Gel drops - which ones work best?

[spgreenfield]

So far I've tried

-Sustane gel drops and they make my eye feel as though there's something IN it that shouldn't be!
-Sustane ultra - thinner - but lasts only about an hour or so
-Blink moderate to severe drops - they last a tad bit longer but still would like more time

Ointment seems to be the only thing that helps long term - silly question - when using ointment, once you can focus - is it gone?  Because my eye still feels fine - I'm considering using a very small amount of ointment along with drops to see if it helps at all.....

Curious to see responses!

Pam

[ombrerose4]

Hi Pam,

I have yet to find a drop or gel that gives me total relief. As soon as my eye gets used to the drops, they stop helping so I am constantly switching back and forth. I usually alternate between Systane Ultra and Bausch & Lomb Soothe. I have also used a gel(Genteel) and then follow up a few minutes later with a drop. It's strange but my eye bothers me the most during the night when I am sleeping.

[mk]

I generally use Tears Naturale Free during the day. Whenever I feel like I need something thicker (usually later in the day when I am tired, and before going to bed), I use Genteal gel drops. They are not really a "gel", but they are thicker than regular drops.

Marianna

[Cheryl R]

I say this alot on here but I have used Refresh products all along with my most luck.      Gel at night and very occ use of liqugel in the day.     Celluvisc was good back in my days when had worse eye issues.                       Cheryl R

[spgreenfield]

It appears they have a new product too - with coupons!  Wonder what the cost is if the coupon is $3 off....will see.  I'll give the line a try.  Currently only using their ointments - don't want the SUPER thick gel drops but willing to try the lubricating ones.  For some reason a really thick drop feels like an eyelash got in my eye...........

Pam

[spgreenfield]

Just tried the Refresh Optive advanced.  Very pricey for a relatively small bottle.  Runs in my drug store at about $14 for only .33 fl. oz.!  It's nice - not thick - think it would be better for those that have SOME natural tears hanging around....it seems to be a little more "oily" than most.  Doesn't feel cold and wet when putting it in - soothing a bit at first, but doesn't seem to lubricate.  Might team it up with my other tears product as it's supposed to cut down on evaporation of tears....  When I saw the $3 off coupon on the Refresh website, I KNEW I had an expensive product!!!!

Pam

[nancyann]

Hi Pam: thanks for the 'heads up' on the Refresh coupon. Since I've had total facial paralysis from the get go, I can only use Refresh PM ointment. Drops, gels, etc, don't work for me.  After 6 years, the eye issue is the only daily issue I deal with...

[KarenKenney]

I'm very late on this, I know, but I have just found this site through an eye twitch search

I can only use Refresh CELLUVISC for daytime & Refresh PM at night. Nothing compares. I figure I can't put a price on my eye!! I had total paralysis initially, but had a nerve graft, which has helped tremendously... I'm still know as the eye drop girl though I much prefer that than being the girl w one eye or worse.....

[Handma1d]

Howdy,
I recently started using the GenTeal gel by Novaris for moderate to severe dry eye. It's not too thin. not too thick, it's just right for me - kind of like the Three Bears porridge!   
It is $10.00 for a 0.5 ounce bottle. It's the only one I've tried, but love the results. Only need it once a day so far.
Peace,
Diane

[It is what it is]

Hi, I use Refresh drops when needed during the day but the only thing that works after I go to bed is Genteal GEL for severe dry eye. 

karen

[Dena King]

For past 30 years I have tried just about every product on the market and always go back to my Celluvisc drops during the day, and lacrilube ointment at night. 

[It is what it is]

Has anyone tried the plugs in the tear ducts to provide more moisture in the eye?  If so, it that working?

karen

[spgreenfield]

Hi Karen.  I have only one plug on the lower lid - it does help!  The tears (what I put in and actually make) stay in the eye much longer with it in there.  I figure I'll leave it in there until I get annoyed by "puddling" in the corner of my eye....but that hasn't happened yet.  My eye keeps improving - so much now since I only find I'm putting in drops a couple times a day and not every 15-20 minutes as I was in the beginning.  Wind also doesn't bother me nearly as much...

When was your surgery?

Pam

[It is what it is]

That was very helpful Pam.  Thanks!  My surgery was 8/1/12. 

[spgreenfield]

So I'm totally bummed....now that we're going back into winter and less humidity indoors my eye is beginning to "act up" once again!  <SIGH> So back to drops consistently throughout the day....grrr was SO hopeful that things were looking up as far as tear production was concerned!!!  Anyone else have this issue?

Pam