never ending dryness

[Deibow]

hello, I'm currently 19 years old (male), and I've had dry eyes for several years now, I did not think of it much at first, I just assumed that they were dehydrated due to excessive exposure to sunlight and television/computer. About 6 months ago I decided that this is not normal and quite frankly unbearable, because when I was working as a waiter it really affected by performance in a negative way because I couldn't keep normal eye contact with people most of the time, without squinting a lot and blinking which resulted in a not so pleasant, beyond my control, facial expression, this was irritating not only at work but also at school and of course going out with friends. When it was clearly seen that the way my eyes felt had a dramatic effect on how my day ussually went (good or bad) I decided to try to figure out what's wrong with them (finally..), my doctor said that I had inflammation and dryness, I took eye drops to reduce the inflammation and fake tears and they worked very nicely at first (not perfectly, but was feeling a lot better, wouldn't step a food outside without having eye drops on me). The fake tears aren't really doing it so much at the moment, the effect only lasts for about 5-15minutes tops, (currently using Optrex everyday hypromellose 0,3% eye drops for dry eyes & Optrex ActiMist 2in1 eye spray for tired and uncomfortable eyes). The less sleep I get the more sensitve they are, not only to sunlight but to wind aswell (maybe even more than to light), I am currently open to trying out new things to not only treat but also cure this never ending dry nightmare, all suggestions and replies are highly appreciated.

[nori2015]

Get yourself to an opthalmologist. Lots of things you can try, just don't sit on it. Get a proper diagnosis asap for better long term results.

[Ericska]

Hi Deibow,

Do you know what type of dry eyes you have?

[Deibow]

Hey Ericska, not really no. I've been to check out my eyes once for the dryness and their inability to suggest a proper long lasting cure made me think that they don't really know or don't really care what could be the bigger issue, if you think that'll help - I'll try a different ophthalmologist, and no I currently don't know what type of dry eyes I have, I've read about some possible diseases I may have (judging from the symptoms) but they don't really provide an unquestionable solid answer. Up until I do make an appointment to run some more tests what possible remedies do you suggest that I should give a shot?

[nori2015]

Personally I would get myself a high quality artificial tear until then. Get systane ultra vials and see how they work for you. Also try some warm compresses, once a day.

[Deibow]

thanks, I'll let you know how well they worked for me.

[meibomian]

What does your face look like? Not a beauty question but are they flushed around the cheeks and nose to suggest possible rosacea? Any joint, stomach, or skin rashes to suggest something other then "dry eyes" as the primary cause of your problem. Dry eyes or even MGD in a teenager is not common and suggests it's secondary to something else, not that you shouldn't treat the dry eye issues.