Monday Musings on Dry Eyes and Color
If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Does it ever feel like you just bounce from one medical appointment to another these days?
Dry Eye Treatment
I’m on my way to the eye doctor this morning to get a treatment called TearCare. They tape little strips on your upper and lower lids next to your eyelashes to warm up the oil in your meibomian glands before they manually express it. I’ve had it done before, and it offered great relief from my dry eye symptoms for several months.
It’s not painful because they put numbing drops in your eyes, but you sure look red and beat up for hours afterward. I do everything I can to treat and manage my dry eyes at home, but sometimes, it’s not enough. FYI, I wondered what the procedure looked like, so I took this selfie the last time I had it done.
Meibomian glands are pretty fragile little glands that can “die off” if left untreated, so if you have an evaporative dry eye disease, be sure to talk to your eye Dr about treatment options.
Playtime
I’ve been forgetting to snap a picture of my outfits lately, but here’s what I wore for a playdate with my 15 month old grandson yesterday. He is a joy and a delight! He’s fascinated by all the shiny “things” granny wears like eyeglasses, bracelets and earrings, so I have to be quick to back up when he spots them. Since I was sitting and crawling around on the floor, I opted for super stretchy jeans and no belt :). A loose shirt, soft fleece peacoat and very flexible slip-ons.
I’m a big fan of these Ilse Jacobsen shoes and have them in several colors. I recently tossed 2 pairs in the washer, and they came out clean as a whistle. I removed the insoles and let them dry outside, which only took a few hours. They come in a rainbow of colors…but of course, I own some neutrals :).
I mentioned on Instagram that I’m also wearing my mum’s Celtic Cross earrings that she bought on our first trip to Ireland 45 years ago. Every time I wear them, I’m reminded of what an amazing woman she was. In fact, I had the pattern copied into my logo, which keeps her near and dear to my heart.
Outfit of the Week
Red seems to be one of the AWSL readers’ favorite colors, so this week, I’ve got an outfit that’s red, white, and blue. Navy and white is a classic spring combination, and the red just punches up the look. It would be fun with a pop of red lipstick, too.
These Vionic leather sneakers have a slight platform with their cushioned insole and famous arch support. I paired them with slim, straight-leg jeans in a medium wash and a red and white striped sweater (similar). I topped this with a water-resistant navy raincoat and added a navy recycled canvas tote bag. Simple silver earrings and a bold bracelet complete the look.
Do you struggle with dry eyes?
I have blepharitis and dry eye. I have to wash my eyelids with baby shampoo daily. I have tear duct plugs, take omega 3 and use Systane Ultra pellets several times a day. I have an evaporative humidifier that is going in my dining room area all the time in the winter. My eyes haven’t been as painful this winter so it must be helping me.
You are fortunate. This winter seems worse than usual for me.
It seems different things work for different people! Lots of good ideas in here. I just went on the new prescription Miebo eye drops and they help me quite a bit. There is castor oil in them, I believe, so they feel lubricating and soothing, not burning like some of the other prescription drops I’ve tried. My Medicare supplement helps me pay for them -altho I do have to kick in $100. They help me more than anything I’ve tried so far and I have a medicine cabinet full of drops.
I’m excited to get started on the Meibo. Of course, the doctor said to discontinue the Xiidra and I have a large unopened expensive box of it 🙁
I have both ocular rosacea and meibomian gland dysfunction. I’ve started seeing a new ophthalmologist last month. She put me on Rx steroid drops for 2 weeks and Rx Vevye drops indefinitely. I’ve finished with the steroid drops and I stopped the Vevye drops because they made my eyes feel worse. On Wednesday I go for “BlephEx® is a painless in-office procedure in which a soft medical grade micro-sponge is used to clean along the edge of your eyelids and lashes.” Then I’ll set up 4 appointments for IPL treatments. I’ve literally tried everything else so I really hope these work for me. Of course they’re expensive and not covered by insurance. In case anyone is interested: https://triangleeyenc.com/eye-care-services/dry-eye-treatment/
Good luck Kim! Please keep us posted how it goes for you.
