Dry, itchy eyes

[Cornwa11]

My eyes have been driving me crazy. They are so dry, which makes them sting so I rub them and makes it worse. Does anyone else have this and what do you use.

Thanks

[sunnyweek]

Hello I use Celluvisc eye drops, they contain cellulose. The hospital gave them to me as I've had episcleritis and euvitis most probably due to RA, certainly the episcleritis anyway.

They are single use small phials, about 25 in a box, cant think exactly how many at the moment, it getting late! I find them very good non stinging, available over the counter. I also used Wilkos own when i ran out on holiday, they are alright as well. Hope this info helps.

[happytulip in reply to sunnyweek]

I agree. Celluvisc is brilliant as it actually forms a barrier over the eyeball to keep it hydrated and protected. I use celluvisc 0.5%, it is a little watery but the higher viscose 1% is very gloopy and sticky and leaves what I used to call eye bogies! (Sorry).

You can get it in prescription. Some GPs protest but they can prescribe it. Its on their list!

Other cheaper brands tend to wet the eye but then they actually make the eye dry out more so you need a good quality barrier like celluvisc if you want long acting relief.

[Gnarli in reply to happytulip]

Eye bogies! Hahahahaha

[happytulip in reply to Gnarli]

I would recommend getting a Schirmers test done. It tests the dryness of the eyes. Its good to get a baseline reading. Mine was zero. Are you on hydroxychlorquine?

[Soreknees2016]

It would probably be worth your while seeing an ophthalmologist to try and find out what’s causing the dryness and make sure there’s no infection present. In the meantime, I have found it’s a case of trial and error to find over the counter eye drops to suit, eg my ophthalmologist recommends Systane Ultra, but I find them just a bit too thick and sticky while my current favourite is good old Boots own brand Dry Eyes drops. Hope you find something that helps.

[rabbits65 in reply to Soreknees2016]

Yes my mother uses dry eye drops too

[Dodo1943]

I used cold water on a folded sheet of kitchen roll to cool closed eyes and take the sting away until seen by a Registrar at Rheumatology who performed the Schirmer’s test and prescribed preservative free Hypromellose 0.3% PH eye drops. I wouldn’t advise anyone to treat their eyes without first seeking expert medical advice either from an Optician or Ophthalmologist. Sight is too precious to be put at risk.

[helixhelix]

Eye problems and RA go hand in hand sadly. As well as the more vicious things like uvitis, mamy of us get mild sjorgen's along with RA. As Dodo said worth getting this checked out by an opthalmologist (I'm not sure if opticians can do the test?).

I have eye drops prescribed. Also use eyelid wipes from my local optician which are very soothing as I have blepheritis too, which also causes itchy eyes.

Here's an article from NRAS about eyes

nras.org.uk/eye-health-and-ra

[Cornwa11 in reply to helixhelix]

Thankyou

[Titchyj]

Hi there, I have dry eye syndrome too, I have been prescribe a few different drops from opthalmologist, but I am now using Hylo forte and over the counter visco tears along with Lacrilube at night. Still suffer daily, but better than not having anything. I would make an appointment with ophthalmology ASAP. You can also use a warm/cold wet flannel which ever you find the best and lie back and relax for a while. Hope this helps.

Jan

[Jillyanne]

I have sjorgens syndrome, associated with RA, dry eyes and mouth .

I would certainly seek advice

[Chester02 in reply to Jillyanne]

Me too but my Sjögrens is so bad that a few yrs ago my right cornea was so dry it punctured and it needed gluing straight away in hospital. Because of scar tissue to mend it I cannot see properly in that eye and it is damaged forever! Please if you have symptoms of dry eye see your GP ASAP and ask to be referred to the Opthalmologist. I now have awful problems and have to see mine every 6 weeks. I was going 3 times per week that’s how bad it was. Last time he mentioned about a cornea transplant which scares the hell out of me but it’s a last resort and something I obviously don’t want unless sight gets worse!

[Jillyanne in reply to Chester02]

Wow, that’s awful for you 😲😲💖

[Fruitandnutcase]

Yes, I have very dry eyes. I would go and see your optician, preferably a good local optometrist who comes recommended. Don’t bother with your GP, you will most likely be given hypermellose or worse still antibiotic eye drops.

You want preservative free eye drops and you need to put them in loads of times throughout the day and it’s important not to stop using them whenyour eyesfeel ‘better’ (like I tend to do!)

The blepharitis eye wipes aregood, you can buy an eye bag that you heat in a microwave and lie down with that over your eyes or you can squeeze a facecloth out under the (not too hot) hot tap and put that over your eyes. Lots of good eye drops have been mentioned - your optician will tell you which are preservative free, I don’t think you can get them from years ur GP unless they have been prescribed by a consultant. HycoSan, HiloForte, Theolose / Theolose Duo are all preservative free.

Good luck, get your eyes checked over by an optician to make sure there’s nothing nasty going on then once you get going on preservative free eye drops you should feel a lot better.

[Pulfs]

I also suffer dry eyes and Dr prescribed viscus eye gel and optician recommended an eye mask which I heat in microwave which soothe the eyes. I would book an eye test at optician they best to see what may be the problem and advise treatment .

[Cornwa11 in reply to Pulfs]

Thankyou for all the replies. I’ve booked an appointment with my optician. Will make a note of all the suggestions

[Pulfs]

I think that's the best as they do detail exams of eyes .Just a thought are you on hydrochloquine which can affect eyes?

[hawker955]

Not me, but I suspect many have. Ever heard the term Rheumy eyes?

[juliea793]

Hello...I have dry eyes and just use Hypomellose drops at night. when I used some cream based treatment in the past, my eyes were more of a problem. They seemed to attract more dust hence for infections..If my eyes itch I just use a little salt in boiled water and in a couple days it usually clears, good luck .

[Hidden]

I have had a dry eye issue as well. My eye doctor put tear duct plugs in for me & it has really helped keep the moisture in my eyes! Maybe it would help you?

[erksomewarrior]

Hycosan available at boots or local Optition’s use the red or green till they settle then use blue regularly every day.

[Chrissycl]

I also use celluvisc drops through the day and vit-apos ointment at night when realy dry

[Shalf]

My doctor said I certainly have Sjogren's. He has suggested 500mg 4 a day Evening Primrose Oil for 3 months. He swears this will sort out dry eyes and mouth.

Hope this helps.