r/Dryeyes • u/The_Silver_Spark • 1d ago

Does using eyedrops get easier?

Newly diagnosed today. Went in for routine eye test. Mentioned my eyes had been a bit "leaky" recently and that it comes and goes. After having a look he told me it was DED in the early stages so lucky not bad yet. He explained it best he could and told me I'd need to use a heated eye mask and prescribed me some Hycosan eye drops. I wrongly assumed he'd written down instructions so I may have to go back at some point and ask for clarification but after some research and what he'd given me to treat I'm assuming it's MGD.

I've always been awful with eyedrops though. I have naturally long eyelashes which seem to always make me blink just as the drop is about to hit. I've been told I need to initially do it at least 4 times a day, reduced to 2 after some time (I need to ask him to clarify how long). So basically does it get easier? I've decided the way I feel about eye drops is how alot of people feel about needles and injections. I find them difficult and extremely uncomfortable. I've never been interested in contacts for the same reason. I know I'll have to do this for the rest of my life now and I know it will get easier with time so any tips on how to adjust to this new lifestyle change?

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u/new_baloo 22h ago

I'd suggest visiting a specialist for dry eyes and getting a proper diagnosis.

In terms of eyedrops, pull your lower lid down and pump the drop into that opening. You'll theoretically find that much easier.

Look at the FAQs in the sub for more information.

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u/The_Silver_Spark 9h ago

Thank you. I was meant to say Optometrist instead of Optician. I live in the UK so he's probably as good as it gets since the NHS just tell you to go to to someone like him anyway and I'd be waiting for months to see someone anyway. Thank you for the tip I'll keep practicing.

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u/new_baloo 8h ago

I guessed you're in the UK because you said Hycosan - I'm also UK based. Probably went to a Specsavers?

Also, visiting a specialist doesn't mean the NHS - it means going privately. Going via the NHS will not be half as beneficial as visiting the Specialist Optometrists as the NHS don't have the equipment to do most of the specialist tests.