Eye problems

[slang]

I was just wondering if anyone could help me. I have been going through a lot of marital problems this last month and I have been crying just about every day. My eyes are killing me! I have gel drops and restasis. I haven't been using the restasis because they make my eyes puffy in the mornings. I have lots and lots of tears from crying. But they are killing me. They almost look bruised. Anyone have any remedies to help my poor eyes? Do hot or cold compresses work? Thanks.

[gold55]

Hi Slang,
My eyes and eyelids react terribly to crying and allergies so.....I use warm washcloth compresses......I wear eye makeup and I wash my lids with baby shampoo every night which has helped with inflammation of the lids too.  I use regular artificial tears for the redness of my conjunctiva.....but the skin around my eyes can stay red for a couple days.  The warm washcloth helps with puffiness and soothes the aching eyes.  Jill

[Patze]

Hi Slang,

Oh your poor aching eyes! 

Warm compresses sure do feel good, and I try to use warm ones daily when I can.  Sometimes my eyes get swollen and very dry, then I use cool or cold compresses (also keep my OTC and Restasis in the fridge because they feel so good cold - sting a lot less when they get super dry).  I'll put a moist cloth into the freezer and wait an hour or two, and whew, it sure feels great (wish it would increase my tears, but I'll take it! )!

Are your OTC drops preservative free?  The ones that contain preservatives will aggravate them even more; learned that the hard way.

I hope that things settle down a bit for you, and that your eyes feel better soon!


Patze

[Meld256]

Slang,

I know what it feels like when the eyes are so sore! Sure doesn't help that you've had more stress in your life, either.

Patze's suggestions are great, so I won't repeat.  Just as a suggestion, I use an additional prescription drop, FreshKote, when my eyes are especially red and sore.  It really help a lot.

You may want to check with your opthamologist about helpful suggestions they have.
Take care,
Melinda

[grafxmkr]

My eyes are the bane of my existence.

If you wear makeup - STOP (at least for a little while)
Wash your eyes thoroughly with a gentle product like Aveeno oatmeal soap  or even OCuSOFT Eyelid Cleanser. Nice warm water.

I personally recommend Systane Ultra. Restasis killed me and I could not use it.

Finally sleep. Sleep heals not only your soul but your poor tender eyes. I know... my divorce will be final in a month

[Cheryl]

Slang,
You have received some good advice.  For long term relief, I suggest you hang in there with the Restasis. (I'm sorry it didn't work for you, Grafxmkr.)  Also, use your regular eye drops often.
In my opinion, drops are much more soothing than gel.  Like Grafxmkr, I recommend Systane Ultra.

I find that soaking in a hot bath (not a shower) soothes my eyes, too.  I guess it's the relaxation that helps them, or the steam.

Crying makes my eyes hurt, too.  Drops will help, especially if you can sneak in a nap, or at least close your eyes for a few minutes.

Hugs and good wishes,
Cheryl