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Sjogrens Topics => Living With Sjogren's => Topic started by: BonusMom on April 22, 2009, 12:51:49 PM

Title: Eyes Are Hunks of Burning Love!
Post by: BonusMom on April 22, 2009, 12:51:49 PM
Hi Guys and Gals-

I've not posted much recently as I've been busy with work, preparing my tax returns and mundane household duties.

Since Monday, I've been on the computer non-stop.  For the first time, I have experienced an incredible amount of pain, burning and dryness in my eyes from computer usage.  I can't believe how badly they've been affected, even with consciously blinking and using eye drops.  Normally, I'm on the computer in intervals, but this was a special project and doing a lot of data entry.  My eyes have been in agony and I can't watch TV or read in the evenings.......definitely a reality check since my eyes are not the most bothersome of my SjS symptoms  :(  I'm using Systane, but it's not helping in the least.  What might be a better option for my eyes?

My mouth has been burning, even though I'm drinking more liquids than ever.  I've not yet made it in to the dentist, even though my bridge came out nearly 3 weeks ago.  I can honestly say it's not because I hate going, just been too busy and because the bridge is for missing back teeth, it's not a cosmetic nightmare  ;D

Thanks for your insight.

Title: Re: Eyes Are Hunks of Burning Love!
Post by: Linda196 on April 22, 2009, 01:18:36 PM
You might find that warm compresses or cold packs soothe your eyes, depending on which feels better. If at all possible you should try to take a "visionbreak" for 5 minutes of so out of every hour, and either close your eyes, or look off into the distance to give them a rest.

You are already aware of the most important thing...BLINK!!! It's so easy to forget to blink when we focus on a screen (TV, computer, whatever) and our eyes do not like that!
Title: Re: Eyes Are Hunks of Burning Love!
Post by: Dolly Dimples on April 22, 2009, 02:44:46 PM
   Hi,   I tried Systane but thought it useless, I do have lots of  problems due to eye dryness and I find the Viscose Tears Gel about the best I have tried.  It's
preservative free, which you must use if your putting drops in more that 3 x day..
                      Hope you get relief soon... In sympathy  Dolly x
Title: Re: Eyes Are Hunks of Burning Love!
Post by: cinmac on April 22, 2009, 03:20:26 PM
Hi there,
I have never tried Systane so can't comment on that.  I have terrible problems with computer and tv, reading etc.  I have been using Genteal gel and Thera tears, plus hot packs and eyelash rubs twice or sometimes 3 times a day.  It seems to be working, although when it gets really late at night not as well.

The Genteal Gel is hard to find sometimes so I just ordered a bunch of it online.  Sometimes I have to put in one drop of liquid drops to give the gel enough moisture to smooth out.  Plus I am plugged on all 4 ducts, which has saved my life!

Hope this helps,

cinmac
Title: Re: Eyes Are Hunks of Burning Love!
Post by: Cheryl on April 22, 2009, 03:28:10 PM
BonusMom,
   If you are home when the dryness/burning occurs, try taking a hot bath or shower.   The steam really relieves my eyes.   Follow it with your drops (I use Systane Ultra.)  If necessary, go into  a dark room and close your eyes for a while.    I find that I can often return to reading or the computer afterwards.   Good luck!
Cheryl