Gritty eyes again

[Callabag64]

I posted a few weeks to ask about this subject, since then have seen ophthalmologist who cleaned calcium deposits from under eyelids and recommended drops. Theoloz duo, which I have been using every 2-3 hours for the last 3 weeks, ophthalmologist gave me open appointment. I am finding I still have gritty eyes, and the drops don’t seem to be helping. Am calling for appointment, but comments appreciated.

[Ruby2002]

I had a problem with very dry eyes a few years ago. You can buy a heated eye mask which you warm in the microwave (I think I bought mine from Amazon), I found it incredibly helpful.

[Bethi]

Sounds silly I know, but,, bathe your eyes with hot, strong tea,,, three times a day, it really works.Beth

[Pawz4me]

I've found that washing my eyelids at least once a day (in the morning) and if possible twice a day (morning and night) helps as much as drops. I use a small amount of baby shampoo in warm water, but there are commercial eyelid cleansers and wipes that can be purchased.

[Hidden]

When I first suffered with dry eyes, I was told to bathe my eyes using a small amount of baby shampoo in warm water. After a few years, I was told that this was no longer recommended and to bathe them in a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in warm water instead which I did. The year before last, I was told that bicarb of soda was not recommended now and just to bathe them in warm water. However, I found that it was not effective enough and have gone back to using the bicarb of soda.

[Bethi]

Wonderful isn't it, I don't take a lot of notice when I am told so many different things,,, many years ago I had a blood clot in my leg, I was told to walk 3 miles a day.

Years later had it again, I was taken to hospital, and was told to lie absolutely still.

I went home. Something worked, I am now 92years old.

[HockeyNut]

I had the gritty eye problem really badly, saw an ophthalmologist and all that, but nothing really helped except when I started taking three tablespoons of ground flax every day. I was told that Omega fish oil pills are good too, but my stomach doesn't like those. The ground flax has made my gritty dry eyes much, much better. I use over the counter eye drops now sometimes, but that's all. You can put the ground flax in orange juice or something like that, and just drink it down before it turns too thick. Doesn't taste fantastic, but does the job for me.

[Scottishlad]

Often the problem is caused by a poor film of tears etc on surface of the eye. The ducts on edges of the eyelids often block up. If you find your eyes water on cold windy days this is likely to be the problem.

I have a routine for my eyes. I use Optive eye drops about 4 times a day. Morning and night I clean my eyelids with Blefasol using beauty buds (cotton buds with one end flattened). Twice a week I use a special heat pad on my eyes, this can done more frequently if required.

I used to use a baby shampoo solution, this is no longer recommended as it can disrupt the tear film.

[Callabag64]

Since last post, have had plugs put into tear ducts, which has helped a lot. Only thing is, been told they can come out quite easy, even if you sneeze! Don’t know exactly how it helps, but they are certainly more comfortable, not 100% , but better.

[Hidden]

My dad had this for years (15)given drops etc .went private said his ducts turned out and wouldn’t drain properly and his eyelids were too heavy pushed down on ducts making it worse. Had op 3 weeks ago . Marvellous no problems whatsoever

[Callabag64 in reply to Hidden]

Hi there, what op did he have? Have made an appointment to see gp as eyes still giving me problems, don’t know if plug has come out of right eye, but driving me crazy. Don’t want to have to use drops every 2 hours for the rest of my life!

[Hidden in reply to Callabag64]

I believe he had punctal occlusion also lifted one of his upper eye lids as this can push lids over the eye and restrict the glands that make tears. Hope this helps.

[Callabag64 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Callabag64]

Thanks for your comment