Beware of yawning for tears

[cafe41]

So at 10 months post lasik my dry eyes have improved. Early on I discovered yawning would bring moisture to my eyes and began doing it as often as possible. So now I have messed my jaw up and am having major TMJ pain. If anyone has had success in TMJ relief please let me know! I am so ready to be rid of all discomfort

[Hopeful2]

So sorry that you are experiencing TMJ as a result of yawning. I too do a lot of yawning, most of it I'm not aware of. I am aware of yawning in the morning to moisten up my eyes.

I am nine months post lasik and also feel that my eyes have improved. I still get burning in one eye which is very irritating. Most of my dryness occurs during the night. During the day, as long as I'm not in a super dry environment, (computer, central heat, wind . . . ), my eyes stay fairly moist with blinking.

Do you have MGD? Or are you primarily aqueous diefficient? Can you identify what has helped you to improve; restasis, plugs, moisture glasses, drops. . . time?

I would be looking at a chiroptractic consult for TMJ and talking to my dentist to get advice too!

Hope you find relief soon

[cafe41]

It sounds like we are having similar progress. My eyes are also driest at night. I use drops (refresh) throughout the night (if I happen to wake up). I just quit wearing my goggles at night. They were becoming so uncomfortable and leaving marks on my face. I still use Refresh PM though.

I believe I do have MGD on and off. Sometimes my eyelids look a bit swollen especially the left one. My doctor never really confirmed or denied any of my problems. I think he just couldn't wait to get rid of me. When I'd leave his office he'd say "your eyes look great and your vision is perfect". He had no idea why I felt the need to complain and ask for help.

I really think the biggest factor in my improvement is time. I tried everything and it was probably too much at once. I still have lower plugs, quit the restasis at 8 months. I went on a trip and got lazy with it and noticed the burning went away. Maybe I was allergic to it the whole time.

I am going to ask my dentist for a referral to a TMJ specialist. I know the yawning, stress and anxiety from this whole ordeal played a huge role in the TMJ. I am so ready to be pain free! Who knew Lasik could change your whole life in such as drastic way. I know so many people who swear it was the best thing they ever did.

Thanks for the reply and I'm glad to hear you are improving. I am thankful for my progress but every now and then I get sucked into the anxiety AGAIN. I wish there was a magic pill to make this all go away

[Tanner]

I have TMJ:

Tips:

Do no keep your lips open to relieve tension on the jaw

Message your temple, jaw joints 5 times a day

Go see a dentist about wearing a splint at night

Make sure your teeth are touching on both sides of your mouth

Valium and botox can help relieve the muscle around the jaw

Your jaw can become arthritic

Eat soft foods

This can turn into a serious problem so be careful. Dr. Syrup in Ny is good.

[Tanner]

Sorry meat to see keep lips open not closed during the day

[cafe41]

Thanks for the tips Tanner!