Blurred Vision - Eye Infections - Dry Eyes

I have blepharitis, it is a symptom of my roseaca. My roseaca was misdiagnosed as excema for 2 years. I work in a poorly air-conditioned building, where the humidity is very low and that makes it very difficult to manage at times.

Whatever the cause of your dry eyes (medication side effects, medical condition, hayfever etc) there are some very simple self help things you can do to help yourself. My dry eyes tend to be worse if I'm tired, if the humidity is low or if the pollen is up.

Stay well hydrated! Drink lots of water and green tea.

Look at what you eat, some studies show that omega 3 oils are very beneficial for dry eyes.

There are hypromelose eye drops which you buy over the counter at the pharmacy. I used these a lot, but needed to move on to viscotears when my dry eyes got worse about 18 months ago. however, these are more expensive than hypromelose.

Look at your toiletries - I eliminated sodium laurel/laureth sulphate (or SLS) from my shampoos and shower gels, it is very drying. I found my skin and eyes improved once I did this. There are now lots of SLS free shampoos and shower gel on the market, at least in the UK.

Use face flannels as warm compresses over your eyes several times a day. Soak the flannel in plain warm water, wring it out and lay it over your closed eyes for a few minutes and try to lay back and relax. Massage you eyelids gently when you have done this.

I use skin cleanser wipes for sensitive skin regularly and always keep some in my handbag. Dry eyes can be very watery eyes and if they start to water I find that wiping them gently with a wipe helps a lot. This is mor elikely to happen in the evenng or if I am tired or if the pollen count is high.

BaliRob said:

Dear Spiral,

What a helpful contribution to us sufferers. Although I have been diagnosed with Diabetic Retinopathy in one eye and suspected glaucoma in the other, I do suffer with Bletharitis (thanks to CatherineCherub who put me on to this) and regular Conjunctivitis also more than my fair share of styes (believed as a result of having Shingles twice).

What a co-incidence I was considering adding green tea to my diet just today!! The Omega 3 oils are a bit beyond me but I will research them and hope to find them here?

Thankyou,

Rob

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One medical condition does not stop you having another medical condition. If your eyes are dry you will find that you may be more prone to infections in your eyes as they are not being cleaned properly - eye hygiene is important.

Good sources of Omega 3 fatty acids are in oily fish, and for vegetarians walnuts and flax/linseed. You need to consider the ratio between omega 3,6 and 9.