Thinking about this - would like some advise.

[Jahcpa]

Like many here, I am a severe dry eye sufferer. I have tried every treatment. I recently had my 4th IPL treatment. Even though my doctor see "some" improvement to my oil glands, I have had not relieve from symptoms. I can no longer drive or walk with my eyes open.

I have noticed that my eyes are significantly better in the morning than they are in the evening. They get worse as the day goes on. I have theorized that my corneas get some healing during the night while sleeping My idea only. I have wondered if it might make some sense to keep my eyes covered and closed for like several days. Has anyone ever tried this? Does it make sense. It, of course would be very difficult so I would kink of like to know if I am off the wall.

My doctor seems to be out of options if the IPL does not work.

[savino]

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[Jahcpa]

Has anyone ever tried this?

[savino]

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[alb1967]

I do not think it is nice to laugh at people's thoughts or suggestions. Everyone on this site is suffering and trying to find a way to easy our discomfort. Everyone has the right to ask or suggestion something without being laughed out (in my opinion).

[savino]

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[DryInDenver]

JahCPA,

You might want to read up on the people who have tried prokera. It is a lens that covers the eye with amniotic tissue for a week or so. I imagine in some ways this would be similar to keeping your eye shut for a week.

I find myself closing my eyes at times during the day trying to try and slow the worsening of my symptoms through out the day. A lot of times I'll close them as I walk on or off the elevator in my office because there is a draft that comes though the elevator doors from the elevator shaft. I just glance to make sure no one is coming in or out then start moving. Been doing this for a while. Only one head on collision so far. I think the guy must have been hidden from view while reading a screen above the elevator buttons before he exited because the elevator looked empty to me. I didn't know he was there until I bumped into him right between the doors.

[Arcluce]

I have kept my eyes closed for hours upon hours, but I still keep them both lubricated placing drops in here and there, but not as often as if I were to keep them open. Everytime I wake up in the morning my eyes hurt like hell and have to be pried open, at least that's what it feels like. I will say one thing that I have noticed is that when I do close my eyes throughout the day for long periods of time is that it does help the pain to some extent. If it helps you, by all means, I say go for it!

[Jahcpa]

Thank you everyone. I do so appreciate. I will definitely look into prokera, Denver. That is one I have not tried and I thought I've done everything. The only time my eyes feel good is when they are closed. When they are open they always hurt. That is my rationale. I cannot walk at all with my eyes open - even with moisture chamber glasses. Sometimes if I go outside I will wear swim goggles - but still not an answer.

I do understand that everybody with this condition is different and what works for someone, may not for someone else. Causes and reactions are different for everyone. I understand my idea is a little "out there", but I will probably give it a try after tax season.

[Arcluce]

Hey, your idea wasn't even close to being "Out there" and I definitely can't even see it as being even a little "Out there." It's helped me manage my pain and it gives me time to reflect/meditate. I just wanted to throw my 2 cents in once again. To be honest I even thought about leaving this country to try and become a monk. Who knows, that country could have something that is all natural to soothe my eyes. Natural herbs! That gives me an idea now and I have you to thank for that Jahcpa. To the search engine I go, lol. Who knows what I will find.

[Spoon]

Agree that this idea is completely logical but is unlikely to give any long term benefit. When the eyes are closed and are subject to fewer of the dry eye stresses inflammation goes down and healing occurs. It would make sense that the longer they are closed the more healing that happens (as long as the lids are not stuck to the eyeballs). Problem is if your dry eye is moderate/severe I don't think any improvement would last long, maybe you'd get a good day or two. It would be interesting.