Tweet
Misc. pointers for using Dwelle & Dakrina
This is long overdue, I'm afraid. When we first launched the drops, I was so paranoid about legalities that I was reluctant to give any suggestions or opinions about the drops at all in case it would be construed as medical advice. I've relaxed a little since then. 
If anybody else has tips or pointers about these drops they want to add feel free!
What's special about Dwelle & Dakrina? A key feature of both products is high oncotic pressure, which is believed to improve the wettability of the ocular surface. (Refer to Dr. Holly's research and publications for details about that....) That is why many people find that they experience a gradual improvement in symptoms after using them for a week or longer.
What's the difference between Dwelle & Dakrina? Dakrina contains Vitamin A. Otherwise they are just about the same. Dakrina has a slightly different "feel" to it and very slightly different viscosity.
What's a fair trial? Just my personal opinion, but I think 3 weeks is a good trial for this and other treatments. It's kind of counterintuitive with artificial tears however, because most people expect them to be only palliative in a minimal way and so if they don't have an immediate feel-good factor, they assume they aren't going to help them any more than other tears. It's been my observation with these tears though, and I think this is borne out by some of the patient experiences on this board, that while some people will notice an immediate "wow" factor, others improve gradually over time, and some find that although the drops did not "feel good" at all the first few days, they actually do start noticing improvement after using them for 1-3 weeks.
Dakrina stings my eyes. Is this normal or should I worry? A small percentage of patients experience stinging on application, depending on the condition of their epithelium and other factors. Most seem to report that this subsides after using it for a few days. Personally I get some brief stinging on application every now and then, mostly first thing in the morning. It is normal. If you experience prolonged irritation however you should discontinue use.
I'm getting a whitish residue on my lashes. Should I worry? Because of the high polymer content, Dwelle and - to a lesser extent I think - Dakrina may crystallize on your lashes. The more you apply, the more crystallization. (This is why you'll see some people reporting their lashes stuck together.) This should wipe off easily with a damp cloth in the morning. I think of this effect as a tradeoff for improved protection. No free lunch. Tips for minimizing residue:
- Apply only one drop. Your eye can only use about 3/4 drop anyway - the rest just drains out.
- Tip your head back and aim carefully to avoid getting it on your lashes.
- Blot to remove any excess from lashes after application.
DISCLAIMER: This is not medical advice! Consult your eye doctor!
If anybody else has tips or pointers about these drops they want to add feel free!What's special about Dwelle & Dakrina? A key feature of both products is high oncotic pressure, which is believed to improve the wettability of the ocular surface. (Refer to Dr. Holly's research and publications for details about that....) That is why many people find that they experience a gradual improvement in symptoms after using them for a week or longer.
What's the difference between Dwelle & Dakrina? Dakrina contains Vitamin A. Otherwise they are just about the same. Dakrina has a slightly different "feel" to it and very slightly different viscosity.
What's a fair trial? Just my personal opinion, but I think 3 weeks is a good trial for this and other treatments. It's kind of counterintuitive with artificial tears however, because most people expect them to be only palliative in a minimal way and so if they don't have an immediate feel-good factor, they assume they aren't going to help them any more than other tears. It's been my observation with these tears though, and I think this is borne out by some of the patient experiences on this board, that while some people will notice an immediate "wow" factor, others improve gradually over time, and some find that although the drops did not "feel good" at all the first few days, they actually do start noticing improvement after using them for 1-3 weeks.
Dakrina stings my eyes. Is this normal or should I worry? A small percentage of patients experience stinging on application, depending on the condition of their epithelium and other factors. Most seem to report that this subsides after using it for a few days. Personally I get some brief stinging on application every now and then, mostly first thing in the morning. It is normal. If you experience prolonged irritation however you should discontinue use.
I'm getting a whitish residue on my lashes. Should I worry? Because of the high polymer content, Dwelle and - to a lesser extent I think - Dakrina may crystallize on your lashes. The more you apply, the more crystallization. (This is why you'll see some people reporting their lashes stuck together.) This should wipe off easily with a damp cloth in the morning. I think of this effect as a tradeoff for improved protection. No free lunch.
Tips for minimizing residue:- Apply only one drop. Your eye can only use about 3/4 drop anyway - the rest just drains out.
- Tip your head back and aim carefully to avoid getting it on your lashes.
- Blot to remove any excess from lashes after application.
DISCLAIMER: This is not medical advice! Consult your eye doctor!
Comment