Dry eyes! Am I alone?

[Katieb]

Does anyone else suffer from severe dry eyes? I have had them for about 12 months and they have become progressively worse. I have discussed the problem with both my doctor and my optician - both say not much they can do other than drops/gels. I use a gel (Lacrilube) before bedtime then drops (hypromelose) throughout the night. My eyes sometimes stick together and I need drops to open them. My Diabetic Nurse told me they were probably not diabetes related. They also run in my family (brother and sister both non-diabetic). Problem is I can't get a decent nights sleep!! Any other sufferers out there?😡 Katie

 

[wallycorker]

Hi Katie,

No you are not alone!

I used to suffer from exactly what you describe and was referred to a specialist about the problem. Neither my doctor nor the specialist ever seemed to consider a link between "dry eye" and diabetes.

What I do know is that my problem has disappeared since I normalised my blood glucose levels by changing my diet - as have almost all the health problems that I have encountered over the last twenty years or so.

If you Google the words dry eye and diabetes then you will find loads of stuff linking the two problems:

http://uk.bing.com/search?q=%22dry+eye%22+diabetes&go=&qs=n&sk=&form=QBRE

Hope that you might find my input helpful.

Best wishes - John

 

[Katieb]

Hi Katie,

No you are not alone!

I used to suffer from exactly what you describe and was referred to a specialist about the problem. Neither my doctor nor the specialist ever seemed to consider a link between "dry eye" and diabetes.

What I do know is that my problem has disappeared since I normalised my blood glucose levels by changing my diet - as have almost all the health problems that I have encountered over the last twenty years or so.

If you Google the words dry eye and diabetes then you will find loads of stuff linking the two problems:

http://uk.bing.com/search?q=%22dry+eye%22+diabetes&go=&qs=n&sk=&form=QBRE

Hope that you might find my input helpful.

Best wishes - John

Hi John

So glad to find someone who understands (and who has improved since BG has improved!). I am actually prediabetic; BG not high enough to be diagnosed with full blown D. However, since losing weight and improving my diet and exercise over the past 3 months, I have seen an improvement in other areas of my health, so maybe this will improve too!! Thanks for giving me some hope!🙂

Katie

 

[Bolddog]

Hmmmm

I'm hoping its 'only' dry eye but you might just reflect on if it might be a mild form of anterior uveitis.

G.P.s are hopeless with eyes. Very few of them have the required equipment for basic diagnosis never mind recall their training.

If you suspect that this might be the case insist on seeing a eye specialist

Bolddog


P.S. Full blown Anterior Uveitis is associated with, among other things, a number of GI autoimmune diseases. It is very disruptive to life ( meaning when A.U flares everything just has to stop ) and unpleasant ( meaning many many days - and nights - of 9/10, 10/10 pain )

 

[Katieb]

Hmmmm

I'm hoping its 'only' dry eye but you might just reflect on if it might be a mild form of anterior uveitis.

G.P.s are hopeless with eyes. Very few of them have the required equipment for basic diagnosis never mind recall their training.

If you suspect that this might be the case insist on seeing a eye specialist

Bolddog


P.S. Full blown Anterior Uveitis is associated with, among other things, a number of GI autoimmune diseases. It is very disruptive to life ( meaning when A.U flares everything just has to stop ) and unpleasant ( meaning many many days - and nights - of 9/10, 10/10 pain )

I have had a thorough check at the opticians recently, but will mention at next visit. Also, because there is a family history of dry eye, am hoping this is the explanation and that better diet etc will improve it. If concerned I will seek help sooner - eyesight is too precious to take risks with! Thanks for the 'heads up'. Katie

 

[AileenCJ]

I have dry eyes, but I just regulary wash out with optex eye wash, my opticians aren't worried about anything atm, and it was them that suggested I get checked for diabetes in the first place

 

[Katieb]

I have dry eyes, but I just regulary wash out with optex eye wash, my opticians aren't worried about anything atm, and it was them that suggested I get checked for diabetes in the first place

Thanks for that and good to meet others who understand.🙂