Protecting the eye is so important as a scratch on the cornea is the same as a scratch on a window and will be permanent.
Each night I use:
* Micropore 3M Paper Tape
* Refresh Lacri-Lube (no preservatives)
* Nexcare Opticlude Orthoptic Eye Patch (Junior Size)
* Vaseline
* Chap Stick
I wash my face with a warm cloth and apply a tiny bit of Vaseline on my eye brow, so tape doesn't pull off eyebrow hair in the morning.
I put a tiny bit of Vaseline on my finger and rub the inside of my nostril, really helps with the dryness.
I apply the Lacri-lube from the inside corner of my eye to the outside corner and give my eyelid a tiny rub to spread it around. I then use three pieces of tape the length of my middle finger, if it is too long it doesn't seem to work as well. I push my eyelid down and tape horizontally across my lashes (hold your eyelid close with your finger) apply the next two like an X over the first one. Still hold your eyelid down and apply the eye bandage. Smooth it down and hold it for a bit.
Remember the eye wants to open so don't apply it and then watch TV or read. Cover the eye just before you go to sleep and it it works really well. If you need to get up in the night hold it down so the eye doesn't pop open and your eye may get scratched.
I also applied a piece of foam on my sunglasses see my post under 'Eyewear' and my life and what I wanted to do returned to normal. I never have to worry about my eye, day or night.
It sounds like a lot but really I have gotten used to it and hopefully one day I will not have to use it. It DOES get better.
Michelle