Hi-
I have posted before asking about Plugs Vs. Xiidra. I have been struggling with dry eyes for years---to the point of almost panic attacks when I realize that I will have this problem till the day I die.
I tried Restasis and it did not help. I just picked up my first box of Xiidra--and had a consult scheduled for plugs.
In the meantime I was sorting this out I started using Evening Primrose Oil 1300 mg 3x a day.
I have to say---this has helped me--to the point I sometimes forget about my eyes! They are still stuck closed in the morning---but during the day I am barely using drops. I also began using --Vision Alive twice a day and Dr. Christopher's eye wash occasionally but I feel it's the EPO that has helped the most. I am 54 years old and it also lessened the severity of my hot flashes.
I don't know how long this will last. I'm sure it's going to be a constant up and down struggle depending on hormones...weather ...etc.
But I just wanted to share with everyone that this seems to be helping...to the point I put off starting the Xiidra.
I have been using Xiidra for around 3-4 months now. I was having extreme bouts of blepharitis before Xiidra, but within days of starting it, I felt a big difference in my eyes. Now I can make it through a day, however, my eyes are still very dry. Just came back from the eye doctor this morning, and he said with what he is seeing, he is going to give puctual plugs a try. He told me they are coming out with some new type of plug that he needs to wait for, so it will probably be another 6 months before he is able to get them. I think my eyes were so bad before Xiidra, that even a little relief is a big thing for me. Its great the primrose oil is helping you, I am a advocate of more natural treatments when you can go that route. Good luck with things, I totally understand.