Tear Duct relief

[Chilimon]

Wanted to share some information for others who have air blowing out their tear ducts.

I went to see my Opthamologist on Friday about the air blowing out through my tear duct when I use my CPAP. She said she has patients coming in occasionally that have the same problem. She examined my eyes very thoroughly and of course told me a few things I did not want to hear. My right eye was dry, my left eye was extremely dry and the worst, I have a cataract in each eye.

Anyhow she gave me a medicated drop for the dryness and another drop to use for the tear duct which is Systane Lubricant, you put a drop or two in the corner of your eye on the tear duct area before putting your mask on. I've used it the past two nights and it totally blocks any air from blowing out the tear duct. I do not see why it doesn't blow out once you start the CPAP but it works, so far I am happy with it and my eyes feel much better in just a couple days.

[avi123]

Good luck. Why CPAP usage is not mentioned here:


http://www.systane.com/Dry-Eye-Causes.aspx

Are you also taking this, which seems to me more appropriate for CPAP users:

SYSTANE® NIGHTTIME Lubricant Eye Ointment

SYSTANE® Lubricant Eye Drops works great during the day, but dry eye can also strike while you sleep. Luckily, for overnight dry eye protection, there's long-lasting SYSTANE® NIGHTTIME Lubricant Eye Ointment. Designed to keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable throughout the night, SYSTANE® NIGHTTIME creates a shield that locks in moisture to allow for healing. Available in 3.5 g preservative-free tubes of eye lubricant, SYSTANE® NIGHTTIME helps provide overnight relief, when it is impractical to apply eye drops.

[Chilimon]

Good luck. Why CPAP usage is not mentioned here:


http://www.systane.com/Dry-Eye-Causes.aspx

Are you also taking this, which seems to me more appropriate for CPAP users:

SYSTANE® NIGHTTIME Lubricant Eye Ointment

That is basically the same thing I am using, box is a little different but also marked overnight therapy, red & 2 tone blue box, Lubricant Eye Gel for severe dry eye relief. It is a sample from the drug rep so either this box is new or this particular one didn't hit the market yet. Possible they just changed the package too, hard to keep up with these companies.

[chunkyfrog]

I'm going to have to look for this; I really like my elan, but the wind in my eyes has become a bit much.

[Chilimon]

I'm going to have to look for this; I really like my elan, but the wind in my eyes has become a bit much.

I did a search on it, the cost was around $12.00 at CVS, by doing the search, it seems it is pretty popular in a lot of stores. It only takes one drop, you can use two.

I could not believe the difference it made for me, hope it does the same for you as well as anyone else.

[avi123]

The Systane Nighttime Lubricant that I mentioned above is NOT being dropped into the eyes b/c it is Ointment.
Drops are thin liquids that spread by contact with the eye- ball while Ointment is thick and sticky like grease. You spread it like spreading tooth paste on a tooth brush.
Chilimon, are you that silly as your Avatar? There are Systane drops and also Systane ointment. Two different things. I assume that the Ointment is better for CPAPers Dry Eyes than the drops. But may not be the best for air coming out the tear ducts, and causing other problems than just dry eyes.


Here are the direction for applying the NightTime ointment:

Directions

•Pull down the lower lid of the affected eye and apply a small amount (one-fourth inch) of ointment to the inside of the eyelid

See it here:

http://www.systane.com/Eye-Lubricant.aspx


Walgreens has it:

3.5 grams cost $11.99
http://www.walgreens.com/search/results ... &x=16&y=12

[avi123]

I'm going to have to look for this; I really like my elan, but the wind in my eyes has become a bit much.

Comment,

I am also going to try first the systane Drops and later the Systane Nighttime Ointment and check their effects on my eyes.
I am ready to start on my own but since I am going to see my Ophthlamologist next week, I can wait and get his approval.
In the meantime I have gathered the following list:

Ocular associations reported with OSA over the last 10-15 years (as of 2009)

1) Floppy Eyelid Syndrome
2) Belpharoptosis
3) Lower Lid Ectropion
4) Blepharochalasis
5) Eyelash Ptosis
6) Lacrimal Gland Proplapse
7) Papillary Conjunctivitis
Filamentary or infectious Keratitis
9) Recurrent Corneal Erosion
10) Keratoconus
11) Optic Neuropahty
12) Papilloedeme
13) Glaucamoa
I need to double check the wording.

