Monday Musing: Sleep Mask, Travel Outfit, Outfit of the Week
Happy Monday, ladies. As I mentioned in my email yesterday, we flew home last week for some doctor appointments. My dry eyes have been giving me so much trouble I had to get them checked out. My regular doctor was all booked up, so I saw one of her associates. He assured me I’m following the right protocol to treat dry eyes, but I’m still struggling, so we may add another step to my process this fall. Yippee! It feels like my morning and evening routines already have a ridiculous number of steps, but what’s a gal to do? He did suggest a new eye drop which I’m loving!
Eye Drops
People with dry eye syndrome are often irritated by the preservatives in eye drops. I’ve used plenty of types of drops in these individual vials, which are so easy to stash in every pocket and bag I own. This new doctor suggested these Occusoft Retaine MGD drops, which I’m finding very soothing! I won’t pretend to know what’s in these or why they’re soothing, but they are, so I’m going to stick with them.
Sleep Mask
I’ve started wearing a sleeping mask just in case my eyes aren’t closing all the way when I sleep. I tried a pretty silk one a few months ago and could not fall asleep in it. Undeterred. I ordered this ugly one, which came highly recommended.
I assumed there would be a break-in period to get used to sleeping in this, but I slept right through the night the first time I tried it. It’s also a 100% light-blocking and zero eye pressure mask that’s very helpful for the summer when the sun comes up at a nauseatingly early hour. I’m sure I look goofy in this, but I don’t give a hoot if it helps my dry eyes.
Travel Outfit
Here’s what I wore to fly back to Vancouver over the weekend. I’m used to people dressing like they’re going to the gym rather than the airport, but it was particularly bad that day. Dressing up in uncomfortable clothes isn’t necessary when you fly, but I do think making a small extra effort goes a long way. I see it as a form of self-respect and respect for the people who work in the industry.
Outfit of the Week
I spotted a gal (probably my age or older) walking along the seawall yesterday wearing a fabulous outfit I wish I’d been wearing. It was warm, so I appreciated the look of her supportive yet stylish sandals. Here’s my rendition of her outfit.
I have many of the makings of this outfit and could have been wearing something very similar. I’m inspired to copy her look this week. I’ve been experimenting with my waist bag worn as a sling, and it’s very comfy, so I may look for one. Do you copy outfits you admire?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Hi: I also use ointment at night, drops during the day ( no preservatives )and and also a sleep mask at night. I also use an eye mask that you heat up in the microwave. It stimulates your tear making.I have found that helpful on bad days.
I have had dry eyes for years. My eye doctor suggested I use OTC Muro 128 ointment. You MUST ask your doc if you can use this but it works for me. I use it at night and rarely need OTC eye drops during the day. This has been so helpful to me. I hope this is helpful to you and your readers too. But again, it depends on your condition and whether YOUR eyes can benefit from this ointment. That is the only treatment I use for my dry eyes. I order it from Amazon bc my local pharmacy does not always have it and it is half the price from Amazon. There are other ointments out there that are OTC, also. Not sure how well they work. All the best, Clare
Thank you so much for sharing that, Clare. I will look into it. I order many things from Amazon for the exact same reason.
I love your posts. Thank you for the time you take to share your learnings and findings. This is a YT video I recently watched and it discusses dry eyes. You might find it helpful. Thank you again. <3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyiQINLdjDk
Thank you so much for sharing this. I never tire of learning of ways to help myself.
My dry eye regimen:
Restasis drops: am and pm
(Prescription)
Refresh ointment: pm (bedtime)
At least 10 minutes after Restasis
Refresh drops during the day when needed
Dr also recommended a hot wet cloth over the eyes as needed
That’s a good solid regime. The ointment sounds like something I should add.
The outfit of the week is perfect! so causal but very polished. Trying to duplicate. Thank you for the idea!!
I loved how she looked too!
I suffer from dry eye as well and have for about ten years. The Retaine vials are indeed the best. I also have been on Xiidra for several years and it has helped more than other Rx’s have. A heated eye mask can also help with oil production. I use one when they are really dry. I hope you get some relief.
He’s got me using the heated mask every night and I think that may be very beneficial.
Thanks Elaine. I’m using the Xiidra too and hoping it will really kick in soon.
Only started to experience dry eye after having cataract Lasik (laser) surgery on both eyes last year and find particularly during our Canadian winter months they are worse due to environmental dry air and that having a small humidifier in the bedroom has helped immensely. Otherwise, I might only treat them once a day. As to travel and dressing; so agree with you Jennifer however I have paired down somewhat to avoid a hassle when going through security. i.e.: Less jewelry, slip on footwear. Last but least; re copying outfits I admire a yes to ideas that only suit me as an individual yet a no to those that I think may be fabulous but wouldn’t wear myself. -Brenda-
Footnote: Last time going through Canadian Security my husband happen to have suspenders on and was made to remove them which IMO ‘was ridiculous’ considering the circumstances as was transferring from a U.S.A. flight to a Canadian carrier being the last leg of his destination being homeward bound and has been a law-abiding Canadian Citizen all his life (if you get my drift) and lesson learned.
It amazes me how different the TSA agents can be. After I passed through security last weekend, I discovered a half full water bottle in my tote bag that no one stopped me for!
Yes, I try to copy you! I have completely changed my wardrobe since I found you on Pinterest. I too have dry eye and live in the hot dry southern Rocky Mountains in Colorado. I use Systane Ultra single dose pellets and they are working so far. I always pull off a mask in my sleep so that is a no go for me. We have night blinds that block the light pretty well. You looked very put together on your flights. Comfort and style can be done.
Hot dry climates make dry eye so much worse. At home, I use a humidifyer by the bed, you might try that.