Ask your ophthalmologist about getting punctal plugs. I had them implanted a year and a half ago and I just love them. I no longer use eyedrops as religiously as I used to. However, during the dry winter months, I still use a humidfier, but I actually use the humidifier for my sinsuses, not so much my eyes.

Thank you for your reply. I do have the punctal plugs, one anyway-the other eye rejected it's plug-stupid eye. Anyway, I have never had this much trouble b4, I don't get it.

To be honest with you, I got my first pair of punctal plugs July 2007, and they got rejected in March 2008. But I got a new pair then and they're still intact.

There are different types of punctal plugs out there so you may want to discuss what types of plugs your ophthalmologist has in stock.

So Sorry! I don't have any other words of advise.....just a big HUG!

Hi SleepyT,

My eyes have been too inflammed for the plugs, so my doctor actually had to caterize my ducts. It helped for awhile, but then I guess when I flared again my eyes became more irritated. When that happened my rheumy suggested I ask my opthomologist about Restasis, because no over the counter drops or artificial tears were working. I started the Restasis in December and so far, so good.

You might inquire about it as well.

Melissa

I have had sjogrens for 15 years now. The only thing that works well for me is BION tears. You buy them in the eye solution aisle. Some places don't carry it. Find it. There is nothing better. It was made for sjogrens patients. I cannot live without them. Let me know when u find them. They are more expensive than the other moisture drops but you will see; WORTH IT!

I have had sjogrens for 15 years now. The only thing that works well for me is BION tears. You buy them in the eye solution aisle. Some places don't carry it. Find it. There is nothing better. It was made for sjogrens patients. I cannot live without them. Let me know when u find them. They are more expensive than the other moisture drops but you will see; WORTH IT!

I've had dry eyes for years. I don't even bother with eye make-ups anymore because it's too uncomfortable. I also had plugs but recently lost one because of conjunctivits that wouldn't quit(possibly caused by the plug).

But my eyes haven't been half as bad as they were since I started taking Salagen a few years ago. I also use Smooth Lubricant Eye Drops (preservative free)by Bausch and Lomb and warm compresses a few times a day (when I remember).

It's a real pain so I feel for you. Lupus is not fun!

Sorry, I meant "Soothe" not Smooth and make up not make-ups - duh! Brain fog at its best!

Thank you all for your help. I'm going to try all of your suggestions. Thank you

Besides a humidifier my opthalmologist put me on restasis and over the counter drops called genteal. However he recently changed me from genteal to systane ultra and this seems to be helping my eyes a lot. I also put a cool gel sinus pack over my eyes or use compresses when they feel tired and sore.

Well, getting a new opthamologist worked very well! He put in new plugs as my other ones were gone! The relief is so welcome.
The other doctor was such an ass! I have Bion on my list.

I know I could have it so much worse so I try to not complain. Lately my eyes burn and are blurry. Some days are soooo miserable as the humidity is low, I am on computers a lot , and there are blowers. Are punctal plugs worth it???? I use restasis and take omega oils, drops to no avail. I will look for Bion. I’m a nurse and never heard of that. Thank you everyone