No more red eyes??

[brownskn46]

Hi
I've been suffering for about over 3years but wasn't diagnossed until aboout 2 1/2 yrs now I've tried restasis and freshkote and now just using an over the counter drop(refresh plus) which is only giving me temporary relief...I see so many things being used or done here so don't know where to start...Well what I would like to know is how to do hot compresses that will last for 5-10 min. Also why and how is scrubbing your eye lid helping? I just really want some relief consistantly instead of having good and bad days..
How do I get rid of the constant redness?? Any suggestions for some one new to this problem??

[Caz]

Hot Compresses for 5-10 mins

Hi Brownskn46

Trying to get hot compresses to stay hot/warm has been a bit of trial and error but I have found that 2 individual rice packs made from a pair of kids' socks works for me for at least 7-8 minutes. My microwave is 1200 watts and I only need to put them in for 17 seconds and I get at least 7 minutes out of them.
I have filled them with just enough rice to cover each eye and then I tied them until I was happpy with the amount. They feel a little strange at first on the eyes, but they hold the heat well. A warm one rather than hot suits me better and for the lid "scrub" I don't really scrub, but make a good foam with Lid Care and just gently using a circular movement wipe them from inner to outer eye several times, then rinse with warm water.
The redness for me depends on the stress, sleep, and lots of other factors, but I hope this helps with keeping your compresses hot/warm for as long as you need. Good luck
Caz.

[Rebecca Petris]

Hi there and welcome. Sorry to hear about your struggle.

.I see so many things being used or done here so don't know where to start...

The best place to start (though admittedly a lot of us find solutions before this step) is with a good diagnosis. And I don't mean the "You've got dry eyes" kind of diagnosis (which is more or less the equivalent of a cardiologist telling you you have heart trouble). Have a look at this article for some tips about questions to ask your doctor.

Well what I would like to know is how to do hot compresses that will last for 5-10 min. Also why and how is scrubbing your eye lid helping?

SCRUBBING is not helpful and may even cause more inflammation. But what's commonly called 'lid scrubs' is just a method (or product) for gently cleansing your eyelid margins really well. This is usually suggested for people who have blepharitis, to keep the meibomian gland orifices which are right by the bases of your eyelashes free from debris. Gentle massage of this area after a warm compress helps push out clogged oil - but no point doing that unless the oil IS clogged, which takes us back to the diagnosis question.

How do I get rid of the constant redness??

Entirely dependent on what is causing it. One thing's guaranteed, get-the-red-out drops will make it worse and can even make it stay for good. For short term I'd look at cold compresses and maybe saline rinse, but get with your doctor (or find a new one) and try to pin down more of what's going on. Is it MGD? Allergy? aqueous deficient dryness? all of the above, none of the above? etc.