Dry eye following Trabeculectomy: Hello I had... - Glaucoma UK

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Dry eye following Trabeculectomy

Mitziecat profile image
21 Replies

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.

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Mitziecat profile image
Mitziecat
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21 Replies
bakethat profile image
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 profile image
Mitziecat in reply tobakethat

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

Biosphere profile image
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 profile image
Mitziecat in reply toBiosphere

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 profile image
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 profile image
Mitziecat in reply toGlaucomaMe

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 profile image
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 profile image
Mitziecat in reply toAlfredV

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

muddledme profile image
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 profile image
Mitziecat in reply tomuddledme

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 profile image
muddledme in reply toMitziecat

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

Mitziecat profile image
Mitziecat in reply tomuddledme

Thank you. I will try the site.

Mitziecat profile image
Mitziecat in reply tomuddledme

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 profile image
Biosphere in reply tomuddledme

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

muddledme profile image
muddledme in reply toBiosphere

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 profile image
Biosphere in reply tomuddledme

Thanks

GirlWithTheBow profile image
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 profile image
Mitziecat in reply toGirlWithTheBow

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 profile image
GirlWithTheBow in reply toMitziecat

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

Mitziecat profile image
Mitziecat in reply toGirlWithTheBow

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

GirlWithTheBow profile image
GirlWithTheBow in reply toMitziecat

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

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