Eye Drops- Update

My doctor is big on Tears Natural II – 2 drops, 4x daily - so that is what I use. Remember that whatever you try must be a eye "lubricant" and NOT contain any of the red eye or other stuff.

I also found this some time ago -- didn't actually do a trial test to prove/disprove any of this worked, but it might be worth checking your diet for these vitamins.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS
The following are some of the essential nutrients for treating dry eyes:
• Vitamin A: In parts of the world where vitamin A deficiency is widespread, severe dry eye syndrome is a leading cause of blindness. Vitamin A is needed for the health of all epithelial (surface) tissues; it is actually found in the tear film of healthy eyes, and is fundamental to the production of the mucous layer of the tears.
We recommend eye drops containing vitamin A because they protect the eyes from free radicals, such as toxins, irritants, allergens and inflammation. In addition, take a daily dose of 10,000 I.U. of vitamin A and 25,000 I.U. of beta-carotene (also called pro-vitamin A because it converts to vitamin a in the body).
Note: before beginning a regimen of vitamin A or beta-carotene, have your thyroid activity checked by your doctor. Hypothyroid patients - people with underactive thyroids - are always vitamin A deficient. They cannot convert beta-carotene to vitamin A, nor can they convert vitamin A to the form usable by the eyes. One way to check this yourself is to take your temperature under your arm when you wake up in the morning, but before you get out of bed. If it is regularly below 97.8 F degrees , you might have any underactive thyroid.
• Vitamin B6: All of the B vitamins are important in treating dry eyes, but vitamin B6 aids in the proper absorption of magnesium. Magnesium helps the body produce a hormone called prostaglandin E-7, which is necessary for tear production.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is concentrated in the tear film to a higher level than that found in the blood.
• Potassium: Probably the most important mineral for dry eye symptoms, potassium is usually very low in dry eye patients. This is usually linked to low intakes of folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin B6 along with high sugar consumption. You can take in at least 500 mg per day by increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables (one banana contains 400 mg).
• Essential Fatty Acids: These are important for the production of both the oily, lipid and the watery aqueous layers of the tear film. After only ten days of taking essential fatty acids plus vitamins B6 and vitamin C, dry eye sufferers have seen an increase in tear production.

I use Refresh and TearsNaturale.  At night if your eyes get very,very dry try Refresh PM.  It is a gel and really helps keep your eyes lubricated.  During the day if you can close your eyes and rest apply Refresh liquid gel.  It will blur your vision, that is why I suggest you use it if you can keep your eyes closed for 20 minutes or so.  There is also prescription Restasis, that has really helped me.  Whatever OTC lubricant you use besure it is preservative free.

I also use all of the supplements Lynnwood suggested.   Sjogren's is very common with Lupus, that may be what is causing your dry eyes.

I like the Genteal gel drops. They also have a nightime one that is a bit thicker. If your eyes are really bad (putting in drops more than x amount of times per day), there is Restasis as mentioned earlier that I think works as an immune suppressant or modulator (I forget which one or exactly how it works) so it builds up in your system.

So eye doc said deffinaly sjogrens that is causing the dry eye/mouth problems. Hmm...he told me to get some OTC drops and gel (don't remember the name but have it written down) Also said to get glycerine based mouth wash NOT alcohol based for my dry mouth and to reguraly see the dentist to moniter for gum disease! Anything else I need to know?