Dry eyes!

[Tigerlily]

I've suffered with dry eyes for a long time now.

However, I think my eyes may be a bit drier now with cpap, though I don't think I'm getting a lot of leaks around the eyes...?

I did have flaky skin on my eyelid this morning and that never happened prior to cpap.

Eyedrops I use currently are OTC allergy drops (up to twice a day) and moisturizing RHOTO? drops (once or twice a day).

Neither does a fabulous job though. Eyes still are always bloodshot and burn often.

Anyone else have dry eye problem? Have you found an incredible product that truly helps?

[ems]

I suggest making an appointment with your opthomologist. In the meantime, get some Systane Ultra. Any pharmacy would carry it.

[RandyJ]

Either GenTeal or Refresh PM gel that you put in your eyes at bedtime can help. Note: you will not be able to read or see very well after putting in the gel. The gel does a good job at preventing eyes from drying out during the night.

However if you are getting leaks near the eyes, you want to address that to minimize it.

I like Systane Balance during the day as needed.

Another note: by the time you have symptoms of dry eye, the damage is done. The "cure" is a regimen of daytime drops applied with a frequency schedule you need to adhere to faithfully, plus the nighttime gel. After a few days you should notice improvement.

[steeve]

Tigerlily, I agree with Randyj but wonder about "gel" or did he mean the GenTeal "PM Ointment". This is what I use and it helps, the make-up of this stuff is vaseline "petrolatum" and mineral oil. Seems like an odd thing to put in your eye but hey who am I to argue with success? And close to $10 for 1/8 oz. Also if this is what you try I would say to put in the inside corner of your eye. Pulling down the lower lid per instructions never worked for me.

The only other thing I would add is to make sure you are drinking enough water. How much is enough? I'll let you decide, but I do think it has a bearing IMHO

Wishing you the best Steve

[Kitatonic]

TigerLily, if your eyelids have flakey skin, I'm wondering if your eyelashes have overactive oil glands, such that the eyelashes have itchy flakes which further leads to further eye irritation. You may have two problems, dry eyes (CPAP worsened, but will improve with the other poster's nightly ointments) and eyelid flakes (see your doctor).
My dry eyes have improved with the nightly ointment and occasional gel tear drops during the day. My mother's eye doctor recommended fish oil, and this TheraTear fish oil pills has greatly benefited her over the past two months, so I'm taking a low-dose of this too.

[Catnap]

I've suffered with dry eyes for a long time now.

However, I think my eyes may be a bit drier now with cpap, though I don't think I'm getting a lot of leaks around the eyes...?

I did have flaky skin on my eyelid this morning and that never happened prior to cpap.

Eyedrops I use currently are OTC allergy drops (up to twice a day) and moisturizing RHOTO? drops (once or twice a day).

Neither does a fabulous job though. Eyes still are always bloodshot and burn often.

Anyone else have dry eye problem? Have you found an incredible product that truly helps?

I've found two products that have helped me a lot. The first is Systane Balance. My optometrist recommended this, explaining that often the problem is not lack of tears, as such, but that the composition of the tears is off, so the tears are too watery, so to speak, to keep the eye lubricated. Balance is the one in the purple box.

Secondly, a friend recommended cleaning my lids with Visine Soothing Wipes twice a day. I was skeptical because I'd already tried washing the lids with baby shampoo, etc., but I was pleasantly surprised. This has helped more than anything else I've tried. This plus the change in eye drops has made a BIG difference for me.

One more thing my optometrist mentioned: She asked how often I use the drops, and I said "Every day, sometimes two or three times." She responded that I should be using them at least six to eight times or more. When I increased the usage, it did help. Of course, I feel like dollars are dripping into my eyes every time, given the cost of Systane brand drops.

[RandyJ]

steeve,

Yes, I meant to say "ointment" for the GenTeal product. I think the Refresh brand calls theirs "PM gel" though.

I agree with Kitatonic about fatty acids. My ophthalmologist recommended flaxseed oil. However, it depends on cause of dry eye; if your main problem is leaks going into your eyes, working with your mask is where you need to focus first.

[mon]

I have had a lot of problems with my eyes since using the CPAP but have found it best to wear eye pads which I stick on with a wide Micropore tape. This tape is very gentle on the skin and I tape it so the no leaks can't escape into my eyes. It has really helped me. I am especially careful when removing the tape so as not to tear the skin.

[Dreamingofsleep]

Hi there,
I have quite a bit of difficulty with "dry eye syndrome". My optomistrist has been concerned about it and is monitoring my eyes. She has prescribed Eye Promise EZ Tears for me to take daily. It is a natural fish oil supplement that has been proven to be as effective at relieving "Dry Eye" as the prescription Restasis! You can order this online.

I went back to her after taking it a few months and she stated at that time that my eyes were in much better condition. She said they appeared close to normal.

I would recommend that you ask your opthomologist or eye doctor for help and monitoring as this is a serious condition which can lead to vision loss.

Good luck and let us know how you do

Dreaming

[Tigerlily]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I will try them next time I go to the store. My eyes are KILLING me right now!! I don't know if seasonal allergies are a primary cause right now because hubby's eyes are burning also and he does NOT use cpap.

She has prescribed Eye Promise EZ Tears for me to take daily. It is a natural fish oil supplement that has been proven to be as effective at relieving "Dry Eye" as the prescription Restasis! You can order this online.

Are they fish oil pills? Or fish oil eye drops?

I do take fish oil daily, but I don't take more than two a day or it causes me to bruise very easily. I've never tried flaxseed oil, so I might give that a shot.

I also drink a lot of water daily.

Has anyone tried sleeping with an eye mask as well to prevent air from getting to them?

I think I need to spend less time online and in front of the t.v. as I have read that those make dry eyes worse.

I also plan to see an eye Dr. in the next few months.

[RandyJ]

I do take fish oil daily, but I don't take more than two a day or it causes me to bruise very easily. I've never tried flaxseed oil, so I might give that a shot.

I also drink a lot of water daily.

Has anyone tried sleeping with an eye mask as well to prevent air from getting to them?

I think I need to spend less time online and in front of the t.v. as I have read that those make dry eyes worse.

I also plan to see an eye Dr. in the next few months.

I've never heard of fish oil intake causing or otherwise being related to bruising easily... I will look into this.

A mask liner might help with your mask leaks. Check out padacheek.com for the appropriate mask liner for your mask.

As I and others said above, the key to minimizing dry eye symptoms is a regimen (every 2 to 3 hours) of lubricating eyedrops throughout the day. I like Systane Balance, but there are other artificial tears and lubricating drops to choose from. The gel or ointment for nighttime use will help, but if you have air blowing into your eyes all night its effectiveness might be lessened.

During tv watching or computer use, try to stop frequently to blink your eyes a few times. Many who suffer from dry eye do not blink enough to lubricate their eyes sufficiently.

Your opthalmologist will have suggestions, but these are the most common ones that most doctors advise.

If your dry eye gets severe, there are further steps your doctor can take (steriod drops like Alrex, plugging tear ducts) but these are generally used for severe symptoms when other intervention has not been successful.

Good luck!

[Tigerlily]

Thanks

Re: fish oil...it is a blood thinner, so in high doses it can increase bruising and it does in me so I had to back it down.

[jencat824]

If you have dry mouth also, there is a prescription medicing called Evosac. My dr prescribed this & I haven't had dry eyes since. My mouth still gets occasionally dry, but overall the prescription works for me. You might want to look into it. Evoxac used to be very expensive, but it has just come out in generic form, so is cheaper.
Jen