Flaxseed oil and dry eyes

[Jugger]

Hi all

Does anyone have experience of using flaxseed oil (in tablet form)? If so, does it help with dry eyes?

I have been using the semi-sclerals lenses for a few months now, and the dryness in my eyes is getting worse. My optician initially suggested I try using Omega 3/ Omega 7 to help with that. I tried them, but they didn’t make a difference.

She now recommends that I try Flaxseed oil.

The issue with the dryness is really starting to get to me down. I have phases in the day when I get a continuous period where the lenses are unbearable. It recently cost me with a job interview where the irritating sensation caused by the dryness caused me to lose my train of thought.

I’ve tried a variety of eye drops (Clinitas Soothe, Systane Ultra to name a few), and they sometimes help to some degree, but other times they make no difference.

Jugger

[Andrew MacLean]

jugger

It may be that some people will find that these supplements help with dry eye. I'm afraid that, having tried several including flax seed oil, i have never found any that help. Thant's why i use artificial tears to lubricate my eyes.

But Keratoconus is a condition that varies for each of us, so anything is worth a try.

Andrew

[sky1]

Hi Jugger,

I wear scleral's and particularly this summer have been struggling with dry eyes. I take fish oil 3 times a day and make sure I eat oil fish regularly. I also have milled flax seeds in oats/yogurt etc in the morning to up the intake. I use HYLO drops in my eyes and in the preservative saline which I fill the lens with. This, a long with the heat pack (filled with flax seeds!) seem to have helped.

I've found also that plenty of fresh air (not lots of stuffy indoor heating), a good diet and lots of water really helps

I hope things improve for you soon x

[Andrew MacLean]

I think that there may be a problem with preservatives: for chronic users like us the general advice is to avoid products with any preservative. I use Clinitas Soothe because it has no preservative. I can use it with lenses in, and think it might be suitable for filling the lens prior to insertion (check with your eye care specialist)

[sky1]

Sorry I do use preservative free amidose!

[Steven Williams]

Dry eyes a regular thread topic and key symptom of KC in my opinion.

To commence wearing contact lenses particularly hard rgp lenses before resolving this problem is madness.

Came across the many gems of information from KCers on this forum:-

Re: New to KC

Postby nicola lewis » Sun Aug 21, 2011 8:30 pm
Hello again,
been trying out a few things which have really made a difference. Allergy eye drops, I have mild asthma,and use Ventolin and Seretide, didn't think that my itchy dry eyes were due to an allergy, but the eye drops have really helped. Now my eyes don't feel gritty or dry anymore,I've stopped rubbing them, and I'm sure it's improved my vision a little. I've been taking Benedryl allergy tablets as well, I seem to have more energy, and don't feel so wheezy. I guess I'll need to check with my GP if it is advisable to use these long term.
One other thing I've discovered are 'Solar Shield' sunglasses, they can be worn over specs, these have really made a difference when driving on sunny days, and are so relaxing for my eyes.
I've got an appointment for contact lenses next month, with an Optician who's recommended.
Lastly, I've had a new pair of specs with 'Roddenstock' lenses, much happier with these,only a little distortion at the edges, (I think my Rx is approx -8 in both eyes). I wish this KC had been picked up sooner, I've had symptoms of it for ages, at least the last 10 years.
Have made an appointment to have my children checked at an independant opticians, they've had regular eye tests at a high street opticians (always passed vision tests with perfect vision) but I have lost my faith in them, as they failed to diagnose me. I hope to goodness that they haven't inherited it. My parents have reasonably good vision, only needing specs for reading. So hopefully I'm the only 'Odd un' in the family!

[Jugger]

Hi all

Thank you for your input and contributions.

Jugger