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 dry eyes as well but am sure that it is due to thyroid issues. Warm, wet compresses and use of Systane (multiple times a day) seems to help. Seeing eye doctor next week and hope for more info. Bloodshot eyes are not a good look!
I hope that you had good news from your doctor today.
I have thyroid issues too! If it’s not one thing, it’s another 🙂
I too have ocular rosacea which includes meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis. I’ve had two surgeries to remove chalazions and rarely wear eye makeup anymore. If anyone is interested, there is a company I’ve found that makes great eye wipes and eye healthy makeup. It’s called “eyes are the story” and they are very committed to ocular health. I’ve used many of their products.
I love reading all the comments and suggestions. I wish there was a cure for this annoying affliction.
I wish there was too. Unfortunately, it’s just something we need to treat with no cure.
I have severe meiobian gland dysfunction and severe evaporative dry eye disease. I also have thyroid eye disease. I’ve been treated with
restasis, xiidra, serum tears. I have punctual plugs in my lower lid for several years now and use Bruner mask and potash ointment at night. My favorite eye drops are Ivizia. The two newest treatments I’ve tried are tyrvaya, which is a nasal spray which is supposed to stimulate tear production and meibo the first prescription drug designed specifically for meiobian gland dysfunction. I am fortunate that my insurance covers meibo as it is crazy expensive, like $600 for a tiny bottle – it’s one drop 4 times a day. I’m finding it a bit helpful. Might want to check with your doc and insurance as perhaps this could benefit you. My next and at this point final step (I’ve done everything available) is to have a scleral lens made – huge contact that has moisture built in.
The Dr just prescribed the Meibo drops so I am very helpful! He also switched me to a different antibiotic when I have occular rosacea flares. I’ll have to google that potash ointment. My Xiidra was insanely expensive so I’m prepared for the worst. I did read about that nasal spray, but forgot to ask him. He also suggested some tee tree wipes for demodex but said he saw little evidence of it.
If you travel abroad to Europe, you can buy OTC drops that are the same as the $$Meibo drops in us. They are called Evotears.
Thank you!!