Dry Eyes too!

I know I would have dryness elsewhere, but I have had extremely dry eyes since my total hyterectomy. Has anyone else? Also I'm not on hormone therapy as my Oncologist said this would not be in my best interest. Anybody else having this problem?

Hi Pumpkin I had a problem with very dry eyes after my surgery even though I am on HRT. (The reason is that hormone replacement has a hard time getting to the estrogen receptors in the eye due to poor blood perfusion in the eyes.)

I asked the opthalmologist if he'd mind prescribing compounded eyedrops with a little estrogen in them and he looked at me as if I had two heads (though in fact a physician does hold a patent on such eye drops). So, I asked what were the alternatives?

Basically it came down to eye drops (either OTC or prescription Restasis) or punctal plugs. I opted for the plugs. My insurance paid for a part of the cost. I had them inserted several years ago and they're still there, and I no longer have trouble with dry eyes. I do also use Similasan Dry Eye drops 2x a day, and those contain homeopathic belladonna (interestingly, belladonna is sometimes prescribed in lieu of HRT for women who cannot use estrogen); those are very soothing but don't solve the problem completely by themselves.

If you'd like more information on the plugs, talk with your opthalmologist and/or check them out on the web; mine are called SmartPlugs. They do work!

s,
-Linda

Hi there. I'm sorry you have got dry eyes, it can be very uncomfortable. Unfortunately I was diagnosed w/it too a couple of years back. My opthalmologist informed me that once one gets it, there isn't really a cure. I use Tears Naturelle up to 4 times per day, if I remember! My eyes feel a lot more comfortable. I also did some research and of course a healthy life style helps this issue too- walnuts, fish etc. Drinking 2 litres of water each day. Protecting the eyes with good sun glasses and hats as well as being careful with hair dryers and room heaters, even stong windy weather may aggravate the prob. Even bathing them with iced water and using Chamomile eye masks gives relief. There is a lot one can do to ease them.
Good luck! Peace and hugs.