[Anonymous August 2, 1998 at 2:37 pm Post count: 93172]

#1050060

I am looking for more helpful hints to make my eyes more
comfortable. I have drops, PM ointment, try to make myself blink more
often and “harder”, look away from the computer often. What else? It
seems taht prevention is the key – but you have to learn all the tricks
first!!

[Anonymous August 3, 1998 at 12:36 am Post count: 93172]

#1148403

Dryness, irritation, excessive tearing, and aches are due to retraction
of the eyelids that do not close completely at night. Here are some
tips that may help relieve your discomfort:
*Use lubricating ointment (LacriLube, Refresh PM, Tears Renewed) at
night. You may also want to tape your eyes shut with first aid tape
for sensitive skin (3M – one inch or wider), or tie a silk scarf or
bandana around your head and cover your eyes. Saran wrap over the
eyes also keeps moisture in.
*Use artificial tears (Celluvisc, Tears Naturale, HypoTears) during
the day. Don’t use Clear Eyes for getting red out.
*Elevate your head with pillows, provided it doesn’t hurt your neck too
much. It can relieve the build of fluids and the puffiness in the eyelids.
*Tilt your bed (wooden blocks under the legs at the head of the bed will
make gravity work to your advantage).
*Wear tinted glasses for protection against the sun, wind, dust, and smoke.
It also helps you avoid those “staring” incidences from others.
*Take a warm steamy bath or a dip in a hot tub (moisture in the air).
*Use a humidifier in your bedroom to keep the air moist.
*Avoid drafts, i.e. ceiling fans, open windows.
*Use hot or cold compresses, whichever feels better.
*Use cucumber slices on closed eyes (cool & supposedly has enzymes that
soothe the eye, or try tofu, which is supposed to be soft, cool, and mushy.
*Make a conscious effort to blink, the more the better, the longer
the better.
*If you are a smoker, stopping will improve the appearance of your eyes,
minimize irritation, and decrease the likelihood of severe involvement.
Tobacco worsens the autoimmune attack for unknown reasons.
*Try to avoid stress (easier said than done), but stress is thought to
play a role in eye flare-ups, etc.

Wishing you relief and comfort, Debby

[Anonymous August 3, 1998 at 10:55 am Post count: 93172]

#1148404

Thanks to Debby Jass for your helpful hints
on eye problems! That page should be printed out
and sent to all “new comers” to the Graves foundation.
It is these little ideas that really do make a difference
in how you feel on a day-to-day basis.

THANKS AGAIN!!

[Anonymous August 3, 1998 at 11:57 am Post count: 93172]

#1148405

Debby,
Thanks for your helpful hints. I am so glad I found this BB.
It is nice to know that others have some of the same problems.
Again thank you.

Another warrior,
Machell

[Author]

Posts