Hiya I have a 12 year old shih-tzu girl diagnosed about a year ago with dry eye. My vet prescribed optimune at a cost of £69 for a tiny tube that lasted two weeks- what a rip-off. I now use lumicare for Molly and her eyes have been brilliant. Fantastic product.

Hi,

I was diagnosed with the dry eye syndrome when I was makingan eye test at http://www.leightonsopticians.com/eye-tests.aspx. When you have dry eyes, they toldit is not recommended to wear contact lenses because they can make the conditionof your eyes worse. However, teher are some drops for dry eyes which aresupposed to be helpful.

Rob,

I feel your pain and suffering I went undiagnosed for 15 years and as I sufferfrom eczema i was just told to put a small amount of hydrocortisone 1% on myeyelids which has over time caused thinning of the skin, which masked theproblem but as it was untreated properly - eventually led to herpetic cornealulcers which have impaired my vision. All I can say is thank god for Moorfieldseye hospital who diagnosed the problem very quickly and now have me on a jumpthrough list so whenever anything happens i go straight to a & e get seenin a couple of hours and walk away with a goodie bag to solve the problem, ifand when im desperate so heres what i recommend for you - you may consider ithelpful but at times I still have the stayed - up - late look which is hard toget rid of im afraid but even as a chap if you get a make up product called UNEits 100% mineral powder that you can use with a brush (CLEAN) and use over youreyelids to eliminate the redness and as its 100% minerals its good for yourskin, I couldn't leave the house without it,

commentshave varied saying that i look totally knackered to looking like a drug addictso i totally appreciate how the condition can lead to depression, you will besurpised at how you will not be used to seeing your eyes withot the redness –at first you think you look a bit strange because your eyes look normal and notthe red your used to – but trust me on this, it makes a bi difference to yourconfidence and i'm an actor so my appearance is important to me and whilst i'mnot that vain I am totally hypersensitive about my eyes too, it happens whenyou feel like you’ve been left with no solution and of course it makes you sad,but there are things you can do and I cant wait to share them with you!

here's the magic list that totally works for me and I hope it works for youtoo. It took a hellova long time to get the products right, so I hope thiscombination helps you too. It wont be immediate but within ¾ days you willnotice it, and over time you will be able to manage without it dominating yourlife – but you will get a warning of a particularly bad spell which I have alsoremedied here too.

Nizoral anti dandruff shampoo and bicarbonate of soda - either put a teaspoonof it in a little bowl and do an eyelid clean with it or squeeze a bit into thesink and wash you whole face in it.

piriton tablets - I take four of these EVERY DAY when I feel something comingon not the one a day version the regular ones as they for some reason workbetter

Eyelash plucking - this seems gross but I was told to do this at the hospital,it hurts to start with but you get used to it, be very careful and use amagnifying mirror to get rid of the rough strays that irritate your eye - i gotshed loads of tiny blonde hairs that irritate my eyes and grow in wonkydirections - so they have to go.

Brolene eye drops - when the itching starts or you have that – sh*t I havesomething in my eye sensation - get down to boots immediately to nip it in thebud - I am allergy to lanolin because of my eczema so cant use the ointment, orif you are ok with that look for a product with chlorinphenicol in it likegolden eye, forget optrex eye baths its useless.

Finally - and this is a little naughty of me but I dont care. I bought anonline prescription for   Aciclovir tablets200g.

4xper day. I used them for 6 months and for a whole year 1/2 I never had a coldsore eye problem eczema flare up or anything - but its a bit of a rouge thingto do. I just got totally fed up with running to the hospital and calling myjoker of a gp who would palm me off with a prescription based moisturizer whichobviously didn’t work.

I’mtelling you about the tablets as perhaps perhaps perhaps you can ask yourspecialist if they will help you personally. They are anti – viral tablets thatare used predominantly for persistant cold sores herpes etc, but you knowsomething? I didn’t get a flu a cold hayfever a flare up or anything in thetime I was using them, so I think that there’s other benefits here, as long as Itake the anti histamine and the tablets I rarely get even a flinch of a problemnever mind a flare up. The reason I’m on this blog is that I ran out of tabletsand was being nosey as I was surfing the net to see what other people are doing,but this combination of stuff really does work, so even if you cant get the prescriptiontablets, get the other stuff together and do it for a few days with the eyedropsfrom boots – I look forward to hearing from you. x

I have had dry eyes for at least 15 years and tried all sorts of creams, drops and potions (which cost me a small fortune);  unfortunately nothing seemed to work.  I eventually found a homeopathic treatment which I find absolutely fantastic - although I'm not cured, it has given me more relief than any other treatments prescribed or bought over the counter.  It is called Euphrasia; I put a minute drop into an eye bath of boiled cooled water and this will last me all day.  I keep it with me all the time, (a plastic bag over the top of the bath secured with an elastic band keeps it fresh and safe).   I wasn't one to believe in alternative medicine but this certainly has proved me wrong.   I'm quite lucky because our local health food shop has a constant supply but if you find it difficult to find, I have noticed it is easy to find on the internet.  I would be interested to hear if anyone else has had impressive results from this treatment.

