<p>I have been battling dry eyes for a few years- haven’t been diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome as such, although my optometrist gave me some steroid drops last year to use for a few months.
I recently went to the opthamologist who couldn’t even give me a new prescription ( for glasses), my eyes were so sore.
So another Rx of steroids.
Obviously I can’t keep using the drops with the risk of glaucoma/cataracts, but it would be nice to be able to see.
What else works?</p>
<p>Have you had the Sjogrens blood test? If you did have Sjogrens, your rheumatologist might have some treatments for you. Unfortunately I suspect a lot of the treatment would be liberal use of artificial tears, which you probably already use.</p>
<p>Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is another disease causing dry eyes treated with medication Restassis(sp?) I think Restassis is now recommended for dry eyes from other causes.</p>
<p>Has your doctor discussed punctal plugs with you?</p>
<p>I occasionally develop rosacea in the eyes. It sounds worse than it is. It’s essentially really sore, dry, gritty eyes. After going to lots of eye doctors a smart one diagnosed it correctly and the treatment was simple but very effective: hot wet compresses (as hot as I can take) on the eyes for about five minutes three or four times a day (the more the better). And lots and lots of the extra strength refresh tears. </p>
<p>I was really dubious but it worked. The hot wet compresses open up the ducts and get everything flowing again. </p>
<p>Have no idea if this is what you have, emeraldkity. I hope you feel better soon.</p>
<p>My sister in law was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her eye. She has been helped by a couple medications. Supposedly there is a link between Parkinson’s, which my FIL (SIL’s dad) has. SIL’s PA is the one who encouraged her to see a specialist who diagnosed the RA in her eye. You may want to make sure that it’s not more serious than just “something annoying.”</p>
<p>I’ve been battling dry eyes for several years to the point it’s really diminished my ability to wear contact lens. Someone here mentioned GenTeal eye drops a while back and they have made a huge difference. I put them in my eyes 3 times a day. I can now wear my contacts much longer. I tried numerous OTC drops before trying GenTeal (moderate to severe dry eyes).</p>
<p>ETA: If there’s not some underlying medical condition, dry eyes are often part of the aging process - especially in women who are in menopause or peri-menopause. I’ve know many women my age who have issues with this.</p>
<p>I’ve had extremely dry eyes since 1988. I also have Sjogren’s Syndrome. I find it gets worse in the Spring, when the AC goes on, and the Fall, when the heat goes on. </p>
<p>I use Refresh preservative-free eyedrops throughout the day and I use Refresh PM (it’s an ointment) at night. I tried Restasis for several months at two different periods and haven’t found it to help in the slightest. </p>
<p>I can’t tell you how many times strangers have told me that my eyes look red.</p>
<p>Often I just go to sleep at night instead of staying up to read just because my eyes are too darn dry.</p>
<p>If you can figure out what works best for you, you’ll be OK. It’s annoying but, as we all know. there are worse things.</p>
<p>What I have done is take fish oil capsules–every morning & evening. It sounds odd & hokey, but for me, it really works. I used to wake because my eyes were so dry they were painful & with regularly taking fish oil, they are MUCH more comfortable & allow me to be on the computer for long stretches again.</p>
<p>I have tried various eye drops, even the prescription ones, Restasis, but none of them did as much for me as fish oil! I also have to be sure that there is no fan or anything blowing directly on my face (moved the fan across the bed to H’s side & it helped.</p>
<p>Good luck! Also, staying properly hydrated also makes a big difference for me–being low on fluids DOES affect my eyes. ;)</p>
<p>I’ve been taking fish oil because I also have fibromyalgia & arthritis & it is supposed to help with that. I’ve also been trying various drops & ointments but I am bad about using anything regularly- the supplements are the only thing that have become a habit.</p>
<p>I probably don’t drink enough water, because I often work outside out of range of a bathroom- but that it is a simple fix.</p>
<p>I do not like hearing when things get worse after menopause. 
I am still having very regular periods at 53 
, more regular than when I was in my 20’s actually.</p>
<p>I will try the Gen-teal eyedrops, & perhaps up my fish oil.
We just had salmon for dinner last night- wild caught $7.99lb!
:)</p>
<p>Things have improved for me since menopause, so take heart! Drinking water is important, as is taking regular fish oil (I can’t consume enough otherwise). One capsule 2x/day works well for me. I really feel it when I cut back or forget–helps remind me. Fortunately, I like salmon, tho hubby doesn’t. ;)</p>
<p>I suffer from rosacea in my eyes, as well. My derm prescribed doxycycline for my skin and it has helped with my eyes somewhat. I have occasional flare-ups that keep me from wanting to leave the house. I also use refresh drops as needed, but I will certainly try the hot compresses. It sounds counter-intuitive, as cold compresses feel so good on my dry, red eyes, but, hey, whatever works!</p>
<p>I used to use Refresh PM, which is a gel applied to the eye, but it wasn’t strong enough. The opthamologist recommended a different ointment called Muro 128. It’s behind the counter, not on the open shelves, but does not require a prescription. It’s been very helpful. I apply Refresh (no preservatives) drops, wait for a while, then squeeze a little of the ointment in, and it works really well.</p>
<p>^^^Hayden, thanks for the tip. I will try that.</p>
<p>Edit: Just ordered it from drugstore.com. I’m eager to try it.</p>
<p>Those of you with Sjogren’s – my eyes got better after taking Evoxac for dry everything else.</p>
<p>^^^ I take it and have been underwhelmed.</p>
<p>You can get Muro 128 ointment at regular pharmacies. It is a part of the regular merchandise at Walgreens. Even if we don’t have it, the pharmacy can special order it for you. You won’t have to pay any shipping. Anyway, drugstore.com is a part of Walgreens, now.</p>
<p>VeryHappy, I sure hope it helps you. Good luck, and please let me know how it works out.</p>