How To Treat Dry Eyes from Sjogren’s:
I felt the symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome long before I was given a diagnosis: the dry eyes like sandpaper, the feeling of your eyelids like tight rubber bands as they roughly closed and opened, the extra dry eyes in the morning and the constant feeling like sand is irritating my eyeball at any given time.
Over the years, it got worse. I had to wear sunglasses anytime I was outside. I had to use eye drops every morning and night.
I had to switch to super sensitive eyeliner, mascara and clean beauty so nothing, and I mean nothing, could potentially flare it up and make it worse.
But, why am I telling you this – you already know. That’s why you’re here.
The Best Dry Eye Remedies:
I have done hours and hours of research and product testing over the years to find the safest, most gentle, natural remedies to treat dry eyes.
I’ve got this down to a science.
Now, I’m handing it to you on a silver platter.
Because you deserve better than the dish Sjogren’s is serving you.
While I am not a doctor (although, maybe, someday I will go back to get my naturopathic practitioner degree), and what works for me might not work for you, it’s worth a shot.
So, let’s take a look at the remedies that I use to help manage the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eyes and Sjogren’s all the time. Affiliate links are used. I only write about products I have researched and used. Here we go:
1. Refresh Optive Advanced Preservative-Free Eye Drops
If this one seems cliche – it’s because it’s that good. There really is no alternative.
Do not – I repeat – do not switch brands.
And, if you didn’t know, you can put the little cap back on it and make it last 2 days or so. Otherwise, it has less than a 24-hour shelf life after you open it.
I do a dot in each eye before bed. A dot in each eye in the morning.
Done and done.
Okay, fine, some days I do more than 2x a day – but since these are preservative-free, my doctor has assured me I’ll be just fine.
2. OcuSoft Lid Scrub PLUS
When it comes to these, you want the plus. It’s pretty simple way: you don’t have to wash it off.
I also use these on my son who gets chalazions and styes. It’s a side effect for having the longest eyelashes anyone has ever seen.
There pediatric opthmalogists have told us these are the absolute best and now I use them, too.
I actually find that I can use one side on my son and then the other on myself to make them last longer.
3. TheraTears 1200mg Omega Supplement for Eyes
I take a lot of supplements. Was I thrilled when I found out that this one required me to take another 3 pills a day?
Nope.
Was I more excited about it when I saw it actually worked?
You bet.
This eye nutrition supplement combines three powerhouse oils known to increase eye health and lubrication: organic flaxseed, fish oil and vitamin E.
One of my old eye doctors told me about it and I haven’t stopped taking it since.
In fact, when I get lazy and stop taking it – my eyes remind me.
4. Mediviz Dry Eye Mask
Here’s another little friend that my son and I share. This microwaveable eye mask is so soothing when your eyes get super inflamed and start screaming at you.
Or, if you are having allergies, sinus inflammation, or just an unusually dry day – a few minutes minutes with this on your face is so soothing and really helps your eyes start to get with the program.
There are a million brands of these – I don’t know that it matters so much which one you get. This just happens to be the one that we have, so I know it works.
5. Homech Cool Mist Humidifier
I love love loooooooove my humidifier.
In fact, we all do – so we have one in each bedroom! Nobody wants to share their humidifiers around here!
I run mine almost every night. I really love the way the cool mist helps with the inflammation in my sinuses. It soothes my eyes, my throat, my dry mouth – everything.
This particular one has perfect reviews, holds enough water for a couple nights and also has a dial that allows you to customize the steam.
Highly recommend.
6. 
Reusable Water Bottle w Time Marker
If you’re wondering why I’m including a reusable water bottle in this list it’s because most people do not drink enough water.
For those of us with Sjogren’s – it is even more imperative to drink extra water to make up for what our body isn’t doing naturally.
Plus, water flushes toxins, which is another thing people with autoimmune diseases aren’t doing enough of.
I like this one because it reminds me of how much I need to drink. It’s like a little accountability partner staring at you all day.
It’s super fun.
Try it.
7. Biotene Products
There is a whole line of Biotene products you can buy that help with dry mouth. I know you are wondering what this has to do with dry eyes – but everything is connected.
One affects the other, so bring relief to whatever you can. Allow your body to relax so inflammation can reduce.
8. Prescriptions
I know, I hate taking things, too.
Sometimes, you need to call in the big dogs.
If your doctor is telling you that permanent damage is starting to happen – take care of yourself however you can.
That might mean a prescription for Restasis.
Do what you gotta do, friends.
#NoJudgement
9. Coconut Oil Eyelid Wash
This super gentle eyelid wash has tea tree and coconut oil to gently cleanse, moisturize and improve itching and inflammation.
I mean, I love all those things.
Super non-toxic, without a whole list of junk, designed by an eye doctor so it’s safe, and has great reviews.
Yaasss.
10. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Treating dry eyes is more than just putting something in your eye – it also means protecting your eyes from additional conditions that can stress and inflame the eye, resulting in more dryness.
You feel me?
That’s why you want to wear blue light blocking glasses or add blue light blocking technology to your next eyeglass prescription.
There are so many super cute, affordable blue light blocking glasses, I just happen to think these ones are really cute and under $20.
If you’re interested in reading more about digital eye strain, check out this post here.
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Have you tried any of these for your dry eyes? Have a tip of your own to share?
We’re stronger together.
I hope this gives you some new ideas to try, friends.
To our health,
E
