone. Would my GP refer me?

See your GP. Do you have dryness elsewhere like your mouth for example? Any one else in family affected? Do you have arthritis? There is a condition called sjrogrens syndrome which is characterised by dry eyes.

No arthritis other than osteo in one knee. No dry mouth either.

I bought some Lacrilube today, but I can't see now as it makes the vision blurry

I have to see the GP for something unrelated on Monday so will mention it then.

Lacrilube is best instilled last thing at night before you sleep.
Do you have any co-existing eye conditions, blephiritis makes the eyes very dry and can be treated.
Otherwise punctal plugs are worth a try.

As well as Lacrilube at night, you could try Viscotears during the day - it doesn't blur your vision as much. Some evenings if my eyes are very dry I put both in before bed.

I also find Optive eye drops good for during the day but they're expensive so if they work for you it's worth asking your GP to prescribe them.

I agree with viscotears being good for day, I have dry eyes caused by sleeping with my eyes slightly open. Systane good too.

I can recommend punctual plugs too. I put lacrilube in morning and night and font find it blurry if I then pug in some drops - I use Liquifilm tears.