new to dry eyes/castor oil?

[Brit38]

Hi, I was recently dx with dry eyes and of course dr handed me samples. I tried the Refresh but seemed to irritate so am using Similsan Dry Eye drops. Currently putting very warm chamomile tea bags on my eyes for 10mins in the evening and at night. I have been researching and would like to know if using castor oil in the eyes has proven to be helpful to anyone? I am thinking of using that at night. TIA brit

[LindaDawn]

Hi Bri38
I have only tried an eye drop than contained caster oil as part of other incredients and that was called Optive Plus. This really stung and so I stopped using them. Sorry I can't be if more help.i am from UK.

[Hokucat]

Hi Brit. I never used castor oil, but like you, several eye drops also irritated my eyes, especially Refresh.

First, make sure you are using preservative-free artificial tears. These come in single-use vials vs. bottles. Preservatives like BAK can irritate your eyes and cause permanent damage in the long run.

Second, try artificial tears with different ingredients. For me and other people I've read about, the active ingredient CMC (carboxyl methylcellulose sodium) in most of the different versions of Refresh and Thera Tears bothers our eyes.

I found Tears Naturelle Free (aka Bion Tears or Genteal Tears) with the ingredients hypromellose and dextran more soothing. Everyone is different, so try drops with different ingredients until you've found the one best for you. Here is a list from this website identifying most brands of artificial tears and their active ingredients:

http://www.dryeyezone.com/encyclopedia/lubricants.html

Some people also find using preservative-free saline in addition to or instead of artificial tears helpful. Rebecca sells several in her Dry Eye Shop, which you can access from this forum.

Do you know the cause of your dry eyes...do you have MGD, blepharitis, vitamin deficiency, autoimmune disease, excessive computer use, etc.? Depending on the cause, there are a lot more specific treatments, should you need them. In this forum are many people who can help identify and explain what those are, so you are in the right place!

[PG]

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17962450

[LindaDawn]

Hi PG

Thank you so muc for the article. I certainly will not be using any other eye drops containing caster oil.

[Brit38]

thnx for the input esp info about castor oil =:0 I did order some Oasis samples and it seems to work (at least no irritation). I like the ingredients. Anyone tried this product?

[Hokucat]

I used Oasis Plus for awhile, it didn't irritate my eyes either. The Plus stays in eyes longer than the regular Oasis. Glad you found a drop that works for you.