Born with dry and itchy skin, I am used to scratching and irritation. Having an ileostomy further exacerbates the dryness, as well as the allergies brought with spring. Vaseline is my lip’s best friend, and moisturizers and lotions abound in my vanity. In fact, I search and search for more, better, best when it comes to hydration, and swear by anything with hyaluronic acid. This has always been an issue, and in all honesty, I admit that I spend more time moisturizing my face, neck and hands than the rest of my body, even as my poor arms and legs beg for lotion. But lately, I have a new area of dryness that is driving me crazy…my eyes, particularly, my right eye!

The crazy thing is that I had a recent visit to my ophthalmologist because my right eye is very often tearing. Did I say tearing? More like streaming! No sooner do I finish applying my makeup when the tears flow down my right cheek…streaking is NOT a great look, believe me. 

I assumed that my tear duct was plugged, and I prepared myself for the need to open the Lachrymal Gland. But alas, my doctor told me that is not the problem, and that, in fact, it is actually dryness in my eye is the cause of the dripping. Although this makes little sense to me, and counterintuitive, I value his opinion, so I am following his thought process. As I understand it, the dryness causes a “sandpaper” effect, and the tears have no place to go. They sit on the surface since they cannot be absorbed, and eventually, when there are too many sitting there, they fall. Or in my case, cascade!

Lubricating eye drops and other eye preparations are now in my possession, and I am going to have faith that the tears will stop flowing. I am using a product called GenTeal Tears in gel form along the lower ridge of my lashes at night (ooey-gooey) and Pataday eye drops twice a day. Both are available over the counter for allergies or those symptoms.

Wishing you pleasure as you enjoy what is blooming, with clear eyes that don’t drip or itch. The right allergy preparations abound to help you. It is the most beautiful time of year, so use your gorgeous eyes to take it all in!   

 

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