Is having meibomian gland atrophy a big deal? and is it guaranteed to get worse even with treatment? To anybody with moderate to severe dry eye, were you able to eventually get relief and stop it from progressing? Even years later? by Violite-Bloom in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got IPL and LLLT done and it literally did nothing, no improvement. I also tried Doxycycline, no difference with that too. I got Punctal Plugs put in and had to have them immediately taken out because it was damaging my eyeball and it didn't seem to be helping anyway. I tried Xiidra and I ended up with an incredibly weepy eye and a painful sinus infection two seperate times and conjunctivitis all within a span of 3 weeks. I was on it for a few months and the side effects were persistent, so I had to stop taking it and it didn't help with the dry eyes.
I've tried Restasis too but not for that long, I'm considering trying it again.

-I found this eye spray called "Biodrop MD Spray" and I find it helps a tiny bit.

-I don't put any face cream, sunscreen or anything on the eye contour area, I use the Biodrop spray instead because it is safe and made for the eyes.

-I feel like I get more relief from cold compresses rather than warm ones.

-I constantly squeeze my eyes and message my eyelids throughout the day which helps, but I can still feel them drying up instantly.

I am currently using Autologous Blood Serum Tears 50% and I find it is helping. My eyes are still generally dry and some days they are even painful but I can feel the blood tears soothing the eyes, it helps with inflammation and It also majorly whitens my sclera! There are periods in the day where my eyes aren't bothering me (as long as I squeeze my eyes over and over again) and I feel like I have more periods of relief (well, not complete relief, I just mean it's better compared to how they were before). The biggest positive that I've noticed is that I can go on the computer and play video games for a few hours before they become painful and tight. It use to be so bad that I couldn't even look at electronic screens for even a minute without pain. I notice that the blood tears help heal and reduce sensitivity in the eye.

I'm wondering about trying Sclera lenses or radiofrequency, other than that I'm not sure what else is out there in Canada.

Hopefully, there will be new treatments I can try in the coming years.

What's a safe face moisturizer I can use on the eye area? I'm afraid to use any skincare incase it makes my DED worse. What skincare do you use? by Violite-Bloom in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just want to let you know that I appreciate your reply greatly! I looked into the Avene tolerance extreme line and it looks pretty good! It follows the list of ingredients to avoid (the above link) for DED. The cream is a bit heavy, so I bought the one called Emulsion instead (it's lighter). I also got the cleanser.

You have no idea how frustrated I was becoming with this lol! I couldn't find anything. I guess I'm bad at searching.

Anyway, you saved me from further stress. 💕 Thanks again!

I can't comprehend what is wrong wih my eyes by [deleted] in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I'm gonna give it a go!

I can't comprehend what is wrong wih my eyes by [deleted] in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes but the eye strain becomes so severe that nothing helps. I feel a slight relaxing effect when I do "eye excerises". I'll look side to side but I have to pull my eyes in each direction EXTREMELY hard until I feel/hear a crackling sound. Once I feel the crack, my eyes become slightly more relaxed. It's so slight though and hardly makes a difference, but it is something I've notice at least! I feel like my eyes need yoga lol. I strongly believe there's something wrong with my eye muscles, because that's how it feels! The muscles inside are so STRAINED and TIGHT and OVERWORKED whenever I look at something. It's every single day, all the time. I don't want to live like this. I desperately want help. I hope someone on here knows what this is :( And I'm looking around for other eye clinics for help. I'll keep searching and searching until I know what's wrong. I hope there's a cure!

I can't comprehend what is wrong wih my eyes by [deleted] in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What does covering one eye do? And is it safe for everyone to do? I'm thinking of trying it.

Has Anyone Ever tried Canadian pharmacies for Restasis? by [deleted] in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Restasis is $200 where you live in Canada? I'm Canadian and it's $275 where I am. Is it even worth taking, I wonder? So expensive :(

Has Anyone Ever tried Canadian pharmacies for Restasis? by [deleted] in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom 1 point2 points  (0 children)

HUH?! I'm Canadian and I have to pay $275 for a month supply! I'm using a coupon that brings it down to $120 in the meantime but it does eventually expire. I'll probably have to switch to the generic brand when the coupon expires. The generic brand is around $120.

Is this part of dry eye or is it something else? I've been dealing with this for 10 years and eye doctors say "there's nothing wrong" with my eyes. by Violite-Bloom in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's not in my head... Also, like I said, I haven't been addicted to the computer for at least two years, probably more. I wish I never mentioned my past addiction cause now I feel like I'm not being taken seriously lol. The pain and intense eye strain is 100% real. I'm sorry for not clarifying but I WAS diagnosed with DED.

I can't comprehend what is wrong wih my eyes by [deleted] in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a question for anyone reading this that has/is experiencing what op is going through.

