I'm new but learning quickly about Sjogrens, like others have had and found solutions to many various awful symptoms over the years. Many of yours are better, since I was shooting the the dark.
This week am just astounded by the changes of the quality of my eyesight since beginning the Natrale tears. My diagnostic symptoms were many but the one I didn't even realize was my eyes were very dry. Thought it odd I needed to wear sunglasses even in rainstorms. Didn't like to drive on sunny days, couldn't at night. Had to sit in restaurants facing the darkest corner.
Couldn't sit comfortably outside, in a breeze or go in certain stores. Had to wear a beret or head band to read because I thought my hair was sticking to my eyes.
Can I damage eyes by using drops too often? Any other suggestions to make that gritty itching go away?
Meanwhile adjusting slowly mentally to the meaning of the diagnosis for the rest of me. Your site is invaluable.
Thanks
Hi Chico-
First, you ask:"can I damage my eyes by using drops too often?" If you're using drops without preservatives, probably not. If you are using drops with preservatives, maybe, but it would take a long time. There are a few things you can do about your eyes.
Have you been to the ophthalmologist? That's the first thing. See if you have any infections, blepharitis and things that need to be tended to. They all make dry eye worse. You might try doing warm compresses for 10 minutes twice a day. Use a warm washcloth and put more hot water on it if you need to so it stays warm. There are better ways, but this will get you started. When you're done, with a clean wet washcloth wipe along your lashline and get any debris hiding in the lashes.
If you're not using preservative-free drops you might want to try some. Not one kind fits all. At night, some people use Genteal Gel and it's good. You might need more than drops to get you through the night. Also, if your eyes continue to give you problems, you might ask your eye doc to see about giving you punctal plugs.. This helps hold your tears in the eye.
For a website with lots of dry eye info, you can try www.DryEyezone.org (http://www.dryeyezone.org). I have no interest in the board except as a member, as I am here. You may also want to try moisture chamber glasses or goggles to keep breezes away from your eyes. I've done all these things and more. Lucy
Hi Chico :)
When I went to an opthamologist they recommended the following eye care routine.
1. Insert drops (preservative free)
2. get a face cloth/flannel or 2 (one for each eye) and using water as hot as you can stand, wring them out and hold against closed eyes like compresses until they cool down. keep doing this for 5 minutes.
3. After the compresses massage the upper and lower lidlines, using a finger and working from the nose to the outer corner.
4. gently bathe eyes with diluted baby shampoo and then pat dry.
Re-insert drops when required.
Follow this routine in the morning and again at night.
I found this really helped - as well as taking omega3 fishoil capsules every day. It helped get rid of the gritty feeling. Oh - and the diluted baby shampoo doesn't hurt! I thought it might.
Take care - Scottie :)
Thanks. Am going to do every suggestion including an ophthalmologist appointment. Of course don't have baby shampoo on hand. Have been going to Rite Aid daily to get new things.
Odd I have dog tearless shampoo, even dog tear maker. Have taken hubby and Mother for 3 cataract surgeries this year. Dog twice to Vet for black tears.
Just with all else going on in my body didn't realize my own eyes were even an issue. Even with migraines and ever changing vision.
Sometimes overwhelmed. As in now.
Chico, Ask your eye doc about Restasis for treatment of your eyes. It may sting and burn at first but it is a good treatment for the inflammation of the eyes that causes us all the dryness. Of course, doc has to check you out for any other issues that may need attention. It helps to have prednisone eye drops for a week or so before you start the Restasis. This helps keep the burning to a minimum. Irish ;D