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I have been dealing with this hell for one year. For the first three months, I couldn't leave my house, watch TV, get on the computer, work, NOTHING. I was up every 30 minutes all night and in EXTREME PAIN 24/7. Through little help from Doctors, I have brought myself out of this hell into a bearable state. I am a huge researcher and believe I have tried EVERYTHING. I will share what has worked for me. Now, I can work, be in air conditioning in public places for a limited time, and night time, well, that varies. It's still a struggle but much better. Keep in mind that I believe I started out with the most severe case of dry eye one can have.
Unfortunately, I have gained 25 pounds due to the emotional eating related to my depression from having my entire social life ripped from me, income decrease due to being in so much pain, not being able to go to the gym bc of the air conditioning, and the constant state of anxiety of the pain of sleeping, and the shame of being in public and having to constantly pour eye drops in my eyes and no one understands except you guys! I can sleep several hours each night without having to wake up and deal with "issues".
Ok, but there have been triumphs, as I am "functional". I am going to try to be more social this year, and we will see how my eyes hold out!
Cool mist humidifier in every room in summer and warm mist in winter. I spend around $20-30 on each of these at Walmart.
Supplements
1. Fish Oil 3,000 mg. Fish oil is better than flax. Make sure the fish oil is mercury free.
Fish fat contains the "long chain" omega-3s (EPA and DHA), which are the omega-3 fats the body needs for vital functions, including eyesight. In contrast, the "short chain" ALA omega-3 fat found in plant foods such as flaxseeds must be converted to EPA and DHA in the body for beneficial eye effects. When you eat plant foods, your body converts only about 5 percent of dietary ALA into essential EPA and DHA.
2. Krill Oil
3. I use turmeric as a seasoning on everything; it's a great anti-inflammatory.
4. Vitamin D3 5,000 IU'S
5. Make sure your multi vitamin is made for eye health with leutein, bilberry, Vitamin A, etc.
6. Vitamin C 2,000 mg.
7. Use chia seeds and flax seeds on everything.
8. Evening Primrose oil
9. Astaxanthin
Regime
Morning after shower
1. Hot compress with wash cloth and eye massage
2. Restasis (one vial lasts 3 days. I keep them in fridge)
3. Rub organic aloe vera gel under eyes and on lids (helps with inflammation) I use Lily of the Desert Brand at Whole Foods
4. Drink a glass of water with one eighth of a teaspoon of baking soda (alkalizes the body)
5. Take one half of the above supplements
Evening after shower
1. Same as above except no aloe vera.
2. I rub cold pressed castor oil under my eyes and on my lids. I use Home Health Brand. Your eyes will be worse the first day or two BUT THEN WILL IMPROVE. Castor oil can be effective in treating Blepharitis. The castor oil not only moisturizes the eyes, but reduces the inflammation around the eyelids. Dip your ring finger into castor oil and dap the oil around the eyelids where it is red and inflamed. The castor oil will soothe the eye and reduce the swelling and redness.
3. Natrol Brand 5-HTP for my dry eye induced depression/mood. By far the cheapest at Costco.
4. If I've been out in wind/pollution etc. I use an eye wash - Bausch and Lomb at Walmart. You can also use pure coconut water as eye drops or eye wash.Chemical analysis indicates it's close in makeup to intracellular fluid.
Right Before Lights Out
1. Another 1000 mg. of fish oil and Vitamin C ON TOP of what I have already taken!
2. Systane night gel when I am desperate. I don't think these petroleum based eye gels are good for the eyes so I only use it once or twice a week. Otherwise the regular systane.
3. Eye mask with indentation for eyes. I can't stand any pressure on my eyes. I'm not thrilled with the pricey eye goggles, but that's just me.
I am still struggling with the night part.
Eye Drops Other Than Restasis
1. Similasan homeopathic eye drops for dry eyes. I use this ALL the time. There are around $6 at Walmart plus there is always a dollar off coupon inside.
