I've been on dry eye sites the past week, as allergies and stress have caused my dry eye to become intolerable. I never realized that dry eye could be so life changing and traumatic. Imagine getting dirt kicked in both of your eyes and not being able to get it out. Eye drops every half hour or so. A feeling of irritation that never goes away. Being unable to watch TV, use the computer or read because of the irritation. Knowing that your eyes will dry out overnight to the point where you have a hard time even prying them open in the morning.
I know I should go to the eye doctor, but I would much rather try natural, noninvasive remedies before going to punctal plugs and prescription eyedrops. So I found a site www.dryeyezone.com that is excellent. I realized that by using so many eyedrops I was actually drying my eyes out more - that the problem is with the lack if an oil layer on my eyes, causing the tears to dissipate too soon. Most people with dry eye have this problem and don't realize it. Putting warm compresses on the eyes and then cleaning the eyelids with a Q-tip helps loosen clogged oil glands in the eyes. I was doing hot water compresses, but that dried the eyes more. Then I learned you can put a cup of dry rice in a knee-high stocking, tie it off and nuke for 20 seconds. The dry rice holds the heat and you have a really cheap hot-pad that conforms to the shape of your face and eyes. I had an old pair of trouser socks I used, and got some bargain rice for 50¢. I've been using that the past couple of days and it works perfectly.
I also learned that the drug Singulair is non-drying for allergies because it isn't antihistamine, it is more of autoimmune reaction in the body. And Flonase spray really helps eye allergies without drying the eyes. So I am getting my allergies under control without the drying that comes with claritin. And my eyes feel good today. Not great, but good is a wonderful thing for now. It takes a lot of extra effort at night and in the morning, but now that the MIL is gone, I have the time and energy to take care of myself. Gradually things are coming together, and I believe that in a few months to a year I'll be one of those who cautiously recommends Lasik to her friends.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
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