Watering eyes

[Windflower]

I use Cosopt and Monopost eye drops both preservative free. I am still having trouble with my eyes watering - a problem especially when driving. A pharmacist suggested I might have ‘dry eyes’ and recommended drops. Made no difference. Any ideas anyone?

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello Windflower,

If you are suffering from dry eyes then dry eye drops are recommended. Dry eye drops or artificial tears can be used as often as needed. Using them 2-3 times a day may not be enough so you would need to increase the amount of times you put the drops in.

It could that the dry eye drops you are using may not suit your needs. There are so many to choose from. Drops that hydrate and lubricate are very good. Using a heated eye mask to help with dry eyes can also help. It stimulates the natural oils in the eye and helps to soothe them.

If your eyes are very dry and they constantly water it would be a good idea to discuss other options with your consultant regarding treatment.

[Windflower in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you, Trish, so much for your response. As my eyes water continually during the day it is hard to believe that I have dry eyes! They have been only slightly better since I was changed to preservative free pressure reducing drops. The eye drops suggested by the pharmacist are for both hydration and lubrication (and also the most expensive - smile). Maybe I have given up on them too soon. Think I expected instant miracles. Will also discuss with Consultant when I get to see him. He wanted to see me two monthly but it is now a year this month and no appointment possible in the foreseeable future. We are all affected by this COVID. Sigh...

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner in reply to Windflower]

I am glad you have been changed to preservative glaucoma drops as this will help and will be more gentle for you.

If you don't do so, it would be an idea to start taking Omega 3 capsules. Eating oily fish 2 to 3 times a week is also recommended as well as making sure you drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. We have a booklet on dry eye disease which you might find helpful. I have added the link below for you. You can either download the pdf or visit our website and place an order for the booklet which is free.

glaucoma.uk/product/dry-eye...

[Windflower in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Oh Trish, you really are special working on this Forum and looking after everyone. I was changed to preservative free drops at least a couple of years ago with some improvement in the ‘tears’ running down my face. I do take 2000mg Omega 3 capsules daily as I have a slightly arthritic knee. Used to take glucosamine but heard that was not advisable with glaucoma. Oily fish is a problem because I am carer for my husband and to relieve the pressure on me, we have WFF meals delivered. I choose the vegetarian options. I am going to try using those expensive eye drops again. That is if I can find them. 😁

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner in reply to Windflower]

You're more than welcome Windflower. If you are taking Omega 3 don't worry too much about the oily fish side of things. Definitely try the dry eye drops again as you should feel the benefits of using them. Use them as often as you need too. I hope you manage to find them!

[Windflower]

I have now tried using drops for dry eyes as suggested by a pharmacist. I have persevered for several days with no noticeable improvement. I am now wondering if part of the problem is due to hay fever. I do have allergies to pollen, house dust mites, etc. I am also sneezing a lot. I was wondering if it would be safe to try using eye drops containing sodium cromoglicate. I use preservative free Cosopt and Monopost for glaucoma. Anyone able to comment?

[Joanne324]

Hi Windflower, I was told by my doctor that I also have "dry eyes" mostly from allergies, and I have been using artificial tears for it, which help but the left eye is watering like crazy and it's been 7 months since the trabeculectomy on that one. My doctor says my eyes water too much because they are trying to compensate for the dry eye. It's crazy. I wish I knew the answer!

[Windflower]

Hi Joanne, thank you for your response. I feel comforted that I am not the only one with watering eyes. I have tried two kinds of drops for dry eyes, and they make no difference at all. As soon as I put them in, they are washed out immediately with the tears.

I had a eye check recently with the usual tests but did not see a doctor. I am supposed to have a face-to-face consultation with him/her in 4 months time. I expect it will be much longer than that in practice. The nurse saw me wiping my eyes twice during a test and told me off for using the same tissue. She gave me a clean one and said I must never use the same one twice! Just as well she doesn’t live with us.😂