At one point you recommended an electric mask you took when you traveled. What brand was that and how well did it work? I too have done everything with limited results. It is difficult when traveling to have access to a microwave for a brudder mask.
It’s amazing and I love it. There are many, this is the one I bought. I even use it at home sometimes because it has consistent heat and a timer to turn off.
I am on the high end of dry eye..I have to do a lot of things to keep me going. I have MGD and evaporative dry eye. I do Cequa(a stronger version of Restasis, have 3 punctal plugs and one lacrafill. Lacrafill is a new treatment that is a compound inserted in to tear duct, it lasts about 6 months. I was skeptical, but it has been more comfortable than plugs. I also use PRP drops, IPL occasionally, RF a few times, use ointment /Blinkjoy mask at night. I wear scleral lenses, and am taking Lyrica for nerve pain. It took a long time to figure out what I need, and to find a good dry eye doctor.
Glad you are going to a specialists. Better to take care of it before it gets worse.
It sounds like you have an amazing doctor! A multipronged approach is the best way to treat this condition. I just ordered the Blinkjoy mask, thanks for the recommendation.
I bought my first pair of Isle Jacobsen shoes on your recommendation and I love them! Super comfy! Great to know that they are washable. I bought the pink color but I’m thinking about the navy as well. Love them!
Pink sounds fun for spring
I have dry eye syndrome also. After using Restasis for many years it is now actually working. I also heat my eyes every day and use Muro ointment at night. Love your outfit of the day.
My optometrist did a test for dry eyes. She offered a treatment that was $400.00 a treatment or Miebo at $800.00 a bottle. Miebo will give you the first bottle for free.
My eye doctor gave me a sample of Blink. Since I retired and don’t sit at a computer all day, my eyes don’t feel as dry. I also had Shingles in my eye a couple of years ago (almost lost my sight) and I have steriod drops I put in every night.
The link to the red sweater doesn’t work. Maybe it’s sold out.
I just got “serum” tears or “blood” tears made from your own blood (PRP). They are really good for healing the cornea and other areas of the eyes. Jury is out!
Sorry, I do think the one in my collage sold out. Let me know about those serum tears. I feel like Ive tried everything else.
I have multiple, multiple allergies to everything in the air around me and I also have dry eyes. Not a fun combo. I’ve tried everything the doctor has recommended for eye drops and Restasis that worked for a while and then caused more pain than I had without them. Then I found Retaine eye drops easily found on Amazon and they are a miracle for me. I do use them a number of times per day to prevent dryness and they are very refreshing. They are oil based I think but do not obscure my vision. Might be worth trying.
Ordering now!
If you have a ceiling fan going in you bedroom, my ophthalmologist suggested wearing a sleep mask as apparently you do not fully close your eyes when asleep and the air movement contributes to eye dryness. I have tried this and it helps! Also an added plus is the room darkness allows for better sleep!
Smart idea!
I also struggle with dry eye. It can be so painful. I have tear duct plugs, but I can’t tell that they ever helped. The ONLY drops that ever made a difference for me are Optase drops multiple times during the day and Optase ointment at night. They were like a miracle drug!! Now, at the first sign of any sensation of dry eye, I start using both products. If you haven’t tried them, please do. They are both over the counter.
I will try them! Thanks
So helpful and will research availability locally. I have blepharitis and my maintenance treatment unfortunately exacerbates my dry eye issues. Tho, fingers crossed, I am on a 6 week treatment of Xdemvy eye drops, released to market in 2024 that I am hoping will reduce, perhaps cure many of the causative factors. The same compound (gel format) is being trialed for ocular rosacea which I believe you have referenced in the past posts. https://tarsusrx.com/pipeline/
I do have ocular rosacea too. I’ll ask the Dr when I see him in a few hours. Thanks. This looks interesting.
I am also on a 6-week regimen of Xdemvy for blepharitis, due to finish in mid-March. Fingers crossed that it works for both of us. I feel like it’s helping so far. I’ve tried just about every drop, scrub, and treatment over the past 10+ years. Hoping this is finally the answer. The initial script was free, but future refills (if needed) will cost $250 after insurance. It will be worth that cost if it works!
