DRY EYES: Is There A Cure? - Dry Eye Syndrome Explained

[@KyleGutschow]

Thanks for another great video! I’ve been on the dry eye rollercoaster since late 2019. I attribute it to years of extended screen time and insufficient sleep. It took a long time for the damage to occur, so it can take a long time to heal and reverse some of the damage. For me personally I found that aggressive treatment made my symptoms much worse. Taking on everything at once - artificial tears, warm compresses, lid massage, and lid scrubs - increased my pain to the point where I had to wear moisture chamber glasses to be able to function. As soon as I stopped treatment and started over, I saw great improvement in pain. After months of issues and being referred to different specialists, I found a doctor who invested time in me and finally diagnosed coexisting ocular rosacea and chronic ocular allergies, which partially explained why so many treatments aggravated my eyes. Now that we understand how my eyes handle different treatments, we have made so much progress. For others out there - don’t give up and if you feel like your doctor has, seek out a new one and start over!

[@DrEyeGuy]

This is an amazing comment! Thank you for this! I am going to pin this comment on the top.

[@KyleGutschow]

@@DrEyeGuy thanks so much, and keep up the great content, it can help a lot of people.

[@gooner1248]

Where did you get the moisture chamber glasses?

[@KyleGutschow]

@@gooner1248 Ziena Eyewear’s website

[@gooner1248]

@@KyleGutschow thanks, is that custom made or should you just hope it fits well?

[@franceskennedy2938]

Thank you for the detailed information. I learned a lot. I’ve been going to my ophthalmologist for years and never received a a more thorough explanation. I was happy to learn more about dry eyes . It is a burdensome condition. I appreciate and will try your suggestions!

[@DrEyeGuy]

Thanks for this comment. It's comments like these that keep me making videos like this. It's a complex condition, and I think that can burn patients and doctors out and stop talking about it. Glad it could help.

[@GigLifewithLexi]

Great video! Having dry eyes is so frustrating. The only thing I can say for myself is that a year ago, I stopped using the "Restasis" drops thinking they weren't helping but when I did that, I realized how much they actually WERE helping. I've been using them regularly ever since, along with over-the-counter drops and it's a lot more tolerable.

[@DrEyeGuy]

That's good to hear they are working for you. I've had a lot of patients realize they were working once they stopped the drops. Thanks again for commenting!

[@GigLifewithLexi]

@@DrEyeGuy My pleasure. I hope my comments can help someone. :)

[@hellonheels91069]

We dont want a treatment....we want a cure!! Its 2024 for crying out loud!

[@danbrau20]

Try again in another 20+ years

[@gabrielalamberti5860]

After my lasik procedure I noticed my blepharitis is almost gone. But for me the best eye drops that helped my dry eyes is Systane Hydration PH. I tried all those eye drops in the list and they did not alleviate my dry eyes, only Systane Hydration PH has helped me feel so much better. Give it a try.

[@DrEyeGuy]

I agree! I have been using it the past couple of months and they are great. I'll add it to the list for sure.

[@belleofthecamp6530]

Hmm..I feel like my dry eye got worse post LASIK. However possibly could be a combination of things

[@WaniBilal-ul6db]

Lasek is the main culprit of dry eyes.

[@GeneMoretti]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make these great videos. I've had dry eyes for years and lately watery eyes. I also have Duane syndrome which makes all things worse. My quality of life has certainly been impacted by my eye conditions and not for the better. Can you do a video on Duane syndrome Dr?

[@DrEyeGuy]

Thanks for the comment! That is a good idea, I'll have to put Duane Syndome on my list of videos to make. I just checked and there really isn't a lot of videos out there about this topic. I'll see what I can come up with. Thanks!

[@Erfnurgen]

I had no idea how complex this is. Always feeling a like genius after watching your vids! Thanks for the info!

[@DrEyeGuy]

Yeah, it's crazy how complex it can get. Thanks!

[@LenTheKiwi]

Great video thanks. You covered a lot and I learnt a lot. Once again you are very informative.

[@DrEyeGuy]

Thank you, and thanks for watching my videos!

[@reneebodily6651]

Thank you for these videos, they have helped me so much. Especially with dry eyes.🙂

[@DrEyeGuy]

Thanks Renee! Thanks for the support as well.

[@dianestahr4421]

Vitamin a also fish oil has helped my dry eye prob tremendously. Haven't had to use eye drops for 2 weeks now.

[@DrEyeGuy]

That's amazing!

[@stevefiorito5379]

Sometimes I think that the lubricating eye drops I use make things worse, at least initially after application. I've used the brand recommended and sold by my eye doctor: that product seemed to have a precipitation of crystal in it ... not pleasant. I've used several of the Optase products ... those didn't seem to have the precipitated crystals, but I am not sure that they are doing much for my dry eyes. I also have the hot mask for eyes: That's good for about 5 minutes, an uncomfortable after that. I've been taking the high quality fish oil capsules recommended by my eye doctor. So, I am doing everything I was supposed to do, but after 9 months the condition is still there. One thing that has changed significantly is the pink eye/infections I was getting often. I think the eye hygiene routine has taken care of that ... a big improvement.

