Dry eye following Trabeculectomy

[Mitziecat]

Hello

I had a right trabeculectomy nearly 4 months ago & all was well until about a week ago. I have used regular lubricating drops as I have had the same surgery in my left eye that was complicated by uveitis. I have tried a variety of lubricating drops & eventually Theoloz gel was recommended & worked well, however, it has been out of stock. Can anyone recommend a good lubricant? I currently use Celluvisc & Theoloz duo. I have recently tried Hylo Forte intensive but none seem as effective as the gel based one. I am on a long term maintenance dose of steroid drops in my left eye & desperate to avoid this in my right eye. I have completed my steroid post-op steroid regime but suspect that the dryness may be due to some scarring. I have a follow up appointment on Monday but keen to find an effective eye lubricant. Thanks for any advice that can be given.

[bakethat]

Hi, I had a Preserflo op on my right eye 5 months ago and only started to get dry eye once I’d stopped all the post op drops. When I saw my consultant recently he gave me a couple of sample bottles of lubricating drops to try and see what worked best to put on prescription. Maybe your Dr can do the same. All the best to you.

[Mitziecat in reply to bakethat]

Thank you so much for your reply. I will ask at my appointment tomorrow.

[Biosphere]

The pharmacist tells me Brexit has had a big effect on what is abailable. They should be able to recommend another gel that is available and then you can ask the surgery to let you have some…this happened to me..I now use Xailin which works well. They recently couldnt get the Thealoz Duo drops, but they now can but in the meantime I haveTreha Duo drops which I prefer…smaller bottle and easier handling. I was also told to try a different pharmacist.

Good luck

[Mitziecat in reply to Biosphere]

Thank you for your reply. It is good to know what alternative drops there are out there. I also suspect that the dryness may be due to the scarring starting around the bleb area as I have recently finished the post-op steroid regime. I resumed one drop and it has eased the feeling of dryness. I have a follow-up on Monday and will update you with the result.

[GlaucomaMe]

When my eyes are bad I use Hylonight. It’s thicker than Theogel. I get it on prescription but I’m relatively certain that you can buy it for about five pounds. I only use it for short periods of time as it kinda clogs my eyes up. And it’s night time only and it’s difficult to see for a while after putting it in.

[Mitziecat in reply to GlaucomaMe]

Thank you for your reply. I have used hylonight in the past and also found that it clogged up my eyes. Hopefully another night time ointment can be advised at my appointment.

[AlfredV]

For a few years I was heavily dependent on lubricants for my one eye, but I've managed to improve my general health and now use them infrequently. However, through experimentation I found my best options were Clinitas Soothe Multi during the day, and Xailin Night ointment when I went to bed.

This may sound strange but I also used an eye mask, but rather than heating it up I would keep it in the freezer and use for just a few minutes at a time. This would often provide better relief than the lubricating drops and without any residue. I'm guessing it worked by taking down lid inflammation.

[Mitziecat in reply to AlfredV]

Thank you AlfredV. I will look into the night ointment that you use. I have an eye mask and will try that also .

[muddledme]

Hello Mitziecat,

Following Preserflo surgery I also have dry eyes and have eventually found Thealoz Duo Gel at night excellent. I have been told there are production problems but it was very easy to buy online a week or two ago, I think a month's supply is about £13 . I will keep asking the pharmacist for these drops, in fact they have given me a prescription so I can request it at any chemist, so far no luck.

If I can obtain it on the NHS I will post on here.

Perhaps you could ask someone at your follow up appointment soon.

There is a Glaucoma UK webinar about eye drops on the 7 th May and another about dry eyes in June. I will try and ask then. Also the Glaucoma UK Helpline is often very good. ph 01233 64 81 70. Some optometrist may have a lot of knowledge about dry eyes and treatment.

At least I usually find the warmer weather means more humidity so fewer problems. I assume you know about applying hot microwavable pads to your eyes then wiping them after about 10 minutes, very soothing.

Do hope you find something that helps.

Best wishes

[Mitziecat in reply to muddledme]

Thank you muddleme for your reply. I did notice that Thealoz Duo Gel was available on Amazon but wondered if it was ok as you hear different things about purchasing online. It is reassuring to know that you have had no issue with it. The pharmacy at my eye hospital also cannot obtain it.

Thank you for the webinar information and will put the dates in my diary. Warmer weather also definitely helps and turning the central heating off. Roll on Summer 🙂

[muddledme in reply to Mitziecat]

Yes , I agree worth being careful buying on line, my husband bought them from the Thealoz Duo site and they have been fine.

[Mitziecat in reply to muddledme]

Thank you. I will try the site.

[Mitziecat in reply to muddledme]

Thank you for recommending buying the Theoloz Gel from the Theoloz site. I ordered it and it arrived within 2 days. Hopefully it will be available on prescription again soon.

[Biosphere in reply to muddledme]

Can you tell us more about the microwaveable pads. Sounds a great idea. Something else to add to the armoury

[muddledme in reply to Biosphere]

The eye pad I use is very old but works well. It is similar to other microwave pads that are full of grain but the eye variety is the right size and takes a minute or two to heat up. I bought mine from an optician , but these days they are I believe available on line or perhaps from a chemist.

I use the pad every evening for about 10 minutes then wipe the eyes with a cotton pad to remove any secretions, apparently this helps to improve the function of the eyelash glands and I find it feels good. Sometimes these glands do not work so well and may exacerbate dry eye. It is also possible to use a clean flannel soaked in hot water , be careful with either till you know the correct comfortable temperature.

Good luck.

[Biosphere in reply to muddledme]

Thanks

[GirlWithTheBow]

my eyes have also been left dry after using lantanoprost and having a trabeculectomy. I was prescribed theoloz duo but since that’s out of stock hylo forte (not used yet as i still have a bottle of theoloz to go through) and xailen gel to use twice a day

[Mitziecat in reply to GirlWithTheBow]

I have used Hylo Forte intensive before but it was stopped when the Theoloz Duo Gel was prescribed. I have not been able to get Theoloz Gel for awhile but ordered it from their website as advised and it arrived within two days.

[GirlWithTheBow in reply to Mitziecat]

That’s good to know you’re able to get theoloz duo now

[Mitziecat in reply to GirlWithTheBow]

It is difficult to obtain it on prescription due to a supply issue. However, it can be purchased directly from their website.

[GirlWithTheBow in reply to Mitziecat]

Ah i see. However I already got my doctor at the hospital to change my prescription and have paid for a prepaid prescription so will just stick with what i’ve been prescribed unless hydro forte isn’t working for me