Extreme tired, aching eyes
Recently diagnosed with severe dry eyes and currently working with ophthalmologist on treatment options. Have been on Vevye drops for 3 months now, along with buckets full of Refresh PF eye drops. Last month had punctal plugs put in bottom tear ducts. Not much progress being made but I do believe most of the severe pain is gone. I am however experiencing the feeling of terrible tired strained eyes. Any insight on what will help eleviate this symptom? I do use a heated mask every night before bed for about 20 minutes.
Hey Tonya,
It sounds like you’re already doing a lot of the right things — Vevye, preservative-free drops, punctal plugs, and warm compresses are all great steps for managing severe dry eye. That tired, strained feeling is pretty common as your eyes adjust and try to heal. You might find extra relief by adding humidifiers indoors, taking frequent screen breaks (20-20-20 rule), and using cold compresses during the day to ease fatigue.
If the strain continues, ask your ophthalmologist about lid hygiene options (like gentle cleansers or wipes for meibomian glands) or low-dose steroid or serum drops to reduce inflammation. Sometimes adjusting medication frequency or adding omega-3 supplements can also help with that lingering eye fatigue. Hang in there — progress can be slow, but it sounds like you’re on the right path.