[@julieprieto2209]

Hi Dr. Great video! Thank you. Based on your knowledge. Could IPL eye treatment heal the meibomian glands in the long term permanently?

[@DrEyeGuy]

Great question... no, I couldn't say permanently, because the glands can still atrophy, and the skin around the eyelid will loosen as you age.

[@julieprieto2209]

@@DrEyeGuy Hi Dr. Based on your knowledge and the patients you have treated, what do you think is the best natural treatment to treat MGD and take care of the glands?

[@1malons]

Very informative video. Thanks 😊

[@DrEyeGuy]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@zandyyoung3345]

I have a red eyes now for almost 3 months and i was told by my doctor to use HYLO-forte drops as its because my eyes is dry. I have been using it but nothing change and sometimes my eyes get blurry and itchy. Shall I go back to my eye doctor about this?? Im so concerned because it feels like my vision is getting blurred

[@gissellesainz7704]

My doctor just prescribed me Regener Eyes Professional Strength and told me I'll need it for the rest of my life due to ocular rosacea and MGD. The company that produces these drops just informed me that it'll cost me over $6000 annually to be on this prescription. I can't afford that. Do you have any opinions on Regener Eyes? Do you have any other recommendations for dry eyes?

[@DrEyeGuy]

The is one of the most frustrating things about dry eye treatments... a lot of them are so expensive. Was that the only treatment option that you had from your doctor? There are a lot of dry eye treatments I could mention... but it's hard to recommend some not knowing the specifics of your eyes. Have you talked to your doctor about the cost being too high?

[@eaglec.8865]

Dear Dr, when use Steroid (not help with lubrication?) AND Restasis, should wait for 3-4 hours or 15-min apart? Thank you for sharing.

[@DrEyeGuy]

When you are going to use the drops around the same time, you want to space them by 15 minutes apart. Definitely follow the instructions that you got from your doctor.

[@brendapcmt]

Managed to check all the boxes... story of my life! I have keratitis, a gift from my dry eyes?, so I’m searching for info on that.

[@DrEyeGuy]

Keratitis and dry eye go hand in hand unfortunately. Thank you for watching my videos.

[@brendapcmt]

@@DrEyeGuy No.. thank you for doing the videos! Knowledge is priceless!

[@mariloulimpin1892]

Is herpetic uveitis causes sharp pain?

[@lindamorgan2678]

I had this problem 6 years ago and did everything suggested lasted for about 3 months. Then I read it could be a vitamin B ( maybe B12 ) so I realized I had been off my B complex vitamins for quite a while maybe 8 months got my liquid B's and with in a week it all went away. I also had crusty eyelashes in the morning and always tearing and red looking like I was a dope smoker or something. Any how thought I would share this Thanks Dr for your advice I forgot what the treatments I did in the past and needed a refresher will do this and Take my B's and fish oil

[@DrEyeGuy]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It can be very helpful for a lot of people.

[@alaamohamad-ali6200]

I have dry eyes from Lasik😭😭 and it's contributed to my bleph. Does the above work fir that?

[@DrEyeGuy]

When you say "above", do you mean info in the video?

[@malekal-assi651]

If there is atrophy in the meibomian glands, is it difficult to return to their normal state with care?

[@DrEyeGuy]

It's difficult to bring the glands back. But with care you can get your remaining glands up to speed and hopefully still bring your tears back to homeostasis. But... it can be challenging.

[@mariloulimpin1892]

Is herpetic uveitis causes discharge and sharp pain?

[@DrEyeGuy]

Yes, it can

[@hoangduyen8812]

Thank you so much. I'm wondering that do we need to use artificial tear for dry eyes if we can manage to cry a little bit to produce more tears when feeling irritated? Cause I know eye drops with preservatives are bad for severe dry eyes, and preservative free ones are kinda expensive, I'm a student so I can't afford it for using for a long period. Thank you very much huhu

[@DrEyeGuy]

Excellent Question. It depends....it depends on if it's just reflexive tears you are creating, but it is better then nothing. You're right, preservative free is better, but can be more expensive. If you have chronic dry eyes, artificial tears are important to keep dry patches or inflammation from getting out of control.

[@hoangduyen8812]

I'm so happy that you answered my question, thank you very much 😅

[@michelradford164]

Thank you 🌻🌻👩🏾‍🎨

[@DrEyeGuy]

Thank you for watching, and thanks for commenting on my videos as well.

[@gskfnxn9943]

There is increasing floaters in my eyes due to inflammation and eye strain caused by MGD☹️☹️☹️

[@DrEyeGuy]

MGD can be annoying and brutal at times. Have you went in to get your new floaters checked by your eye doc?

