My eyes are permanently red-rimmed as though I have been crying. I bathe them regularly with salt water solution and/or over the counter allergy eye drops. Nothing seems to help. In the mornings, they often feel as though I have something 'scratchy' in them when I waken up. I wear glasses for close work and have my eyes tested regularly.
Any help would be appreciated!
Written answer:
Your symptoms are suggestive of 'dry eye'. I would not use salt water solution or allergy eye drops, and use instead the latest formulations of lubricating eye drops. You should use them frequently throughout the day and particularly at night before you go to bed. You could also use a gel like eye drop at night that will better protect your eye whilst you are asleep. The opticians usually stock them rather than the pharmacy. You need to avoid eye drops of any description that contain old fashion preservative, and the latest ones are safer. Look out for Systane Ultra and Systane Gel, Hyabak, Hycosan, Hydromoor, Lubristil and Ocusan.
When you have an eye test your optometrist may give you a better idea of the eye problem as they have specialised equipment that can examine your cornea and tear film under high magnification.
