MGD and can’t sleep

[Idealist321]

I developed dry eyes the day after looking at the August 2017 North American solar eclipse without special glasses. I awoke with eyes looking/feelijg smaller and sunken. I no longer sleep more than 5 hours a night which has negatively impacted my body and caused dry skin. I don’t feel well-rested and 5 hours of sleep is insufficient. While asleep i never go into deep sleep. My sleep habits are out wack and I dont know if i should look into taking sleeping pills. I use pure castor oil as eye drops every night before bed and i take omega 3 pills daily. My eyes are comfortable throughout the day its just i cannot get quality sleep for 7 months and counting. It aggravates me because prior to the eclipse i regularly slept 8 hours and felt rested. Now i have to force myself to sleep every night. It’s a strange and depressing feeling. I cant even take naps. I dont know how i have sustained during the day from 5 hours of rest but i dont feel well.

[Hokucat]

Idealist, have you seen a retina specialist since viewing the eclipse? I have both serious dry eye and retina issues, and would highly recommending seeing a retina specialist, even though you've mentioned you have MGD. Sometimes symptoms thought to be caused by dry eyes are retina-related issues. Many retina issues are not treatable, but some are.

You're right, not getting enough sleep is not good in the long run. Wearing a night mask like EyeSeals 4.0 (or other night eye protection) plus Genteal Severe Eye Gel (other gel/night ointments didn't work for me) was most helpful for me to sleep comfortably. I use the clear mask but perhaps the dark one would help you more. You can get these items from this forum's Dry Eye Shop:

https://dryeyeshop.com/collections/g...ts/genteal-gel

https://dryeyeshop.com/collections/nights

Also helpful for sleeping is drinking chamomile or sleepy time tea, and/or taking melatonin supplement before bedtime. You should discuss with your doctor melatonin, or if nothing else works an OTC or prescription sleep aid, at least temporarily. I tend to use mostly natural treatments, but if your sleep issues persist, you're right you need to get some relief.

Hope things get better soon.

[farmgirl]

Idealist, perhaps it is time to look into getting a sleep study done, that will really tell you what is going on there and get you pointed in the right direction for help with that, perhaps it is not even related to your dry eye.

[Idealist321]

Thanks for the advice. I will look into your suggestions.