I have had dry eyes for at least 15 years and tried all sorts of creams, drops and potions (which cost me a small fortune);  unfortunately nothing seemed to work.  I eventually found a homeopathic treatment which I find absolutely fantastic - although I'm not cured, it has given me more relief than any other treatments prescribed or bought over the counter.  It is called Euphrasia; I put a minute drop into an eye bath of boiled cooled water and this will last me all day.  I keep it with me all the time, (a plastic bag over the top of the bath secured with an elastic band keeps it fresh and safe).   I wasn't one to believe in alternative medicine but this certainly has proved me wrong.   I'm quite lucky because our local health food shop has a constant supply but if you find it difficult to find, I have noticed it is easy to find on the internet.  I would be interested to hear if anyone else has had impressive results from this treatment.

I would just like to let you know, I have had dry, sticky, irritated eyes for at least 15 years and tried all sorts of creams and potions without success (which has cost me a small fortune).  I eventually found a homeopathic remedy which I absolutely swear by called Euphrasia - it hasn't cured my condition but has given me so much more relief than any other treatment.   I add a minute drop into an eye bath with boiled cooled water which will last me for a day.  I keep it with me all the time (with a plastic bag over the top and secured with an elastic band).  It's absolutely brilliant.  Has anybody out there tried this?  If so, has it worked for you?

Posie, I have no adverse effects from the doxy, as long as I wash it down with plenty of water (otherwise it can give indigestion-like symptoms).  It takes several weeks for symptoms to return if I stop them.

I've tried dozens of eye drops and they all have the same problem - after the initial liquid has dried up, the powdery residue left over irritates my lids, so I have to wash them.  Then I need more drops and the cycle continues!  Minims artificial tears are best for be because they are so thin there is little residue, but I have to use them quite often for the same reason!

Has anyone come across an ointment or treatment that will help reduce the appearance of very red lid margins. I appreciate this is part of the devils curse (bleph and dry eye) and I am religious with my lid hygiene and hot compress. If I could reduce the appearance of red eyes I may regain my confidence and improve my state of mind. Thanks all... I am looking at all other members posts and as soon as I find something that relieves my condition I will share with you all.

Thank you Nor. I am seeing my GP next week so will take account of your info. I have had a PPC recently. And thanks for doing the blog.  

Best wishes

Hi Posie,

No hycosan is not available on prescription. Because of this I asked my doctor for Vismed which is also very good (although I did prefer the hycosan). I managed to get Vismed on prescription but it was very difficult to get hold of for the pharmacy. It's not that common and is very expensive. (I haven't tried the Hyabak).

Hi Stella, unfortunately my joy with sustane was short lived.  I had a very bad evening yesterday, and they didn't help at all.  I suffer terribly when I wake up, have to unpick my eyes, can't open them naturally without a struggle, which leaves me in pain.  My lid doesn't even open all the way to begin with when I wake up, which is not a nice feeling.  I may try the vaseline.  Somebody also suggested a sleep mask?  I'll try anything.  Vanity goes out of the window with this thing.  I also have some goggles to wear, but haven't worked out how they work - look a bit technical!! My daughter told me I'd look like a fly!!!

Hi Stella, I'm pretty sure it was you I spoke to on the other site.  I was feeling very sorry for myself, but got lots of very kind and helpful replies, yours included.  I'm trying some drops called systane, which so far, seem to be working very well, although, I don't like to get too carried away with thinking it's "better", as it may just be a good run anyway, but fingers crossed.

As you say, hopefully your post will help somebody, and thank you for your time.

Sally

The ones I tried for hayfever, once again, were absolutely terrible, and made my eyes considerably worse, so I'm trying yet another one, all just such a waste of money, but would be well worth it if it worked.  So far, celluvisc has been the best one.  Will let you all know how it goes with the new one.

Hi, well they are always OK during the day.  I can get the problems from as early as 6pm, although I count that as a bad one, as they usually "start going" about 8pm, but generally they aren't very good at the moment, but I still think the pain killers/anti inflammatories for my foot aren't helping. They were also a bit stingy this morning, even after my morning cleaning routine, and Tescos always aggrevates them.  Also, because of being fed up and not really going anywhere much because of my foot, after 7 weeks, yesterday I was told I could drive, so decided to put some make up on.  I'm not sure what the relationship between my driving and wearing make up was, but it made me feel better!! In fact reading that, sounds quite ridiculous.  Anyway,  I can feel my eyes itching a bit now, so will remove the make up shortly.  Regarding the resveratrol, I started with grapes, about 20 a day, and I noticed an immediate improvement actually, but it gave me tummy ache, so I take the supplement instead, and I'm sure it has helped.  I also take all the usual recommended ones - flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil,omega 3 & 6, and luteine, but I have to say the resveratrol/grapes was the one I noticed a marked improvement with. I have to say, however, Gillian McKeith would have a field day with my diet, something I keep trying to address. Have a lovely weekend and fingers crossed your eyes behave!! Take care

