Dry Eye/Blepharitis/Contact Lens Contract

Bronnie

Hi all

I originally posted this on the Health & Beauty Board, but did not receive much feedback. Since dry-eye can be age-related, wondered if anybody here could contribute any experiences before I head off to Boots to try and get them to end my Contact Lens Contract early.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3214904

Thanks

rockie4

I have dry eyes and have to use Viscotears eye gel/drops up to 6 times a day. It started very suddenly, I woke up one morning with sore, uncomfortable eyes, tried Optrex etc before seeing the doc.
I asked the hospital consultant about contacts as I wanted to get some just for occasional use - it would be nice not to have to wear the specs all the time!!

He said that it was entirely up to me if I wanted to try contacts but seeing as how I would have to wait an hour after putting the drops in and sometimes have to put the drops in after a couple of hours so would have to take them out again........you get the picture!

When I went to the opticians (Specsavers) she asked me if I wanted to try contacts so I told her what the consultant had said but I still got the hard sell!!

Personally, I've given up and wear my specs, I'm not happy about it but I'd rather carry on as I am than risk making my eyes worse, dry eye is not a nice thing to have

Sorry, this probably isn't any help to you!

AlisonHarrison

Have you tried Lacrilube?

This is thicker than Viscotears and can also cause blurred vision, but if you use it just before you go to bed, it can do the trick.

Mine was caused by an eye injury and both of these things helped.

Bronnie

Thanks both for your responses.

I haven't tried anything yet as am just dealing with the bleph problem with eyelid scrubs, warm compresses and not wearing lenses. I suppose I am hoping it will clear up and go away at the moment, although the more I read the less likely this appears.

I didn't get a very clear prognosis from the optician, just a Blepharitis care leaflet and told it was ok to wear the lenses. I was taken aback at the time and didn't really question her as I should. Not terribly impressed tbh. Will give it a fortnight and make another appt as have lots of questions for her now.

Bugged, because I can't help feeling if I hadn't started with the lenses in November none of this would have happened, as there was no sign of any problem then and I've never had any eye problems before. Don't know whether that's the case or not!

mrschaucer

Hi, chronic bleph sufferer here! (No dry eye, though, as I have never worn contacts. I do think they are two totally distinct things, and can't help with the dry eye!) As far as the blepharitis goes, as you know, the main thing is to keep the eye rims and lash follicles from getting crusty/bunged up with either dry skin flakes or too much sebum. Excess sebum can also cause little cysts on the eyelid itself or near the follicles, which do look like styes but aren't. You've got to find your own acceptable way of cleaning, and if eyelid scrubs and compresses help, then go with it, but do it OFTEN. I have got mine under control by gently washing the eyelids and especially the rims/lashes with the gentlest baby wash I can find. You need one designed for washing the baby all over, not shampoo! Currently using Boots "head to toe baby wash" which I find doesn't sting. However, I have to do it at least twice a day, preferably more, or the old eyes start itching. Plays havoc with wearing eye make up.