[Chilimon]

The Systane Nighttime Lubricant that I mentioned above is NOT being dropped into the eyes b/c it is Ointment.
Drops are thin liquids that spread by contact with the eye- ball while Ointment is thick and sticky like grease. You spread it like spreading tooth paste on a tooth brush.
Chilimon, are you that silly as your Avatar? There are Systane drops and also Systane ointment

What I mentioned was the GEL not ointment or drops, I do not believe I ever said it was drops or ointment . Gel is a little thicker than drops and can still be dropped into the eye and it is for severe dry eyes. With Gel being a thicker substance, it stays in one area longer than a drop.

[Sheffey]

Chilimon

avi123

Thanks to both of you for the discussion!

I have been using the Systane ointment and it is quite good. It is basically pertoleum jelly with a viscosity appropriate for the intended use.

My question to Avi is about applying it with the fingers. Isn't there some danger of getting an eye infection?

Also Chilimon, I may have to try the gel since it seems the application method would be less prone to causing infections. Thanks Chilimon for starting this thread!

[Sheffey]

Wanted to share some information for others who have air blowing out their tear ducts.

I went to see my Opthamologist on Friday about the air blowing out through my tear duct when I use my CPAP. She said she has patients coming in occasionally that have the same problem. She examined my eyes very thoroughly and of course told me a few things I did not want to hear. My right eye was dry, my left eye was extremely dry and the worst, I have a cataract in each eye.

Anyhow she gave me a medicated drop for the dryness and another drop to use for the tear duct which is Systane Lubricant, you put a drop or two in the corner of your eye on the tear duct area before putting your mask on. I've used it the past two nights and it totally blocks any air from blowing out the tear duct. I do not see why it doesn't blow out once you start the CPAP but it works, so far I am happy with it and my eyes feel much better in just a couple days.

Chilimom, Did the doctor mention punctal plugs? My doctor wanted to do them a few years ago but I declined. Am seeking a new doctor now for another opinion. Cheers.

[avi123]

See here about Systane GEL drops:

http://www.systane.com/Gel-Drops.aspx

Excerpt:
"Two out of three patients agree that SYSTANE® Gel Drops is easier to use than their previous nighttime product, with long-lasting relief of dry eye symptoms.1 Available in 10 mL bottles, SYSTANE® Gel Drops provides the convenience of a drop with the protection of a gel."

Systane gel drops at Walgreens:


http://www.walgreens.com/search/results ... &x=29&y=13


Applying Systane Ointment:

Directions

•Pull down the lower lid of the affected eye and apply a small amount (one-fourth inch) of ointment to the inside of the eyelid.

p.s. It comes in a tube. So you squeeze the tube and apply a quarter inch long of the ointment onto the pulled down lower lid. You don't touch the ointment with your fingers, the tube's nozzle may touch the lid, but try not to.

[avi123]

Punctal Plugs for Dry Eyes

http://www.allaboutvision.com/condition ... htm#insert



Punctal plugs can be placed in drainage channels of the upper and lower eyelids.

Also:

http://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye- ... occlusion/

And

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medical/IM02616

[Chilimon]

Chilimom, Did the doctor mention punctal plugs? My doctor wanted to do them a few years ago but I declined. Am seeking a new doctor now for another opinion. Cheers.

No she didn't and I'm not so sure I would want those put in anyhow, I have enough foreign objects in my body now

I would rather try other methods first and with this being the first thing I tried, I love it.

[archangle]

A total face mask will stop CPAP from forcing air out through the nasolacrimal ducts. So will an oral mask.

The total face mask works because the air pressure in your nose is the same as the air outside your eyes. It's a big mask, and I would expect leaks to be more of a problem, but it should fix the air venting through the tear duct.

You have to learn how to use the oral mask properly. If you learn to close off your soft palate when you sleep. This is the same thing you use when you blow up a balloon to keep air coming out your nose. When you do this, there's no pressure in your nose.

The oral mask is a little tough to get used to. It tends to dry out your mouth and throat, and your brain and body may not be happy with no air flowing through your nose. However, it will fix the air venting out your eyes if you can adapt to it.

[avi123]

Archangel, have you tried the Total Face mask and checked its effect on the Lachrymal Ducts or you are just guessing? If you equalize the pressure on both sides of the Ducts how would they function as anatomically and physiologically they are supposed to?