Dry eyes

[Groda]

Hi helpful warriors

I am on 35 mg of pred for next 2 weeks, then tapering to 30. Does pred cause dry eyes? ( did have cataract removal surgery in June of 2023.)

Since diagnosis of GCA in late July 2023 I have had very dry eyes. I am on Thealoz Duo drops

(3% Trehalose, 0.15 Sodium Hyaluronate). Use this several times a day. But--eyes feel dry all the time.

Have been back to my opthalmogogist for a total check up on the condition of my eyes. She says all is fine and that I have severe dry eyes, hence the drops.

Any advise or information would be helpful.

[Fimckenz]

Hi, I used Hycosan extra, which is 0.2% and found it helped my very dry eyes ( and cheaper than the opticians equivalent). Have since changed to Hycosan 0.1% as eyes improved. I have had both cataracts done, first one in my early 50s, second one a year into pred.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Common issue -and although it wasn’t too much of an issue in Pred - my eyes are quite “gritty” nowadays. I usually use Theoloz Duo -but did try a different one recently-not so good so back to TD.

At my recent eye test optometrist did suggest using eye pads that can be warmed in microwave and then massaging closed eyes before using wipes. Then apply drops -initially morning and night - and then just once a day. And use drops generously - his words

Don’t go for cheap eye bags- again his words -I’ve just got this brand (online from A**z*n) -and they are making a difference already -but he also said can take a while.

Certainly worth a try

Blepha

[Bcol in reply to DorsetLady]

I got prescribed Blink Intensive Soothing Eye Drops by my opticians.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Both autoimmune conditions and pred can cause dry eyes - and your ophthalmologist recognises that. It could also be blocked glands and DL's suggest of heated eyepads may help that. Even a washcloth wrung out after being in hot water may be helpful until you get proper pads. Be careful it isn't too hot though.

[Daffodilia]

Optician said PMR causes dry eyes - said could use Theoluz Duo as much as like as nopreservative

[Smithie49]

Hi Groda. I've had dry eyes for many years now - possibly a part of sjorgrens syndrome - and have been prescribed Carbomer gel for use mainly at night. Recently that has been unavailable but I've found a very reasonably priced, cucumber cream from Boots that I put on my eyelids and it has really helped.

[Bcol in reply to Smithie49]

You can get Carbomer gel from the the big A at pretty reasonable prices.

[Smithie49 in reply to Bcol]

Many thanks. GP had it again this month but I'll remember that in future

[Gimme]

Have you tried the heated masks? I found after a while that I get sufficient relief with this alone, but you do have to persist initially. I bathe the eyelids on waking, which seems to get rid of a lot of the discomfort, as mine are most troublesome first thing.

[Suet3942]

I suffer from dry eyes and find that Flaxseed capsules from H and B help enormously. They take about 2 weeks before you notice a difference.

[Body_bonkers]

Afraid I've tried loads of drops (including Thealoz Duo) and most have been pretty useless - best one so far contained Carbomer. I've brought an electric heat mask to see if that makes a difference but using a warm flannel in the morning just opens the flood gates