Taping eyes completely shut - impossible?

[poppy]

Am I correct in saying that it's impossible to tape an eye completely shut? No matter what I try, it is always possible to open the eye at least slightly without effort. I'm using a tape bought from a pharmacy that is designed to be used to stick down bandages and on skin. This is the only tape I could find that is actually designed for medical use.

Lacrilube and tranquileyes are useless, so I guess taping completely shut is the only thing that might help. I've just been taping the worse eye to start with as I'm not particularly motivated to do something as horrible as taping both eyes shut unless I know it actually helps.

Was recently told that I have erosions and abrasions, hence the taping. Had no idea I had erosions, wish someone had told me before.

[Colin P]

Are Erosions the very same thing as Abrasions?.

[Rebecca Petris]

Are Erosions the very same thing as Abrasions?.

Yes, pretty much. At least they're usually used synonymously (example). The way I think of them personally, I associate the term erosion more with spontaneous injury to the cornea because of dryness, esp. RCE, versus abrasion which I think of as from an injury, but that's just me. I often hear/see both terms in the context of dry eye.

Am I correct in saying that it's impossible to tape an eye completely shut?

I don't think it's necessary to go to extremes really. I used to tape, with two pieces on each eye (or on my bad eye if I was only going after that one), and I could certainly pull my lids up a bit if I was really trying, BUT they would not open involuntarily, which is the whole point of taping. Some people have posted examples of their taping techniques.

Even with active erosions it's not always necessary (though it's certainly useful) to completely immobilize the lids and seal them shut at night. There are people with RCE who have very sensitive lids.

If you're getting erosions you might also want to ask them about bandage contacts.

[spmcc]

Hi Poppy,

I had something strange happen recently wrt taping my eyes shut at night. The result was that I discovered the *type of tape matters*.

My main symptom is pain upon waking. Also when I am at my worst, I can only sleep 2-3 hours before the pain wakes me.

So, for years I've been covering/sealing my eyes at night (mainly 3M micropore tape or Glad Press N Seal - Tranquileyes and other eye masks make my face too hot (I have rosacea)).

Taping/sealing my eyes has made a big difference for me. I *usually* sleep okay and still wake with dryness in the morning, but not like the "early days" when I would wake with a lot of pain.

Anyway, about 2 months ago, I suddenly went back to my "early days" with horrible pain. Again, I could only sleep 2-3 hours before waking in pain, etc. I was really angry/frustrated because NOTHING in my routine had changed. Things were really bad, but luckily (har????) I already had 3 appointments set up with 3 different doctors (one my "usual" cornea specialist).

It was through these appointments, telling the doctors that I was back to my worst days again that I figured out that the ONLY thing that had changed in my routine was that I had run out of 3M micropore tape (which I have to buy in the US) and so had bought 3M transpore tape instead.

I figured that must be it. So I went across the border and bought a bunch of 3M micropore tape, went back to using it and am now back to my "normal" dryness which at least lets me sleep the night without pain.

So, if possible buy 3M micropore tape and not another type (I hope you have it in Australia!!!). Also I tape my eyes from nose to temple (not from forehead to cheek). This I do after I've put in my drops (muro drops or even lotemax if my eyes are bad). Even though my eyes can open a crack under the tape, by having my drops there and covering with tape, I've keep away the erosions.

Good luck!

.

[Colin P]

Would this be of any use?.. Click on link below..

http://www.dreamessentials.com/produ...ye-relief-mask

[farmgirl]

Try posting the link again please Colin, it doesn't work

[Colin P]

Try posting the link again please Colin, it doesn't work

Strange??....It did work..

Try this one, click on the link below..

http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Essentia.../dp/B004ULV194

[farmgirl]

Thanks Colin, that worked but I noticed there are a lot of things for dry eye that came up at the bottom including a book. I might just buy it...cheers...F/G

[Nikki]

New silicone medical tape from 3M

hi --

New product out from 3M --3M™ Kind Removal Silicone Tape. And no, I don't work for 3M or have any financial interest in this product. I sleep on my left side and inadvertantly end up brushing my left eye when i sleep.

This tape won the Silver Edison Award for Quality of Life in the Lifestyle and Social Impact category
article:
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawe...t2Xut2tttttt--

quote from the article:
3M Kind Removal Silicone Tape, a next generation medical tape introduced by 3M Skin and Wound Care, integrates 3M’s adhesive technology with a silicone base to provide an optimal balance of securement and gentleness. The new technology allows this repositionable tape to be removed easily and harmlessly from patients’ skin, catering especially well to pediatric and aging patients and increasing nurse satisfaction.
“This new tape was developed to minimize skin trauma caused by adhesive removal while enhancing patient comfort and safety, so it’s a special honor to receive an award recognizing its benefits to lifestyle and social impact” said Paul Keel, president of 3M Skin and Wound Care Division. “We see medical tape touch almost every patient every day and the gentle removal of this tape furthers our ultimate goal of improving the lives of patients worldwide.”

- may be of help to some folks --

Nikki