dry eyes

tawny

Hi,
I have just joined this group and was wondering if anyone has any tips about dealing with severe dry eyes, I have just been diagnosed with rheumatoid and osteo arthritis and have had treatment for my eyes for the past 5 years, they have just realised its because of the arthritis, so I use drops every 2 hours and gel at night but it doesn't seem to help much,sorry to waffle ,I have so many questions, thanks for reading xx Tawny

elnafinn

Hi Tawny

This topic appears quite regularly. If you do a search on the forum for Dry Eyes or Sjogren's syndrome you will find past information from forum members on the subject.

I am sure you will get some replies here too.

Elna x

border

I use tear substitutes and when I go out wear glasses both ordinary glass and sunglasses. It least they stop some of the aggrevation of wind sun and dust etc. I have to put these drops in four times a day but generally when I feel the need. ie feeling 'dry'.

frogmorton

Hi Tawny

good to meet you

I have dry eyes at times too and have used artificial tears over the years. I have had red eyes in the past as well which was very painful called something like uvitis...can't remember but happened several times.

I am going to peek at your thread because the last couple of days l have felt like there is something in my eye

Love

Toni xx

suzygirl

Hi, I have dry eyes as well. Lacrilube was recommended to me, it is to be put in at night, as it is sticky, but works well.

If the pain is that bad, ask to see an opthamologist as they can put plugs in your ducts to keep the eyes moist. I find wearing glasses helps stop them drying out as much on the laptop and when out etc.

Hope you find some relief soon.

barbara12

Hi Tawny
Sorry I dont have any advice, but I just want say welcome to the forum, we all try to support one another, and the info you get is much better than you GP can give......well mine anyway
Good luck with the answers
Barbara x

tillytop

Hello Tawny

I too have dry eyes as part of Sjogrens syndrome, secondary to RA so I do know what it's like. I'm having the same problem at the moment with the drops (Optive) and eye cream (Lacrilube) not really doing the trick.I was interested to read what Suzygirl said about plugging the tear-ducts.

Just wondered if you have been seen by an eye consultant or whether your GP has been treating you? It does sound as if perhaps an appt with an eye consultant might be a good idea to see if there is anything he can suggest.

Sorry can't come up with any other suggestions.

Thinking of you.

Love Tilly xxx

tweedie

Hiya Tawny,
Welcome too, I also have the same problem as you , and use eye drops and the ointment at night , I also have to see the eye specialist every year , so far as I know there is no real answer for this problem , just try to keep your eyes as moist as you can , I also find bright lights or sunshine a problem , knowing that you are not alone suffering this problem really does give a little comfort I know , my eye specialist diagnosed Sjorgrens for me ,so then I could at least read up on it .
Do you also have a very dry mouth and skin ? these also are often part of Sjorgrens.
You will find that you are never alone now that you have joined these forums , we will be with you through all your downs and we will really enjoys your ups
Love
Joanna
xx

hileena111

Welcome to the forum. Like a lot of others I have problems with my eyes.
The optician {laser trained} said it was dry eyes because of the arthritis but the GP said it was blepbharitis {chronic} and i was referred to an eye hospital.
The GP advised a hot flannel {as hot as you can stand it} held over your eyes, keep warming it in water for a bout 3 to 4 mins,,,,,then with your finger or cotton wool bud massage your eyelids along the edge, working from the nose outwards and that will disperse any blockage.

Love
Hileena