2. Systane Preservative Free Vials as needed.
Ice cube wrapped in paper towels on eyes help when inflammation really sets in (burning fire)
Pricey Options:
1. Gunnar glasses when I am on the computer have helped SIGNIFICANTLY. Cheapest on Amazon.
2. Briza Seven Eye Prescription keep all the dust and wind out. I love LOVE them. They are expensive, but I noticed cheaper wrap-around sunglasses at Wal-mart that you can put your prescription lenses in.
Hope some of this is helpful!
Unfortunately, I have gained 25 pounds due to the emotional eating related to my depression from having my entire social life ripped from me, income decrease due to being in so much pain, not being able to go to the gym bc of the air conditioning, and the constant state of anxiety of the pain of sleeping, and the shame of being in public and having to constantly pour eye drops in my eyes and no one understands except you guys! I can sleep several hours each night without having to wake up and deal with "issues".
Ok, but there have been triumphs, as I am "functional". I am going to try to be more social this year, and we will see how my eyes hold out!
Cool mist humidifier in every room in summer and warm mist in winter. I spend around $20-30 on each of these at Walmart.
Supplements
1. Fish Oil 3,000 mg. Fish oil is better than flax. Make sure the fish oil is mercury free.
Fish fat contains the "long chain" omega-3s (EPA and DHA), which are the omega-3 fats the body needs for vital functions, including eyesight. In contrast, the "short chain" ALA omega-3 fat found in plant foods such as flaxseeds must be converted to EPA and DHA in the body for beneficial eye effects. When you eat plant foods, your body converts only about 5 percent of dietary ALA into essential EPA and DHA.
2. Krill Oil
3. I use turmeric as a seasoning on everything; it's a great anti-inflammatory.
4. Vitamin D3 5,000 IU'S
5. Make sure your multi vitamin is made for eye health with leutein, bilberry, Vitamin A, etc.
6. Vitamin C 2,000 mg.
7. Use chia seeds and flax seeds on everything.
8. Evening Primrose oil
9. Astaxanthin
Regime
Morning after shower
1. Hot compress with wash cloth and eye massage
2. Restasis (one vial lasts 3 days. I keep them in fridge)
3. Rub organic aloe vera gel under eyes and on lids (helps with inflammation) I use Lily of the Desert Brand at Whole Foods
4. Drink a glass of water with one eighth of a teaspoon of baking soda (alkalizes the body)
5. Take one half of the above supplements
Evening after shower
1. Same as above except no aloe vera.
2. I rub cold pressed castor oil under my eyes and on my lids. I use Home Health Brand. Your eyes will be worse the first day or two BUT THEN WILL IMPROVE. Castor oil can be effective in treating Blepharitis. The castor oil not only moisturizes the eyes, but reduces the inflammation around the eyelids. Dip your ring finger into castor oil and dap the oil around the eyelids where it is red and inflamed. The castor oil will soothe the eye and reduce the swelling and redness.
3. Natrol Brand 5-HTP for my dry eye induced depression/mood. By far the cheapest at Costco.
4. If I've been out in wind/pollution etc. I use an eye wash - Bausch and Lomb at Walmart. You can also use pure coconut water as eye drops or eye wash.Chemical analysis indicates it's close in makeup to intracellular fluid.
Right Before Lights Out
1. Another 1000 mg. of fish oil and Vitamin C ON TOP of what I have already taken!
2. Systane night gel when I am desperate. I don't think these petroleum based eye gels are good for the eyes so I only use it once or twice a week. Otherwise the regular systane.
3. Eye mask with indentation for eyes. I can't stand any pressure on my eyes. I'm not thrilled with the pricey eye goggles, but that's just me.
I am still struggling with the night part.
Eye Drops Other Than Restasis
1. Similasan homeopathic eye drops for dry eyes. I use this ALL the time. There are around $6 at Walmart plus there is always a dollar off coupon inside.
2. Systane Preservative Free Vials as needed.
Ice cube wrapped in paper towels on eyes help when inflammation really sets in (burning fire)
Pricey Options:
1. Gunnar glasses when I am on the computer have helped SIGNIFICANTLY. Cheapest on Amazon.
2. Briza Seven Eye Prescription keep all the dust and wind out. I love LOVE them. They are expensive, but I noticed cheaper wrap-around sunglasses at Wal-mart that you can put your prescription lenses in.
Hope some of this is helpful!
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