Optometrist diagnosed dry eye.

[lisadaylene]

I went for a regular eye exam, I wear reading glasses. He told me that he sees problems in my eyes that are probably caused by dry eye. He asked if I sleep with my eyelids partially open. Well, since I don't videotape me sleeping and since my husband falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow, I don't know. I do sleep with the ceiling fan on, is that bad? I also have times when my eyes water from the outer corners and cause the skin burn because I am constantly wiping them. He says to try artificial tears during the day and maybe an ointment at night. Also to try a sleeping mask to help my eyelids stay shut. Does this sound about right, or does anyone have other suggestions. Thank you so much. Lisa

[PotatoCakes]

Your doctor gave you a good start.

- Make sure you are using preservative-free drops (in single-use vials). The preservatives found in many drops can make dry eye worse. For a very occasional user, it's probably not an issue but for those of us with dry eye, it's a no can do.

- One of my specialists told me to close my eyes for 2 minutes after application of drops. If you find you don't need them frequently, this may not be necessary but if you're having a bad day or your find your dry eye is getting worse, try it. I found it makes a huge difference in how long my drops last.

- A humidifier at night may help.

- A warm compress in the morning (use a rice baggie, available on this site or fill a sock with rice and knot at the end - microwave for about 30 seconds and wrap a warm, wet washcloth around it and place over your eyes for 5-10 minutes. I follow this by wetting a Qtip with sterile saline (NOT the stuff you get for contacts) and rolling it over my lashes, followed by a saline "rinse". You may not need more than the compress.

- Consider taking fish oil capsules, flax seed or Barlean's Omega Swirl (expensive but tasty and if you have problems with capsules or fishy taste, a good alternative)

- If you can, stop the fan at night. It's possible the humidifier and mask will be all you need (depending on how bad your eyes are) but if not, the fan has got to go.

Good luck and congrats on having a doctor that noticed and gave you some good starting tips!

[lisadaylene]

potatocakes, thank you for all the great advice. I will look for those preservative free single vial drops. And closing my eyes for two minutes is probably a great idea. As far as a humidifier, we use a swamp cooler a lot, and during this time of year there should be enough humidity in the air, but during winter especially, I will be sure to use one. I do take fish capsules daily, but I will try all the ideas you gave me, like the compress in the morning. I appreciate all your help. The doctor says that only part of my eyes are really showing symptoms and he is afraid that I could get an eye ulcer. aaahhh,, that sounds terrible. Thanks again, take care.

Lisa

[Sniffles]

We always told our patients who were taking any kind of eye drops to place your finger on the area in the corner of your eye where the tear ducts are and hold slight pressure there for 5-10 seconds after putting in the drops. This will slow down the draining process of your eyes, allowing the drops to work a little bit longer. As far as the humidifier, make sure it has a filter in it that is known for reducing the allergen load in the air, as this might have something to do with your dry eyes as well. If you have an Aprilaire, make sure all of the aprilaire parts are clean, since dirt in the filter is dirt in the house. As far as the fan in the bedroom, I have been told this was part of my dry eye problem several years ago, so try turning that off, if it is possible. Best of luck to you.