What is your diagnosis (or diagnoses if you have more than one)?
Chronic Graft VS Host Disease resulting in the dysfunction of the organs that lubricate my eyes (Lacrimal and Meibomian glands).
How long have you had it?
Almost five years
What do you wish more people understood about dry eye (or eye pain if that's your main issue) and how it affects people's lives?
Chronic dry eye on its surface doesn't sound so bad to most people. But for something so critical that we all take for granted, when it's no longer there, it's life-altering. I now have to schedule my days around my eyes (and fatigue level).
What has helped you the most?
I've tried everything under the sun including three months of intensive acupuncture! I am now able to wear Prose lenses (prescription-only custom scleral lenses) for a few hours every day before they become uncomfortable. I put five drops of Lacosamide (prescription drug to alleviate nerve pain) in each lens. Depending on how dry my eyes are (varies from day-to-day), I will lubricate with Iviza drops. I find that the thicker drops don't help. It's almost as if they are making my eyes drier. A Bruder mask (warm, moist eye mask) helps when it's really bad. And if all else fails, I will close my eyes and rest.
Are there any dry eye resources you'd like to recommend?
I think Lacosamide is a great tool that many scleral lens wearers will benefit from. Speak with your opthalmologist.