Hi,

Im sorry you're so bad tonight, and I sympathise.  Mine were particularly bad and much earlier than usual yesterday, but seem OK, so far.  I only work part time, and my eyes are always far worse on the days I'm at work.  Think being tired and on computers aggrevate things.  I know exactly what you mean about going to people's houses.  I get quite anxious about it, and have to plan everything very carefully, and plan when I have to leave when I can feel my eyes "going".  to be honest, it's not worth the stress, and I avoid it after a certain time of day anyway, and especially in the winter with heating on etc. I asked the question about pain killers making it worse on the other site, and one woman said it definitely made hers worse.  Thankfully my foot's a whole lot better, so I'm going to cut down on them.  It's the lesser of the two evils.  Take care and I hope you improve.  By the way, have you tried the supplement Resveratrol.  It's grape extract, and is supposed to be very good for blepharitis, dry eye etc.  I've been taking it, and I have seen a slight improvement.  I seem to get the very bad days less.  Just a thought.  Do take care and hope you have a stress free time at your friend's!

Bless her little heart.  That's so very little to have blepharitis.  I have it, and am considerably older than her, and it's difficult enough to deal with.  I would assume you've been advised to wash the lids etc etc.  I'm not a medical expert by any means, but I've been from the G.P to the consultant, to the opticians and back to the consultant.  The G.P said I had blepharitis, and advised washing the upper and lower lid with baby shampoo and water, which I did originally.  Anyway, I won't bore you with the inbetween bit, but I would never use the baby shampoo anymore. Although allegedly "no tears" and "mild", it still contains harsh chemicals, particularly the one that makes it bubble.  The optician, who I think gave me the best advice out of all the so called experts, advised me to wash the lids with boiling cooled water with salt, or bicarbonate, or even plain boiled water, but not baby shampoo.    Persevere and, please, if you're not happy with the diagnosis, you must pester, and fight until you're happy with what you've been told, and more importantly your little girl is!! It took me quite a long time, before I was even "allowed" to be referred to hospital.  Best wishes.  Take care

Yes, I tried Clarymist, I think it was called, and I thought at first it made my eyes better, but actually made them unbelievably dry and sore.  Trouble with dry eye, it's a very individual thing.  What works for one person, doesn't work for another.  It's not an exact science and is unfortunately trial and error.  Although expensive, I guess it would last for a long time if it works, but didn't for me

Glad I could of be help!  My consultant told me that that the car heater was one of the worst things for dry eye, and to avoid it, but as you say, makes car journeys quite unpleasant! I would also say not to have the cold air on in the summer, again unpleasant, although probably not if we get a summer like last year. I know that the blow heater in the car definitely makes my eyes smart and water alot, so I try and get warmed up, demisted etc (particularly this winter just gone), and then turn it off, to the sounds of my 15 year old daughter moaning and sitting with her arms wrapped around her like she's in the middle of Greenland!!

Thank you John H!  I will have to do something, andthere will be alot of people to upset, but my immediate colleagues know how much I suffer.  It's a brand new building put up on the same site our old building was demolished on, so I think dust initially will also be a problem.  It won't be until 2010, but already the thought of it is  worrying me.  Oh well, we shall see.

Hi John H!  I also bought the eye bag, and it's lovely, very soothing.l  I'm sure it seems to stimulate moisture/oil while it's on.  My glands along the eye lid are blocked, and I'm desperately trying a new regime, which the optician recommended, which is quite time consuming, but have to say quite sooting.

Thank you, I cannot believe I fell down the stairs either, foot still very painful and black, and I'm bored.  I only work part time, but I hate being in all the time!

Well, I think it's taken a bit more seriously over in the US, although I have to admit, they don't seem to have much more joy, but there is one thing they all seem to rave about, which is Restasis, but is very strong, and is only available in the US, or from the vets in the UK, which obviously isn't an option, unless I lie about my cat!  To be honest, it's also used for the treatment of cancer, so I wouldn't want to try it.  They also mention something called genteal gel, another one which seems to be popular.  I struggle to open my eyes in the mornings, and physically have to unpick them, so have been advised by several to put these drops onto the eye before trying to open them, but I feel it would be difficult to do with my eyes shut, and knowing my luck I'll put something else in them!! Would have to be very aware of where the drops were!

As the world's greatest skeptic, I was not expecting to be impressed when I tried out the eyebag my friend had purchased, but I have to admit I found it extremely soothing and relaxing.  It felt very light and comfortable on the eyes and I now have my own.  I have established a routine of using it before going to bed as I also find it helps relax me.  It felt good to know it was developed by an opthamologist and was safe to use rather than putting a non-sterile dripping facecloth on my eyes, that lost its heat within minutes.