Hello all,

Anyone else struggle with the dry eye syndrome associated with thyroidism?

I really struggle with this in terms of reading comfortably and resting at night. So far nothing has worked.

Looking for guidance from others that may have been more successful.


Deb

I use Optive artifical tears. I never had dry eyes until I got into my 60s, but I've been hypothyroid for 40+ years. My opthomologist also told me that computer use causes the problem. We stare at screens and don't blink enough.

I am sure that is my problem Susan. I work in front of a computer all day.

I have tried several different dry eye products to no avail.

Deb

Quilter, your weight loss is fantastic! Would you share your way of eating? and exercise habits? I could never imagine losing that much or even 20 lbs. By the way, I use Similason eye drops for dry and allergy eyes. Thanks for any help you might be able to give.

I also use artificial tears, as I've been having problems with dry eye and mouth recently (I haven't resorted to an artificial saliva yet, but I do drink liquids all day). I am borderline low thyroid, and I also have fibromyalgia and autoimmune disease. I've been afraid that it could be a sign that my autoimmune disease isn't actually in remission (and could be Sjogren's syndrome). I have an appointment with my doctor in a few days, so we'll see if there's any indication in the bloodwork as to what's going on.

Something new, that I've never experienced before is when I wake up, my eyelids are coated in dried tears (crystals of salt). The eye lids aren't stuck together and there's no pain or severe itch like when you get conjuctivitis (pink eye) as I've had that before a couple times (when I worked in child care). Instead there's just this feeling of having sand and/or gunk in my eye (mildly itchy) and all this gritty salt in the eye lid crease.

I've also had some VERY rapidly growing dental cavities (and no dental insurance), and have a harder time swallowing very dry foods.

LIZ, I am a lifetime member of WW since 1977 and follow the Momentum Plan. My husband passed away in May and I let the eating get out of hand, so I'm back to getting back to goal. I exercise 4-5 days a week at Curves. I am 67 years old.

Yes, I have the dry eyes, and mouth. Along with being hypothyroid for ten years, I believe I have Sjogren's, but do not have a formal diagnosis yet.

The only thing I know about artificial tears is that we should use those that don't contain preservatives.

On one of the Sjogren's boards I visit, Genteal eye drops are often suggested as good ones to try. I haven't bought any yet myself though.