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Very dry eyes. Did you see a specialist?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Cheetah
Cheetah

I've had dry eyes for years and used Carbomer eye drops when necessary.  However, over the past 4 months my eyes have got progressively worse and are now sore, itchy, inflamed and extremely uncomfortable.  I saw my optician, who did a dry eye test and showed that they were extremely dry - 3 seconds on the Tear Break-up Time test.   I am using Lacro-Lube at night and am on my second trial of daytime drops.  So far, Systane and Carmellose haven't made a great deal of difference.

I'm seeing my GP next week and am wondering whether to now ask to see a specialist.  How have others coped with this problem?  Did you see a specialist?  Was it helpful?

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • lee12629
    lee12629 Cheetah

    Posted

    Go to an optomotrist or opthmologist. Opticians are mostly for getting glasses. Ask them to check for mgd/blepharitis
    • Cheetah
      Cheetah lee12629

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply Lee.  I'm afraid I wasn't very clear, but I did go to an optometrist, who is very good and does hospital work in this area.  I was told I had very dry eyes with mild blepharitis.  She didn't mention mgd.  However, it's the dry eyes which are bothering me most.

    • lee12629
      lee12629 Cheetah

      Posted

      Go again and ask specifically for her to check for mgd,alot of them dont. Took me 3 times. With Bleph and mgd the most important part is cleaning the eyes and opening clogged glands. The drops didnt help me. All the info for this is on the web .Xx
  • hol1983
    hol1983 Cheetah

    Posted

    I get like this. I find a cold flannel very effective. I also found when I used drops all the time my eyes got used to them, so now only use them when I really need them.

    Have you tried hydrosan drops? There the best!

    • sylvia_02331
      sylvia_02331 hol1983

      Posted

      Can you buy hydrogen drops off prescription?. Also i was told to bathe eyes in WARM water ?.
    • hol1983
      hol1983 sylvia_02331

      Posted

      Yes, I have the red ones. Specsavers sell them they are quite expensive.

      I find warm water makes mine worse. That's better for blepharitis which my daughter has. The cold reduces inflammation, so I find this very effective.

    • sylvia_02331
      sylvia_02331 hol1983

      Posted

      They tell me i have sign of cattaracts but not bad enough to remove so giving me dry eye drops . But don't help my cloudy vision. Don't know if to use cold water or warm now.

    • hol1983
      hol1983 sylvia_02331

      Posted

      Well neither will hurt you, so why don't you try one on each eye and see which one feels the most relieved!

  • sylvia_02331
    sylvia_02331 Cheetah

    Posted

    Yes tell your doctor you want to be referred to hospital specialist.
    • sylvia_02331
      sylvia_02331

      Posted

      Sorry message went before finish. I was refered and they do a more thorough test. Could be something causing the dry eyes.
    • Cheetah
      Cheetah sylvia_02331

      Posted

      Thank you Sylvia.  Actually, a few weeks ago I was diagnosed with Lichen Planus.  I've done my research and it can also affect the eyes, so I think it's a possibility.  I'm definitely going to ask to be referred.  Both eyes are affected, but my left eye is particularly inflamed today.  The eye drops, and the ointment I use at night, don't seem to be making any difference.

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