[naiyt]

Nope, never took Accutane. I got a full examination from a specialist (including a LipiView analysis) and the conclusion was that I don't have MGD. My glands look mostly fine, and my issues stem primarily from inflammation as a result of the factors I mentioned (working on the computer, dry climate, diabetes).

[walterbell]

Consumer Reports (Jan 2018) did not have a high opinion of dry eye medications, https://www.consumerreports.org/vision-eye-care/dry-eye-symp...

"However, both drugs are expensive and can cause side effects that can worsen eye irritation and discomfort—Restasis in up to 17 percent of people and Xiidra in up to 25 percent of people. "Judging from the clinical trials data, the benefits of those two drugs are not that much more than the risk of adverse effects,” says Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., Consumer Reports’ chief medical adviser. “Their use should be relegated to a last-ditch measure, when all else has failed.”

Yawning can stimulate tear production: https://iristech.co/yawning/

[naiyt]

Believe me, I'm more than aware of the negative side effects and potential dangers (especially with Xiidra, which is a new medication without long term studies). Xiidra is costing me about $200 a month, after insurance. But in my case it was literally the last ditch measure, because I had tried everything my ophthalmologist suggested as well as every "home remedy" out there. (When you have severe dry eyes stuff like yawning is not going to help.)

For me, Xiidra has been the only thing that's given me relief. The side effects have been fairly minimal (stinging for a minute or two, somewhat blurry vision for up to 20 minutes) and my life is mostly back to normal now. But the cost and lack of long term studies of the medication prevent me from recommending it unless you and your ophthalmologist have determined that there are no better options.

[WillReplyfFood]

Question: Can you still emit tears?