I suffered with dry eyes for well over ten years! I had every “test” in the book: allergy, sjogren’s, etc. had punctal plugs inserted, and and tried $$$$ worth of eye drops, but NOTHING seemed to provide long-term relief. Early on, my eye doc had casually mentioned that placing a warm, wet washcloth on my eyes a couple of times a day could possibly help. Well–I ignored that suggestion—thinking that something that simple couldn’t possibly help. Needless to say, after running out of options and spending lots of $$$$ on doctor appointments, I decided to make the time and warm pack my eyes, morning and night, followed by a gentle massage, concentrating on the tear duct area. I probably did this for 5 days max, and noticed a “day and night” difference almost immediately. Such a simple proactive step on my part, immensely improved my quality of life! Please believe that this might just work for you, as well!
I do this, and yes it’s a huge help! I use a Bruder mask or an electric mask which stays warm longer.
I fight dry eyes daily. I’ve been told that the glands at the base of my eyelashes are drying up. Are these the glands you are writing about? I always have oil streaks on my glasses from my eyelashes, so, I just don’t understand how these oil glands could be drying up. Warm compresses help my dry eyes, as well as artificial tears used multiple times a day. I love the red outfit above.
It’s such a challenge. I’m sorry you’re dealing with it too. Yes those are the meibomian glands
I have had dry eye for several years and am still looking for answers. I currently use serum tears that are made from your own blood draw and Xiidra. Recently I have added Blink nutritears capsules that contain omega 3 and other ingredients to help with inflammation, they are over the counter. I have tried the plugs and could not take those at all. My doctor has mentioned the treatment you use but the cost is very high, not covered by any insurance and only lasts a couple of months. I have also tried Miebo and those drops did not work at all. Hope this gives you some new ideas.
I’ve tried the plugs but they just fell out so not helpful. I use Xxidra, heated eye masks, Omega caps twice daily, gel eye drops and low dose Doxycycline. This procedure is expensive. The Xxidra is also not coveted by my insurance either dand it’s insanely priced. I’m appalled by by Medicare won’t cover!
Good morning,
I have sjogren’s syndrome and struggle with dry eyes just like yourself. I use Restatis eye drops and have plugs in my ducts. During the day I use Refresh Optive Mega 3 drops. I also use the Bruder eye patch system.
If I read for longer than 45 minutes my vision gets blurry and I have to stop and put drops in. I also take plaquenol being it’s auto immune. I will have to look into the treatment you are having.
This treatment is specifically for plugged and sluggish Meibomian glands. I’m not sure if that’s involved in sjogrens, which I’ve read is very challenging. I’m sorry you’re dealing with it.
I found a part D that does cover more this year but the serum drops are not covered but work.
I have dry eyes and have been given all sorts of drops, including prescription, but nothing worked. My new eye doctor suggested fish oil- 3000mg daily works for me. I rarely notice my eyes now.
I tried dropping down to 2000mg/day but that didn’t work. I take the Nature’s Bounty mini gel caps,which are easier to swallow.
I’ve been taking 3,000 Omega a day for years. Yes it does help.
Hi Jennifer,
Did you try the heated wand from Peep Club? Did you find a difference from the heated mask?
Your skin in the photo while getting the eye treatment, looks amazing- do you have a new routine and/or treatments?
I hope your treatment helps, I will check if available in Canada.
I do it all at home, lol! I even have a plugin electric eye mask for travel. They do help but sometimes I just need more intervention with this TearCare. I’ve been needing to much low dose antibiotic lately and long term use makes me uncomfortable.
Thank you so much for the reply. The wand doesn’t ship to Canada but will order and have the shipment sent to our friends in the US. An electric eye mask for travel is an excellent idea!
Thank you and take care!
I’d be lost without mine for travel
No dry eyes for me, but my husband has been diagnosed with them. So we know the daily routine.
Liked the red outfit.
It’s extensive and a pain.