[@gskfnxn9943]

@@DrEyeGuy Yes Dr I had barrage laser at weak point of retina in my left eye but still I am continuously getting floaters due to continuous imflammed eyes caused by MGD

[@priscillac9171]

Curious why the reason for dry eyes here says tear issues. My doctor said my tears are fine and it’s my meibomian glands.

[@DrEyeGuy]

It can either or a mix. Tear issues (aqueous), Meibomian gland issues, or a mixture of the two.

[@skylol3896]

What about the eye boogers and eye crust on your eyelashes in the morning. I have a bad case of this. Extremely bad evey morning..HELP. how do I reduce this while sleeping?!

[@DrEyeGuy]

This can be a battle for sure. What has your doctor prescribed so far to help?

[@skylol3896]

Haven't went and said anything about it. I will call today 🤣 its bad. And embarrassing!

[@DrEyeGuy]

@@skylol3896 I think the eye doc should be able to help and get it cleared up.

[@mariloulimpin1892]

I have sharp pains in my eyes. Do you think it’s eye herpes or uveitis?

[@DrEyeGuy]

It's possible, unfortunately there are many different causes to sharp pains in the eyes.

[@angieguymon4764]

My eyes are more dry since Lasik. Especially 1ST thing in the morning.. will my eyes always be dry now?

[@DrEyeGuy]

Lasik can have some long lasting effects. You could also have some other Dry Eye issues that could be addressed to make it better.

[@viewix]

I'm having severe dry eye / tired(?) eye issues almost 24/7. Not sure if the eye itself is the issue or something completely different. Thing is that I just cannot keep my eyes open for a very long time. Tried almost everthing but still looking for that one solution that will ease/relaxe my eye's.. any ideas?

[@DrEyeGuy]

Just curious, can you not keep your eyes open because they start to hurt, or burn, or sting? Is it more just feeling tired and strained?

[@viewix]

@@DrEyeGuy more a tired feel (behind or "in" the eyeball. Eye drops relieve but only for few seconds. In conversation with someone or e.g. driving a car can be more irritating than just sitting at home.

[@DrEyeGuy]

@@viewix That is tricky, and that is one of the biggest symptoms of dry eyes. Have you been to an eye doctor. I'd be curious to know how the surface of your eyes look. Also, do you already wear glasses or contacts?

[@viewix]

@@DrEyeGuy been to many dokters. They basically all do the same, look at the eye and only see minor dry spots. Tearfilm is okayish although oil could be better. I'm using regular glasses (and computer/bluefilter glasses while at work). I'm doing warm compresses now and then, but does not seem to improve much.

[@josyjosy7495]

U have a caring nice voice.

[@DrEyeGuy]

Thank you so much for saying that.

[@josyjosy7495]

@@DrEyeGuy I must not b the first person saying that though.

[@DrEyeGuy]

@@josyjosy7495 you are though, thank you.

[@abkap5435]

thanks

[@DrEyeGuy]

Thank you, and thanks for watching.

[@orangecat8298]

I'was told ihad dry eye for month's Turns out I have visual snow disorder.

[@DrEyeGuy]

I need to make a video about Visual Snow Disorder...it has been on my list for months now.

[@ching-mansik7338]

Dry eyes cause eyelid twitch / spasms too?

[@DrEyeGuy]

Yes, in a way it can. The dryness can cause irritation and fatigue, which can sometimes spark eyelid twitches.

[@ching-mansik7338]

@@DrEyeGuy thanks! I’m not sure if I have dry eyes but it sounds like I do. My bottom eyelid twitches every time I come out of the shower and I don’t even get water in the eyes. That normal of dry eyes?

[@rexmonsselespejo7477]

Is dry eye a lifetime treatment?

[@DrEyeGuy]

A lot of the time it can be. I look at it in a similar way to staying healthy, eating right, exercising. It's something we need to do consistently to stay healthy.

[@rexmonsselespejo7477]

Thanks for reply

[@mariloulimpin1892]

Is there a dry eyes 👀 that go away on its own?

[@axie29redfield48]

Can i warm compress my dry eyes with eye mask?

[@DrEyeGuy]

Yes, certain dry eye warm compress masks work great and can help with dry eyes caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.

[@mariloulimpin1892]

Can i work in Canada? Google said cold weather is bad for herpes

[@mariloulimpin1892]

Is it possible eye herpes can be dormant forever?

[@DrEyeGuy]

I would say the chances are slim that it will be dormant forever, but I suppose it's possible.

[@mariloulimpin1892]

Is it possible i have eye herpes and debris in my eyes?

[@mariloulimpin1892]

Is eye herpes can be dormant?

[@DrEyeGuy]

Yes, The Herpes Virus can be dormant, even for years.

[@colingoede5705]

When I eat raw carrots my eyes feel less terrible.. a carrot a day might keep the eye doctor away !!