Dry, itchy eyes

[salshep]

Has anyone had problems with incredibly itchy eyes? They're especially itchy in the inner corners and are constantly watering despite feeling dry, I look like I'm crying :-I'm

I'm using Optrex Intensive drops but find I'm having to use them every 15-30 minutes and it's still not providing much relief.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[MaisieGray]

I can't help on the cause of your eye problems (have you looked in to the symptoms of Sjögren's at all?) but would definitely recommend the Hycosan range of eye drops over Optrex, which I've been using for years. I think there are 5 different drop types in the range, according to symptoms, plus a night time ointment. When I was last at the opticians he said "Oh yes, Hycosan, they're the best" which is probably an exaggeration, but I've found them to be very good.

[MaisieGray in reply to MaisieGray]

I should add that a practical advantage of Hycosan is that the container mechanism allows for an effortless controlled dose every time, rather than trying to squeeze the container whilst keeping it suspended over your eye, like other "squeeze the bottle" brands.

[salshep in reply to MaisieGray]

Thanks MaisieGray, I'll have a look at Guidance

[shambles]

I see you have Graves' disease but not sure what medication you are taking now. Have you seen your recent blood results? Are you well medicated?

Having dry eyes is not unusual for thyroid sufferer's but with Graves' you should really have your eyes checked, especially if they are giving you some trouble.

If you have a regular optician, then use them and tell them you have Graves', if not, you could see your doctor and ask for a referral to an eye specialist.

You will find Optrex of little use, you might consider something like Hylo- Forte which you can have prescribed.

[salshep in reply to shambles]

Hi Shambles

I was initially diagnosed with Graves when I was very under active. Two rounds of block and replace swung things the other way. I think I'm now Hashi's as I tested positive for antibodies but I'm not entirely sure that's right??

Anyway, my meds are pretty good now (thanks to this brilliant forum) and I've been feeling OK. I've suffered on and off with sore eyes for a few years but it seems particularly bad at the moment. I wonder if the change in the weather and having heating on may be irritating.

If it doesn't improve in a few days, I'll get it checked out.

[shambles in reply to salshep]

Certainly could be change of weather or indoor heating causing the problem.

I think it's fairly normal for recovering Graves' to also have Hashimoto's antibodies, I know I did.

Just keep an eye on your eyes, they can be bothersome with Graves', better to be over than under cautious, says the gal with lots of eye problems!

[salshep in reply to shambles]

I'm due a check with my optician so I'll certainly mention it

[Shaun_m]

I have found that taking fish oil every morning in combination with wearing a sleep mask every night has helped me tremendously. They no longer have that gritty itchy feeling. They are a lot less dry too.

[salshep in reply to Shaun_m]

Ah, interesting, I've got fish oil capsules so I'll definitely give them a try

[Marymary7 in reply to salshep]

I read Evening Primrose capsules help dry eyes too.

[Simplyred57]

Hi I’ve had problems too I bought a mask from vision express that you put in the microwave, use it for 10 mins a day it’s really soothing, also bought some viscotears liquid gel that I put in before I go to sleep, seems to have made a massive difference.

[salshep in reply to Simplyred57]

Thank you, I'm with vision express so I'll have a look when I'm in there

[Aurealis]

Do you feel well? Just wonder if you are starting to get symptoms of undertreatment and this is the first to appear? It sounds like dry eyes with water running off in rivers instead of covering the surface of the eye. I’ve found the Optrex spray much more useful than the drops, you spray onto closed eyes.

[salshep]

I am probably due a blood test Aurealis, I don't feel under medicated but, as you say, it could be the start. I think a visit to the GP might be on the cards.

[foxglove]

I agree with MaisieGray about Hycosan - definitely worth a try!

[momindenver]

Yes, it would be good to check your thyroid tests again. For years I had very watery eyes, and itching of eyelid skin. This has greatly improved now that I'm on an adequate dose of T3. Best wishes!

[pennyannie]

Hey there, whatever drops, ointments, or treatments you choose please just make sure that they are preservative free.

I know this is just basic information but it didn't seem to be known by my doctor, nor a hospital ophthalmologist.

Through frustration I found out for myself, and through further frustration I am now self medicating, thanks to the advice and support on this website.

I am with Graves, hypothyroidism and TED following RAI treatment in 2005.

I am seen as a conundrum - my doctors own words to me - funny thing is, I'm feeling a lot better " staying alive - staying away " !!!!!!

xx