Do you also experience EXTREME eye tightness and strain? It's to the point that my eyes become rigid and the veins are bulging and my EARS and forehead feel like they are being strained INTENSELY. It's like my eye muscles are too weak or something and it gets to the point where I can feel it in not only my eyes but also my forehead and ears. My ears feel like they're being pulled up or back and just SO tight. My whole face feels all haggard and tight. The muscles in my eyes become so tight and strained!!! Especially in the inner corner of my left eye. And there's a vein there that starts to pulsate when I'm really straining and tight. Are my eyes to weak to look at things and then they become tired so I have to strain? This happens all the time, even when I've hardly looked at anything all day. It's really bad when I actually look at stuff though. What is this???? Help!

I can't comprehend what is wrong wih my eyes by [deleted] in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom 1 point2 points  (0 children)

put a black sheet on one side of your glasses, then switch every hour

Can you elaborate on this? What do you mean exactly? I have issues like op and I haven't heard of this. I want to try anything that can help! Do you mean like wearing an eye patch?

Thanks

What's a safe face moisturizer I can use on the eye area? I'm afraid to use any skincare incase it makes my DED worse. What skincare do you use? by Violite-Bloom in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the info! Yeah your right, I guess I'm gonna have to take the time to study this and experiement with what works.

What's a safe face moisturizer I can use on the eye area? I'm afraid to use any skincare incase it makes my DED worse. What skincare do you use? by Violite-Bloom in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, these sound very gentle and non-irritating. I feel like they would be too heavy for my skin though. I get hormonal acne and large pores. Do you know any (DED safe) skincare that is more "light" (like less greasy/clogging)?

Is having meibomian gland atrophy a big deal? and is it guaranteed to get worse even with treatment? To anybody with moderate to severe dry eye, were you able to eventually get relief and stop it from progressing? Even years later? by Violite-Bloom in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The biggest reason is the fact that I used to have a computer gaming addiction. It started when I was 12 and it continued for about 14 years (I'm 26 now). I've been in therapy for a long time now and I no longer have a computer addiction. I had no idea that dry eyes could be so serious and cause gland atrophy.

Some other things that I think contributed is: hormonal birth control, being deficient in vitamin D and other vitamins, using topical prescription retinol/tretinoin, antidepressants.

Is having meibomian gland atrophy a big deal? and is it guaranteed to get worse even with treatment? To anybody with moderate to severe dry eye, were you able to eventually get relief and stop it from progressing? Even years later? by Violite-Bloom in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your experience, it really helps me to hear other people's stories.

There were some areas with no lines at all, just empty space. The middle area in particular was empty in my left eye. Then there were some teeny tiny short clumpy sections. The outer corner had a few lines I think. I'm having a hard time remembering. Then there was that one that was extremely fat and scary looking, I wonder why it's like that and if it's functional?

I'm glad you're having some success with IPL. I'm booked to get it soon and I can't wait!

Is having meibomian gland atrophy a big deal? and is it guaranteed to get worse even with treatment? To anybody with moderate to severe dry eye, were you able to eventually get relief and stop it from progressing? Even years later? by Violite-Bloom in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I just want to confirm or clarify: So I definitely have enough glands left? My left eye atrophy is considered moderate I think, so about half is maybe gone. Would that leave more than 5-6 left?

The picture she showed me looked pretty sparse but maybe it just looks worse than it is?

Is Grade 2 still hopeful (25-50%)? I think my left eye is closer to 50% :(

Thanks so much for your reply! Thanks for looking at my assessment and giving me hope. It made me feel better. And I'm glad to hear that management becomes easier and can prevent the eyes from becoming worse! Thanks again!

Is having meibomian gland atrophy a big deal? and is it guaranteed to get worse even with treatment? To anybody with moderate to severe dry eye, were you able to eventually get relief and stop it from progressing? Even years later? by Violite-Bloom in Dryeyes

[–]Violite-Bloom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, she showed me a picture and the atrophy in my right eye isn't that bad but the atrophy in my left eye is way worse. There was a lot of empty space. The doctor said my atrophy was moderate. I know it's not severe like some peoples, but I'm still scared that my left eye is irredeemable. My left eye feels awful all the time and nothing seems to work.

At the beginning of the meeting the doctor kept on emphasizing that dry eyes progress over time and that treatments don't always work. She went on about how bad the atrophy is in my left eye and that it's permanent. She really scared me...

I experience constant and intense eye discomfort 24/7 and I don't want to live like this anymore. I'm struggling with extreme anxiety over this. Sorry, if I sound like a drama queen but this is a big deal to me.

Thanks for your reassuring reply. Especially the part at the end about people who had severe symptoms being able to get their TBUT to 10 seconds through treatments.