Overcoming the Struggles of Chronic Dry Eye: My Journey
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Chapter 1: Recognizing the Problem
In retrospect, I should have paid attention to the early indicators of my dry eye condition. It started subtly; during my afternoon drives to pick up my kids from school, my contact lenses felt as if they were adhering to my eyelids. I initially dismissed this discomfort, attributing it to possibly not drinking enough water, but as time went on, it became harder to ignore.
The real awakening came in the spring of 2019 when I participated in a webinar. Watching the replay, I was shocked to see myself blinking excessively—not just a normal blink, but a forceful one. This realization was troubling, and it consumed my thoughts.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which compounded my issues. With the difficulty of visiting my eye doctor and the shift to virtual meetings, my screen time increased, and my dry eye symptoms escalated rapidly. I felt increasingly self-conscious in conversations, preoccupied with how my blinking must appear to others, which only made matters worse.
Section 1.1: Seeking Professional Help
Eventually, I managed to see an eye doctor, who confirmed I was indeed suffering from dry eye. My aversion to drinking plain water, along with my extensive computer usage, was likely exacerbating my condition. The doctor prescribed steroid eye drops, artificial tears, and suggested using a Bruder mask. The past four years have been a journey of trial and error with varying degrees of success.
I also consulted my primary care physician to rule out conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, and fortunately, all tests came back negative. If you're experiencing similar symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional tailored to your situation.
Subsection 1.1.1: My Dry Eye Treatment Lineup
Here’s a summary of what I’ve tried, including what worked, what didn’t, and my overall experiences. Keep in mind that while I may have faced extreme symptoms, others might find relief with these products.
- Fish oil supplements
- Bruder mask
- USB eye mask
- Systane eye drops
- We Love Eyes lid scrub and brush
Section 1.2: Medications and Eye Drops
Doctors initially prescribed doxycycline and steroid drops, but I saw no significant improvement. I experimented with numerous eye drops, both prescription and over-the-counter, but found little relief.
I tried various products recommended for dry eyes, including:
- Oasis Tears Plus: A preservative-free option that didn’t last long.
- Restasis and Xiidra: Covered by insurance but ineffective for me.
- Tyrvaya: A nasal spray that didn’t help but caused sneezing.
Optimel eyedrops provided me with the most lasting relief, despite the initial sting. I also found Siccaforte gel to be a reasonable alternative, albeit a bit awkward to apply.
Chapter 2: Exploring Other Treatments
The first video, "Casting Crowns - Just Be Held," emphasizes the importance of holding on during difficult times, much like my journey with dry eye.
In-office treatments were also on the table. While many people have had success with these, I did not find them effective.
- LipiFlow: Relaxing but not lasting.
- Blephex: A vibrating tool felt more uncomfortable than helpful.
- IPL laser treatment: This was the only one that seemed to provide some improvement, albeit minor.
At-Home Remedies and Techniques
At-home treatments became essential for my relief. I often relied on:
- Heated eye masks: A favorite for relaxation.
- Manual eye massages: Though I often forgot to do them.
- We Love Eyes eye roller: A soothing option, though not as effective as eye masks.
Additional Insights
I've also experimented with various strategies, including using Chrome extensions to remind me to blink and investing in blue light glasses. While they might help reduce eye strain, the primary issue is often the lack of blinking itself.
Stress management is vital as well; I noticed that anxiety only exacerbated my blinking issues. Incorporating blinking exercises into my routine has been beneficial. For instance, I follow the 20–20–20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time, I look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Current Strategies for Managing Symptoms
Going forward, I plan to:
- Stay hydrated.
- Continue taking fish oil supplements.
- Use my heated eye mask nightly.
- Increase my blinking exercises.
- Utilize my Bruder mask regularly.
- Set my workspace for optimal eye health.
Through this journey, I hope to help others facing similar challenges. Please feel free to share your experiences or suggestions in the comments!
The second video, "That's The Thing About Praise," highlights the significance of gratitude, a sentiment I carry as I navigate this journey with dry eyes.
Julia Byrd is a college admission essay writing coach who also writes for her personal website. Passionate about grammar and clarity, she believes every word matters in telling a story.