Blepharospasm Bulletin Board

Dry Eye
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Posted by: WEB ®
12/01/2014, 07:32:24


Does anyone know any good solutions or procedures for extreme dry eye. I have had blepharospasms for 7 years but recently the dry eye has become worse. I tried many over the counter drops and restasis without success. Presently my light sensitivity has grown much worse and it is hard to see outdoors w/o my eyes closing. I have tried plugs in my upper eyes but that didn't help.The eye doctor I see recommended warm compresses but they don/t do much either. I have also tried FL-41 filters which help a bit and have worn fitovers to reduce the brightness-again they only help a little. Does anyone have any suggestions?



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Re: Dry Eye
Re: Dry Eye -- WEB Top of thread Archive
Posted by: June in Toronto ®
12/01/2014, 09:03:51


I truly wish I had some suggestions for you, but not so. I, too, have "extremely dry eyes" - use loads of drops, had Lotomax and Restasis prescription drops (didn't help). I use tranquil eye goggles (with removable inserts which are soaked prior to use at night), and warm wet compresses (pressing the glands afterwards). It sure is a problem (cataract and laser ops, that didn't work, did not help the dry eye problem either).

I might have to resort to Moisture Goggles (I've seen them but not sure how they work - they look awful, and are expensive).

I look forward to some positive suggestions to your post and I wish you the very best in dealing with this problem.

June in Toronto




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Re: Dry Eye
Re: Dry Eye -- WEB Top of thread Archive
Posted by: steve g ®
12/02/2014, 08:55:52


I have had BEB and dry eyes for 15 years.
I have tried plugs, Restasis, and every over the counter eye drop available I imagine.

The best I have found is Equate (Walmart brand) Lubricant Gel Eye Drops. More expensive does not mean better in my case.

They seem to help me. I put them in about 4 or 5 times per day.
It can't hurt for 8 bucks.

Good luck
Steve




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Re: Dry Eye
Re: Re: Dry Eye -- steve g Top of thread Archive
Posted by: bjd ®
12/02/2014, 23:26:03


check the moisture level of the air in your home. Most heating systems dry out the air, which will agrivate your dry eye condition. You may need to get a humidifier for part of your home. I think 30 to 40% humdtity is most comfortable. Just a thought. it seems to be very important to me. Brad



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Re: Dry Eye
Re: Dry Eye -- WEB Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Susi ®
12/23/2014, 18:59:28


I recently had an ophthalmologist tell me I've been misdiagnosed and it's the reason nothing works for my dry eye and meibomain gland problem. He says I have conjunctivochalasis and need surgery in both eyes. I'm going to get a second opinion. Anyway, could it be that you have developed conjunctivochalasis?
Susi



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Re: Dry Eye
Re: Dry Eye -- WEB Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Anamarie ®
12/26/2014, 07:59:48


Try using sulfate-free products. Shampoo, face washes, and soap often have some sort of sulfate listed as one of the primary ingredients. Sulfates were added to these products in the 1930's to wash away oils. Sulfates are even found in baby shampoos. They are very inexpensive and work well, but you don't want to wash away the oils made by the glands that produce one of the important tear layers. The lipid layer helps to prevent the watery layer from evaporating too soon It also helps to keep your eyelids moving smoothly over your eyes. Just a little shampoo or soap on your eyelashes can wash away the oils made by the mibomean (I forgot how to spell it) glands which are on the edges of your eyelids.

You can find sulfate-free products in most grocery stores or pharmacies. If you don't see them, just ask. Our local Walgreens is very good about helping me find products. I can also buy them in health food stores. Burt's Bees products do not contain sulfates but there are many others.

Good luck.




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Re: Dry Eye
Re: Dry Eye -- WEB Top of thread Archive
Posted by: sue in orlando ®
01/02/2015, 12:17:52


Hi,

I too battle dry eye and bleph. I have had this for 2 years. I have tried everything and finally the only thing that has even helped a little is Theratears Omega 3-1200 nutrition pills. I have gone through 1 bottle and am on bottle #2 and it has helped a little for me. I tried all the other super expensive fish oil pills and these work the best and are the cheapest. Other than that, I also use Freshkote at night.

Oh, I also have the 7 Eye sun glass goggles that really help in the sun and driving.




