Optimel - Australia's new dry eye treatment.

[IanJ]

It stings for a few seconds only, but quite bearable for me really. I can understand how some folks would not be able to tolerate it though.

My right eye is the worst by far, I can't even look at at computer screen (bright white images) for too long before pain sets in (right eye only).........so I have been trying different things on that eye in relation to the application of Optimel.

- Apply a blob direct to the inside of the bottom eyelid, around the mid position.
- Apply using a cotton bud along the lower eyelid margin.
- Apply a small blob to the far outside bottom corner of the eye under the lid (it's that bottom outside quadrant that gives me most pain with my MGD/dry eyes).

Early days yet to see whats best for me. However, I am enjoying the relatively instant relief Optimel gives and the length of time it appears to be active. Better than any liquid eyedrops anyways!

Ian.

[Fitch]

I love this stuff despite the initial stinging it works very well. Since my problems started 2.5 years ago post lasik i have put so many things in my eye for relief this stinging is nothing. To me restasis was much worse in terms of pain. Good relief after a minute or two of stinging. I am using it up to 3 times per day and it gives me about 2-3 hours relief after each application. Too bad it is so expensive. I bought from eyesat for $41us (20aud+20aud shipping) took 14 days to get to California. Anyone found a less expensive place to buy from? I tried to buy more than 1 bottle but they still wanted 20aud shipping per bottle (outrageous!) so there was no advantage to buying multiple. I have found that dcrdryeye's method of application works the best for me.

[Amanda]

Recently my left eye was above 20 during an occular pressure check up. So I'm off prednisolone drops and my eyes have been noticing it!!! I've had a tube of OptiMel sitting on my desk for awhile and haven't tried it until a few days ago. I used the technique in the above video and smeared it with a Q tip on both bottom and upper eyelids. It didn't sting much at all for me but produced copious amounts of tears (probably from 'some' stinging). But later, the relief from my dry eyes burning was almost gone and the comfort was unbelievable. I've never experienced such relief before with any other product.

Btw, I don't work for the company who makes OptiMel and have nothing to do with them. I will now only apply it to my lower lids for compliance issues and continue using daily. However, I'm having two puncta's partially cauterized soon and will have to cease using anything that stings upon application such as Cyclosporine drops and OptiMel until the raw skin heals. So I can't give long term results just yet.

I guess we all have different pain thresholds. I can tolerate OptiMel fine, I don't even flinch when an optometrist places a large Scleral in my eye (he's amazed at that).

Do you still use the OptiMel DCR??

[DCRdryeye]

Hi Amanda, yes I still use Optimel but I'm not very consistent with it. I certainly notice my eyes are worse when I'm not on it for awhile.

[woodart]

I see the company is selling on ebay directly. So it is more available now. With 55 plus years of dry eye I am going to give it a shot now that it has been out a while and can get it easily here in the US.

[Franklin1987]

Has anyone had success in using this daily with the sole intention to reduce eye inflammation?