Dry Eye

[Hassan378]

Hi, my right eye is very dry since six months, my doctor suggested me many drops but it couldn't recover. Anyone can help....?

[Hidden]

Hi, I don't know what drops you have tried but I find Hylotear are very good. They have a thicker consistency than other drops .

I use them throughout the day. My Dr gives me them on prescription.

I also try to avoid places that dry the eyes - air conditioning, out in the wind, having a fan blow in my face etc.

One thing I learnt was that if your eyes get watery it means they are dry ! So I use drops then.

Best of luck to you.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Hello Hassan378,

I am sorry to see that you are continuing to have problems with your eye. It would be advisable to see your GP.

I am copying our leaflet on Dry Eyes below.

Our helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Kind regards,

Macular Society Helpline

Dry Eyes

‘Dry eyes’ is not a macular condition and should not be confused with ‘dry’ macular degeneration.

If your eyes feel tired, sore or gritty, you may have ‘dry eyes’. This is a common problem for many people as they get older, for people who wear contact lenses and others who have other conditions such as diabetes.

The eyes may feel scratchy or gritty as if there is something in them. They may also be a little itchy and they may be red. They may feel as though they are burning.

Dry eyes occur when there are not enough tears to keep the front of your eyes lubricated (i.e. the cornea), or the tears that are produced do not spread evenly across the eyes. It is better to try the various treatments that are widely available in stages, starting with drops in bottles or gels. If your eyes are very dry, you will have to experiment to see which treatment helps you the most.

Some people develop dry eyes after an allergic attack or infective conjunctivitis. If you have had one of these conditions and were given drops, the drops themselves may temporarily cause dry eyes. This will get better but it may take several months. At the beginning of treatment for severely dry eyes, avoid drops containing preservatives because they can cause problems in people very dry eyes, and some people suffer allergic reactions to them.

Some medications are known to make your eyes dry or to feel dry. These include losec, zoton, frusemide, diuretics, anti-hypertensives, but these drugs do not harm your eyes in any way.

To make your eyes feel comfortable, you need to replenish the natural tear film that protects the surface of your eyes. There is no magic cure. Four types of products are available (listed below) and are generally considered harmless. They do not contain any drugs and merely ‘oil’ the surface of the eye. Your doctor can prescribe the products or they can be bought at pharmacies without a prescription.

You should always be very cautious about what product you put into your eyes.

Tear Drop Preparations in Bottles

These are simple salt solutions with added ingredients which help them spread across the eye. They make the eye more comfortable by lubricating the surface but the effect does not last very long. Different drops may well suit different eyes, so you may have to try different types.

They are not very effective overnight and your eyes may be uncomfortable when you wake up. If your eyes remain sore, try the more advanced formulations found in longer lasting preparations, below.

EYE Gel Preparations

Gel preparations last longer and usually do not cause misty vision. They can be used at bedtime as they last partly through the night. These products are available from your optician or pharmacist.

Eye Ointments

These are much thicker and greasier than eye drops and they stay in the eye much longer. Try using them last thing at night as during the day they may cause misty vision.

Tear Drop Preparations without Preservatives

These are particularly useful for people with very dry eyes or for people with allergies. Because they have no preservatives they can be used more often without damaging your eyes.

Note – most eye drops and ointments should be used within four weeks of being opened and then disposed of.

If at some later date your symptoms recur, do not be tempted to use any of the old drops left in the cupboard from the last time. Buy a new supply!

The Environment and Dry Eyes

Your eyes may feel sore in the wind or in a dry hot atmosphere. Anything that reduces blinking – wearing contact lenses, sewing, watching TV or concentrating on a computer screen – may make dry eyes more uncomfortable. Consciously remember to blink every few minutes.

Watch out for Blepharitis

If your lashes have become slightly crusty and your eyelids are sticking when you want to blink or when you wake up, this may be due to Blepharitis. Dry eyes and Blepharitis can often go together.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the edge of the eyelids and may be associated with some skin conditions such as eczema. The glands of the eyelids become blocked and then inflamed. These tiny glands normally make chemicals that help the tears to spread evenly across the eye. When the glands are blocked they don not produce these chemicals and so the tears do not spread evenly – this makes the eyes sore.

Your GP, optometrist or ophthalmologist can advise if you have Blepharitis. Usually it is not a serious condition and various treatments will help.

A clean cloth or a cotton wool ball soaked in not-too-hot water and applied to each eye for about 10 minutes may help.

Another suggestion is to dilute a small amount of baby shampoo in cool boiled water. Dip a cotton bud or cotton wool ball into the diluted shampoo and then gently but firmly rub it along the edges of the upper and lower eyelids and between the eyelashes. Using a clean bud or ball, do the same with the other eye. Try this twice a day to start with and then, as the condition improves, it can be done less often.

If things don’t improve seek medical advice.

With Blepharitis it is advisable to use only your own facecloth and towel and avoid using makeup.

Ulceration of the cornea

In severe cases of untreated dry eye syndrome or cases that do not respond well to treatment, the associated inflammation (redness and swelling) can damage the surface of the cornea (the transparent layer at the front of the eye). This is called keratitis.

Sometimes the cornea can become vulnerable to ulceration and infection, which is a sight-threatening condition. This is frequently associated with pain. It is essential you go to an accident and emergency department if you notice reduction in your vision.

[Hassan378 in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

My right eye is only dry left eye is good and I'm 24 years old. I'm facing this problem since 1st of July. 13th of July my Dr advised me these drops (N-Cron, FML, Hylo etc.

[squinty]

That looks so sore ! Have u ever thought of a private consultation with an occuplastic surgeon who is experienced in this field who can give u more time ? I've got dry eyes and not pleased with of the drops. But i do have macular degeneration wet in one eye and dry in other. Good luck you must get sorted xx

[squinty in reply to squinty]

I've just seen the very good advice above u must do that first. I also have blepheritus which doesn't help

[David_Wales]

If you say what drops you have tried, others here can say what else has worked for them. Best wishes, David