Dry eye problem costing $30/month

Supercooled wrote: ↑Have you gone to an optometrist and if so, what was their diagnosis? Going through that much eye drop isn't normal by any standard.

burnt69 wrote: ↑ Sounds about consistent with what my OTC supplies were when recovering from laser refractive surgery, which is notorious for creating dry eyes.

Restasis (a prescription medication for dry eye) is apparently going generic, so once that happens, it may end up on the BC Drug Plan formulary. You may be able to have punctal plugging performed which can help with dry eye through an optometrist and/or on referral to an ophthalmologist.

SquirreI wrote: ↑ Does anyone else suffer from severe dry eyes? It's ridiculous how much we have to pay. Just wondering if anyone's found any cheaper options or health programs that help them?

I'm paying $12.99 (sale price, usual price is $15) for a bottle of my hydrasense eye drops, twice a month because I run out so fast. I also could use the eye ointment but can't afford it.

I actually just went two weeks of no eye drops and I can't take it anymore. I've been unemployed for 4 months, but even with a job it is still so expensive.

qman23 wrote: ↑ https://www.costco.ca/hydraSense-Drops- ... 84331.html
3 for $24.

qman23 wrote: ↑ Tried isopto tears?
They are hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, cheaper and last longer.
Or try any of the polyvinyl alcohol based ones too.

SquirreI wrote: ↑ Oh it is normal for people with dry eyes. I've been to the ophthalmologist like 10 times. She told me that I SHOULD be using the drops at least 6 drops multiple times a day (per eye). Really good ophthalmologist, one of the best doctors I have ever been with in general.



Hopefully... but my ophthalmologist never recommended the plugs so I think maybe my condition isn't as severe? I can't imagine it not being as severe, but perhaps there are worse cases.

The drops are really expensive though... I just spent around $50 last night getting eye lubrication stuff. I had laser surgery nearly 8 years ago. But dry eyes has never been a problem until the recent summers. I think it's a global warming thing.

82 wrote: ↑ Did your ophthalmologist tell you to try Omega-3? Don't forget to blink and reset your eye often. Place a warm towel over your eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes at night may help too.

Messerschmitt wrote: ↑ I have dealt with dry eyes for years after my laser surgery.

I get systane ultra from costco, regular price is 19.99 for 3 10ml bottles, but sometimes it's 15.99 on sale, so I grab a pack then. The 3 bottles usually lasts me 2-3 months.