CPAP and eyes

Thanks for that diagram Kteague. Can you post the link for it, so I can show my doctor? I know he knows anatomy, but, I'd like to point this out. Just to rule it out. I'm desperate.

I get dry eye to the point of pain. I just wanted to mention that even with nasal pillows, the exhaust air can reflect off the pillow into your eyes.

Whether caused by cpap associated stuff or not, some things you can do is use extra OTC saline eye drops throughout the day. I use the preservative free (more expensive), because of the frequency I have to use drops. You can also place a hot washcloth over your eyes 3-4 times a day for 10 minutes until you get improvement. The glaucoma drops I use can cause 'loose lids' although it appeared to be temporary. Went away when I started the washcloth regimen. There is also an overnight ointment called Retaine PM that really helped, but it has a major downside as it doesn't easily clear from the eyes, even by morning. This is a problem not only if you need to dash off to work, but also if you are caregiver and may need to provide care (or drive to ER) at night.

SunnyBeBe wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 09, 2018 5:19 pm

I found this.

https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-c ... n-the-eyes

Don't know if I have floppy eye lids or not. My doctors have never commented on it. But, I am going to explore this. I was never diagnosed with severe apnea. I had mild to moderate Hpypopneas. I have to confirm if the cpap is a factor here. I've been using gel at night and just switched to ointment in both eyes.

I've got Floppy Eyelid Syndrome. CPAP actually relieved me of the symptoms completely by making me stop sleeping face down. Now I sleep exclusively on my side or back instead of face down. I went from severe dry eye with actual crevices in my corneas to completely normal in less than two weeks after starting CPAP therapy.

I have had such terrible problems with dry eye since starting CPAP that I had to have punctal plugs put in. It helped a little but my vision is still impaired and my eyes are so irritated/inflamed/sore that my daughter asked me Saturday if I had pink eye! I have trouble reading, using the computer, watching TV because of tearing and blurring.

A side note, eyes are better today because I could not use my CPAP last night. I was in the throes of a HORRIBLE GI bug and spent all day and night running to the bathroom. Such was the urgency that I could not take the time to remove the mask/headgear. I was afraid if I had the mask on, I would pull the whole shebang off the table and break it!

I see another trip to the ophthalmologist in my future, after my daughter's wedding this weekend!