[Anonymous July 29, 1997 at 9:33 am Post count: 93172]

#1054517

I’m beginning to suspect that my eyes are not fully shutting at night while I’m sleeping. Among other things, I wake up with them feeling really dry. So if any of you who have experience with what to do in this situation could pass some tips along to me, I’d really appreciate it. I’ve tried wearing a mask, but that isn’t working. Two nights ago, I woke up with wretched pain in one eye — it felt like the mask had rubbed the open eye. I’ve got a call into my ophtho, but he’s on vacation. (Murphey’s Law of Graves — when something goes wrong, the ophtho/endo WILL be out of town.)

Wishing all a good day.

Bobbi

[Anonymous July 29, 1997 at 2:41 pm Post count: 93172]

#1158862

Hi Bobbi, I can certainly relate to the pain in the eye. It’s a very sharp pain isn’t it. Yes, your eyes are probably not completely closing. That is pretty common.

What I was told is to use Lacri-Lube or DueLube ointment and pull the bottom “eyelid” down and insert the ointment. Then cut a piece of saran wrap and completely tape it over the eye or both eyes if applicable. This keeps the eyes moist.

I do this but have to admit it does not seem to have helped a lot and it is a big “pain” to go through every night. Actually last night I had one of those totally sleepless nights mainly due to my eyes throbbing so much. But you should try it tho Bobbi – you know how with this disease everybody reacts different to treatments.

Hope it helps but I’d sure see your Ophthalmologist as soon as he gets back.

Good luck and take care, SAS

[Anonymous July 29, 1997 at 3:01 pm Post count: 93172]

#1158863

Sorry Bobbi, that second one should be DuoLube. You can get at any drugstore in Canada so I’m sure you can find this ointment or similar where you live.

[Anonymous July 29, 1997 at 9:11 pm Post count: 93172]

#1158864

Hi, Bobbi! Sorry to hear about your continuing eye problems. I remember
that discomfort all too well.

What seemed to help me the most at night was using the eye lubricant (like
Lacri-lube) and literally taping my eyes shut with first aid tape for
sensitive skin. 3m has a good product out in many different widths – I
liked the wider ones best, i.e. 1 inch or more. Make sure you don’t use
too much lubricant, or the tape won’t stick as well.

Another help was using lubricant eye drops during the day, like Allergan’s
Celluvisc. I bought the single-use containers so I could carry a couple
in my purse for those away-from-home irritations. They felt especially good
in the morning after a rough night.

Hope this helps and finds you comfort, Debby

P.S. Hot tubs are pretty good for eye dryness, also!

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