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Re: Dry Eye
Re: Dry Eye -- WEB Top of thread Archive
Posted by: MooMoo56 ®
01/30/2015, 19:59:23


I have a couple thoughts that may help you, as they seem to help me. As for eye drops ~ go with the gel type drops, they are much better. Myself, I use Refresh liquigel and love it. I was also told to run a humidifier at night and that is helping me a lot. Hope that helps you also.



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Re: Dry Eye
Re: Dry Eye -- WEB Top of thread Archive
Posted by: grant ®
02/08/2015, 17:08:43


I too suffered from Blepharitis, BEB and Photo sensitivity.

Dry eye taper testing revealed very dry eyes. Suffered with the usual cortisone drops antibiotics etc. to no avail.
What worked for me :
One flaxseed oil capsule 3 times a day with food.The bottle says you can take more than the 1 capsule. After a few weeks noticed light sensitivity had reduced and to date I can now go out in bright sunlight without FL41 glasses or any sunglasses.
Previously even traffic lights hurt.

Tears again eye spray A lipid spray you spray on your closed eyelids. Use often as needed during the day.
Using a hot compress on your eyes for 5 minutes and wiping the eye-line with a wet warmed makeup remover ( not cotton
wool) to dissolve the blocked oil glands. You can dip the remover in warm solution of water and baby shampoo or tea tree oil shampoo - Not tea tree oil)

My wife makes organic wheat heat bags which are less messy than a hot wet face washer. The timing and heat are critical - 5 minutes is essential to melt the blocked oil ducts.

I have not had any recurrence of Blepharitis for the past three years. The heat bag can be used at any time by heating in a microwave with a glass of water to prevent the wheat burning. Time is dependent on the power of the microwave and your tolerance to heat. Do not have too hot.

Even if you do not have dry eyes application of heat can be very soothing.

Do NOT apply to the eyes within 7 days of having Botox injections.

As said this worked for me and as we all find what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another but worth the effort to try.


regards

Grant in very sunny Queensland Australia




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Re: Dry Eye
Re: Dry Eye -- WEB Top of thread Archive
Posted by: iris18 ®
02/08/2015, 17:43:49


I just had ptosis surgery last week and in the 10 days since surgery my light sensitivity has diminished quite a bit. I attribute this to my blink response being more frequent and more tear film on my corneas. I am trying to desensitize my eyes to light by not wearing my dark glasses. I really agree that the warm compresses are essential at least twice a day. Talk to your doc about doxycyclene twice a day. It really makes a difference in keeping blepharitis under Connell. Also lubricate eyes before bed. I literally now keep a humidifier right near my bed at night. (Hope I done get moldy :) I don't know if some would agree but I think in my case the botox may have contributed to the dry eye and was counter productive but time will tell as it is early in my recovery.



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Re: Dry Eye
Re: Re: Dry Eye -- iris18 Top of thread Archive
Posted by: judith k ®
02/08/2015, 22:22:09


WEB,

You didn't say you had blepharitis, but are you sure you
aren't developing it?

I hope you're not, but it's something to look out for.

I kept getting recurring spells of blepharitis—the meib gland disease, blepharospasm, dry eye, blepharitis; plus the increased inability to shut eyes completely after botox (the point is to weaken muscle that cause spasms, but if it's effective for you, it also weakens the muscles that allow your eyes to close really tightly, though it may seem as if they do: if your eyes really start stinging when you wash your face with soap after botox, that's why)—those things can all make a perfect storm!

I haven't had blepharitis for about 4 years, ever since I saw my 3rd (or 4th) specialist in external diseases of the eye...he put me on a protocol that got rid of the blepharitis, and now I do a sort of maintenance routine.

I take liquid flaxseed oil+1 tb peanut butter to help absorption; as always, I wear an eye mask at night; and if it feels like any discomfort is developing, I take a low dose (50-100 mg) of doxycycline once a day for awhile.

Judith K



Modified by judith k at Sun, Feb 08, 2015, 22:27:00

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Re: Dry Eye
Re: Dry Eye -- WEB Top of thread Archive
Posted by: flowerlady ®
02/09/2015, 22:00:06


I don't feel I have experienced severe dry eye but I was amazed to find how much better my eyes felt when I began drinking more fluids during the day. Now I make it a point to drink water often and it really works for me.

I presume you are using fish oil/ flax oil supplements. I can always tell when I forget to take mine.

Also...after my shots, when my eyes seem to be the driest, I sometimes combine the eye ointment with the drops and it gives me relief.




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