[32][F] I've had severe dry eye that's gotten worse over time- are there any OTC vitamins/supplements/medications and/or at-home treatment methods you would recommend to relieve and/or cure the dry eye issue?
Primary Complaint: Insanely dry eyes, duration for 8+ years, getting worse over time
Background info: White 32 F in USA, 5'8", 280 lbs, No smoking, Drink socially 2-3x a year, No recreational drugs
Medical issues: Hypothryoid (Hashimotos), ADHD, Bipolar II, OCD
Current meds: Synthroid 112mcg OD, Trileptal 300mg BID, Prozac 40mg OD, Trazadone 150mg OD, Xanax 0.25mg BID as needed (usually 5 pills/week), Adderall IR 15mg QID as needed (usually 10-16 pills/week)
Current vitamins/supplements: Vitamin D3 50mcg (2000 IU); Magnesium L-Threonate 144mg
Detailed complaint:
I've had bone dry eyes for about 7-8 years now, but it's gotten worse over time. I've heard that thyroid issues can cause eye issues (I've only ever seen my PCP for basic thryoid RX and bloodwork), but not sure if my hypothyroidism/Hashimotos does. I drink a lot of water and use Systane Gel Drops when they're really dry (mostly on days that I take my Adderall, and I use a lot of drops on those days). The only other eye drops that have worked and honestly worked the best are Visine Dry Eye Tired Eye (which is basically discontinued). I work a computer job where I'm staring at the screen for a good chunk of the week and I use warm heat compresses and heated eye massagers to help as well. I have biannual basic vision checks and I have near 20/20 vision and the eye docs never comment on my eyes other than to say they're in excellent shape.
What I do know is my Adderall is super dehydrating especially when I take higher doses or when I need to take it more frequently (like 6 days/week instead of my usual 3-4 days a week). I do drink more water than most people to try and offset this along with taking magnesium supplements, but I also drink way more coffee than the average person which is also dehydrating.
Question:
Does anyone have a recommendation(s) for vitamin(s)/supplement(s) I can try for this insane dry eye? I'd like to avoid even more prescriptions and see if something OTC works first before resorting to dealing with my incompetent insurance company. In additon to vitamin(s)/supplement(s) recommendations, if there is anything I can do at home to help the dry eye (like devices/pads/exercises etc.), I would appreciate that advice as well!
Posted Feb 18, 2024, 5:18 AM UTC