I think I have accepted that I need eye drops, I have been struggling with dry eyes for a few years now, but I was desperate to try and treat the cause rather than use drops. However even though intermittently they improve, they always return. I’m not sure if it’s related to my thyroid issues or menopause.
I know I’ve seen mention of them here, and I wondered if anyone could recommend some?
Many thanks
Hey there Spangle :
Most times I think it's related to thyroid issues :
There are many OTC products from light sprays to heavy gunky grease for overnight use as your vision isn't very clear after using these - though think I remember my dreams clearly !!
Just make sure which ever you choose, that they are all Preservative Free - even those you might get prescribed and you may find over time you will need to switch products as your eyes adjust accordingly.
Thank you so much, I’ll make sure I get preservative free.
My optthalmologist advised Hylo-Forte drops for eye lubrication.I have Blepharitis/ dry eyes
Available on prescription but I buy mine OTC to void hassle
This works for me alongside a warm eye mask.
My already poor vision was being affected.
I'm convinced it's thyroid related but I seem to have a lot of add-on health issues that are connected to low cellular T3!!!!
Good luck
Thank you so much. I was told I had blepharitis too and use a compress but it doesn’t work all the time. So I really appreciate you replying.
I use an Optase moist heat mask, also recommended by my opthalmologist which also helpsAvailable on the well known A***** site!!
I don’t have a microwave sadly, it looks like that’s how it’s heated.
I found this one on Amazon that doesn;t eve require a microwave. Not too much money either.
amazon.co.uk/Eye-Doctor-Cli...
I was also recommended tea tree oil eyelid wipes. They are quite soothing.
Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you. I’ll take a look.
I too was diagnosed with Blepharitis by an eye consultant my doctor referred me to :
He went on to tell me how I should wash and clean my eyes and lay down with a damp warm flannel over my eyes and gently massage around the lash base through the flannel.
This worked BUT he and my doctor continued to prescribe eye drops and gunk that were not preservative free despite my saying what I had read :
I switched to Preservative Free myself and there is now, no build up of anything, to cause the blepharitis.
That’s good to know, thank you.
Can second the heat mask, they really help so much if it's flaring. Mine hasn't been a massive issue lately, seems to come and go.
Thank you.
I use HycoSan or Hyloforte as they are preservative free, easy to administer & very soothing.
I have had dry eyes for years and blamed it on having had laser eye surgery. This was until I was diagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroidism and was told it was more likely caused by having been subclinical for years before diagnosis. I use hylotears and this is prescribed by my doctor. It’s good stuff - I apply three times a day (and in the night if I get up for the loo and can’t open my eyes because they are so dry).
I have had the dry eye too didn’t realise it was thyroid related … but not surprised.. I use those little glove hand warmers over a damp flannel … they are also reusable by heating in a pan of water which resets them … good luck
I too get dry eyes these days and wasn’t sure if it was over treatment or under treatment as my TSH is always v suppressed but neither my T4 or T3 are over range. My mum has lots of eye issues and was recently prescribed a good lubricant hylo forte as per Dippy Dame above. It’s hard to push the plunger down but otherwise good.
Take care & good luck
I have dry eyes too, but I have an autoimmune illness called Sjögren’s syndrome which causes this along with dry mouth and other ailments. I was diagnosed with this before hypothyroidism.
Yes that crossed my mind but I don’t have other symptoms.
Good morning l have had eye drops prescribed by my GP for several years however when l ordered them this time the pharmacist told me they were no longer being offered free on the NHS. Just thought I’d put that out there for general information. Good luck with it. Yvonne
I use Hyabak eye drops which I get from Boots. My optician gave me another make but found the bottle too difficult to squeeze so he recommended these. I have used drops for years and originally prescribed by GP but had preservatives in and made condition worse. Did get some preservative free later on prescription but decided to buy my own as not expensive.
Thank you. I’ve ordered some preservative free so fingers crossed.
Hi Spangle
I have Thyroid Eye Disease and have Hylo Forte drops prescribed for daytime use and Hylo Night ointment which I apply just before lights out.
Both are very good for protecting my dry eyes (from scratches from foreign bodies) and relieving discomfort.
I hope you find something that makes your eyes feel better.
I don’t know if you’ve previously discussed natural options but both sea buckthorn oil and omega 3 have shown promising results for dry eye.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/236...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/205...
Sea buckthorn has been a game changer for me. I can really tell the difference if I don't take it. I believe it's an omega 7 oil. I use Pharma Nord capsules, they are expensive but I've found they seem more effective than alternative brands. I shop around and try to get them when there is a discount.
I use lubricating drops and I bought a cheap microwave so I could use the much recommended eye pad. Still I kept suffering with eye problems until the optician enlarged a picture of my eye and I could see all the sandy gritty stuff that was cloggy my tear ducts despite having just showered beforehand. He suggested Blephasol Duo to ensure my lash line was scrupulously clean last thing at night and first thing in the morning. Apparently, laying on my eyes as I slept with my head on the pillow, was causing my dry eyes to stick to my eye lids and when I opened them in the morning they would damage the eyeball. It entails one drop on one of the lint free pads provided and one wipe on each lash line. It lasts for ages and really does the trick.
Hi there I’ve just bought this Boots eye mist for dry &irritated eyes as have had dry eyes from hypothyroid and most recently Covid 🤦♀️ It’s nice as it has Chamomile extract in it 😁
No recommendations but worth noting that when you first use eye drops you may find it is sore - don't worry and keep using the drops and it will improve. This is the advice my optician gave me she said it is just that your eyes are so dry. Obviously if you eyes get red or gunky that's another matter entirely.
Thank you
It is related to thyroid disorders ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
I get dry eyes, I've started taking Moller's Norwegian Cod-liver Oil (lemon flavour) because I've heard CLO helps with dry eyes and dry skin as well as the other benefits of omega-3.
I too have dry eyes and was diagnosed as having blepharitis. I didn’t find the heated eye pad very helpful but I’ve been really careful with eye hygiene and I now use blephasol daily eyelid cleanser and Evolve HA eye drops, also blephagel is good, the optician told me to keep it in the fridge to cool down any irritation and swelling , I don’t really have that problem now but it was really soothing last year when I was having a real problem with it. Good luck though .
Hello Spangle 15
Both Thyroid and Menopause related. I had eye surgery last year for cataracts and over time the dryness has returned.
I was diagnosed with dry eyes when one eye in particular kept having weepy episodes - going outside I would have tears rolling down my cheek. It comes and goes. But I never have any dry or gritty feeling - just tears. I always wonder if it is dry eye or something else? Drops never seemed to help.
thanks, Spangle 15.
? Drop in T4 with starting T3
T4 and T3 levels dropping
Sore eyes and swollen eyelids
Dropping thyroxine by 12.5 
