Easy, At Home Treatments for Dry Eyes in Women Over 50
After mentioning that I’ve been struggling with a flare-up of my ocular rosacea and resulting dry eyes, this AWSL community came to my rescue with a list of wonderful suggestions and treatments you’re using to help battle your dry and red eyes. No matter if you struggle with ocular rosacea, and meibomian gland dysfunction like me or another ailment like allergies, there’s nothing worse than eye discomfort. It’s not only discomfort because in my case, they’re also downright painful. This list of easy at-home treatments for dry eyes in women over 50 will hopefully help you ease your symptoms and soothe your eyes so that you get the relief from dry, itchy eyes that you deserve.
Note- I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV so please check with your own physician.
Here are some of the remedies you’re using:
At Home Treatment for Dry Eyes in Women Over 50:
- Scrub eyes with baby shampoo twice a day – Lots of doctors recommend this tip as well!
- Systaine Eye Drops – These are very hydrating!
- Flax Seed Oil supplement – Flax seed oil is known to be a source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which help support ocular health and can help relieve dry eyes. I add a scoop of this ground flax seed to my protein shakes in the morning. You can also bake it into muffins and bread.
- Occusoft Foam – If the baby shampoo doesn’t work for you, you can try this gentle eyelid cleanser. Many of you liked this one.
- Bruder eye mask – The moist heat from this eye mask helps to open clogged oil glands. I use mine every evening.
- Refresh Eye Drops – Readers say these are very hydrating and lubricating so they help soothe dry eye symptoms!
- Fish oil supplements – Like flax seed oil, fish oil supplements can help improve the function of the meibomian glands, which are often a cause of dry eyes. I take two of these burpless caps a day and find them very palatable.
- Refresh Gel Eye Drops – If the regular Refresh drops are not enough, the gel formula is thicker so it coats your eyeball. You might also try these gel drops by Systaine.
- Warm washcloth soaks- Similar to the effects of the above eye mask, a warm washcloth soak can bring relief to dry eyes by helping to open clogged oil glands.
- Refresh Optic Mega 3-Lubricant Eye Drops – I just started using these and love them!
On the recommendation of a reader, I also ordered this heated eye wand which I’m very excited to receive. I will keep you posted after it arrives…hopefully before my trip.
Treatments that Require a Trip to the Doctor:
If the above treatments aren’t working for you, it may be time to make an appointment with your ophthalmologist to see what they recommend or to inquire about one of the suggestions below.
- Dr inserted eye plugs
- Restasis eye drops RX
- 50 mg of doxycycline twice a day
In addition to everything I was doing before, my doctor has started me on 50mg of doxycycline twice a day and Xiidra drops morning and night. I haven’t seen an improvement yet, but I will stay on the course for several months to see if this helps.
If you have dry eyes, I hope some of these suggestions help to give you relief! If you use another treatment besides the ones listed, please let us know in the comments. So many of us are battling painful dry eyes.
I have an autoimmune disease that has been causing dry eye and dry mouth. In addition to using some of the products and routines shared by others, I keep a humidifier going in the bedroom when the heat and air conditioning are running hard (summer and winter). And I have one running downstairs if the house gets really dry. It makes such a difference.
Can any of you with dry eyes wear eye make up? I can’t wear ANY! I have bought every type of mascara for sensitive eyes , allergic eyes, natural products, etc. My eyes can’t take it. I have tried eye shadows including just my face foundation on my eye lids. Even using a color to hide darkness under my eyes kills me. So with my post-Covid gray hair and dark puffy eyes, I look perpetually tired and…OLD! I welcome suggestions and thank you, Jennifer, for the great comments and discussion
I have found the dryeyeshop.com to be a great resource for dry eye sufferers. Rebecca, the owner, had lots of great information about the drops, gels, and ointments, and sleep masks. And if there is an availability issue, she often has information as well.
I have severe dry eye, and use Cequa drops( a stronger version of Restaisis), scleral lens, serum drops, and a night mask. I do IPL, and Lipiflow on a maintenance schedule. For windy days I have moisture chamber glasses from 7eye. Having a knowledgeable dry eye doc is very helpful.
I used to use Xiidra but my doctor switched me to Restasis which works better for me. If insurance doesn’t cover the prescription, try filling it using Good Rx. I had to use that until, thankfully, my insurance has added Restasis to their covered medications. Occasionally I need something extra and found that the Refresh drops help immensely. I have tried several of the formulas depending on what’s available and they are all good. A good thing to try overnight is Sodium Chloride Opthalmic Ointment USP, 5%. A small amount in the eye helps relieve inflammation while you sleep. My doctor recommended this several years ago and I have used it every night since. It can sometimes be found at the drugstore but I order mine on Amazon.
Thank you Pat. The Good RX won’t help with my Xiidra unfortunately. I’ll give it a few more weeks and if it doesn’t help see if I can switch to Restasis.
I am sick of dry eyes! I just started Restasis; my insurance won’t cover it. I just finished a month of Lotemax, a steroid eye drop that relieves inflammation of my cornea. Insurance didn’t pay for that either. Often, I pull over and add drops so I can drive. If I look tired, I use Lumify occasionally.
What eye makeup do you use? I’ve also had a few styes and am extremely cautious.
I meant “teach”!!!!!!
Hi Jennifer – I just wanted to comment on your fabulous eye makeup! It is so delicately and perfectly done – such a light and flattering touch with eye makeup! I think you have a great deal to reach us here about how you accomplished such a light touch! Products and technique! I would be very interested.
Olwyn
Recently n my dry eyes have become very troublesome with eyelid swelling, achy eyes and extremely dry. So the heat packs have helped with oil production but swelling achiness continue. I found all of your comments helpful and comforting
I’m glad these ideas have given you some things to try. There seems to be no one answer for every person.