After double eyelid surgery I developed chemosis, dry eyes and blepharitis. Can I use regular lubricating eye drops or do they need to be preservative free? How often do I need to use them? I'm confused.
May 3, 2015
Answer: Dry eyes I advise my patients that ANY eyelid procedure is a drying experience (that it may worsen dry eye syndrome). of course, you are welcome to use ANY type of lubricating eye drops. However, I have also found that in severe cases, PF (preservative free) eye drops, even a store brand, may give better relief for some patients than any drop containing preservatives. The good news is that after 6 months or so, these symptoms usually abate. Good luck!
Helpful
May 3, 2015
Answer: Dry eyes I advise my patients that ANY eyelid procedure is a drying experience (that it may worsen dry eye syndrome). of course, you are welcome to use ANY type of lubricating eye drops. However, I have also found that in severe cases, PF (preservative free) eye drops, even a store brand, may give better relief for some patients than any drop containing preservatives. The good news is that after 6 months or so, these symptoms usually abate. Good luck!
Helpful
May 4, 2015
Answer: Preservative eye drops are nice. When you need to use eye drops frequently, the absence of the perservative makes a difference because many people actually get irritation from exposure to the preservative. For this reason, for individuals who need to use artificial tears frequently, the preservative free products seem to be a very good idea. With regard the the frequency, it is essential to understand that the drop only sticks around 30-40 minutes and then it is gone. Whenever help it was doing is also gone. For this reason, if you are having a bad day, you might find it beneficial to use the drop every hour during the day. If you are going to bed and the eyes are bothering you, consider using a bland ophthalmic ointment like Refresh PM at bedtime. You only need a few mm of ointment. Instill it by pulling the lower eyelid down. It will melt and coat the eye so you don't need to do this which can risk scratching the cornea. If you find yourself frequently having bad days, it can be very helpful to also see a cornea specialist. They can work with you no the use of antibiotics to improve the blepharitis, plugs to help trap moisture and other measures that can help eye comfort.
Helpful
May 4, 2015
Answer: Preservative eye drops are nice. When you need to use eye drops frequently, the absence of the perservative makes a difference because many people actually get irritation from exposure to the preservative. For this reason, for individuals who need to use artificial tears frequently, the preservative free products seem to be a very good idea. With regard the the frequency, it is essential to understand that the drop only sticks around 30-40 minutes and then it is gone. Whenever help it was doing is also gone. For this reason, if you are having a bad day, you might find it beneficial to use the drop every hour during the day. If you are going to bed and the eyes are bothering you, consider using a bland ophthalmic ointment like Refresh PM at bedtime. You only need a few mm of ointment. Instill it by pulling the lower eyelid down. It will melt and coat the eye so you don't need to do this which can risk scratching the cornea. If you find yourself frequently having bad days, it can be very helpful to also see a cornea specialist. They can work with you no the use of antibiotics to improve the blepharitis, plugs to help trap moisture and other measures that can help eye comfort.
Helpful
