February 2025

230 participants

96% of us use drops, gels or ointment just before bed

Here's what we are using:

Many of us apply more lubricant drops, gel or ointment during the night:

More than half of us wear something over our eyes at night.

"On a typical night, do you wear a shield, goggle, mask or other product to retain moisture or keep your eyes more comfortable?"

But finding a good match may be challenging. Here's more about our experiences with goggles/shields:

Only about 10% of us use adhesive products.

'On a typical night, do you use a tape or other adhesive product to seal your eyelids down?"

Here's some more information about our experiences with specific adhesives:

Here's how satisfied we are with our current night eye protection strategy: (so-so)

Here are some additional products and strategies you shared:

"Are there any other products or strategies you use to protect your eyes at night? If so, please describe."

Humidifier in the bedroom
Warm compresses just before bed e.g. Bruder; rice pack; steam mask; 1 mentioned falling asleep with an electric one on [has automatic shutoff] and turning it back on in the morning
Thorough lid cleansing before bed
Other approaches to covering the eyes
- Adhesive eye patch (Curad; "band-aid" patch with gauze soaked; pirate style patch)
- Bubble eye patch (Ortolux)
- Heated eye mask (but without the heat) to hold eyelids shut
- Folded cloth or gauze over eyes
- Bucky 40 blinks no pressure eye mask (better seal than Eyeseals)
- Post-LASIK goggles
- Surgical eye shields secured by press and seal
- Moisture Chamber Glasses for Dry Eyes - Vowleike Soft Silicone from Amazon.
- Rolled bandana over eyes & pulling sheet up over them
- Light-blocking sleep mask over Onyix
- Moistening foam inserts in Tranquileyes
- Several people mentioned missing the replacement foam sets that used to be available for Tranquileyes (Sigh - we were all so sorry those were discontinued!)
- Dropping thick drops (eg Ivizia Gel) on lashes so they stick together
Medical options
- Gold weight in eyelid
- Bandage soft contact lenses
- Autologous serum eye drops
Blinking exercises when not sleeping
Turning off A/C or adding a deflector
Muro 128 ointment (for edema)
Manuka honey applied to upper lash line
Castor oil on eyelids
Supplements: Fish oil or krill oil

More strategies and thoughts people shared on this question:

"My CPAP nasal pillows head gear (Airfit P30i) has the exhaust blowing from a strap on top of my head; it does not blow into my eyes."
I found the Tranquil Eyes Rubber sleep goggles caused my eyelids to not close as tightly and also didn't prevent my eyelids from opening while sleeping (a problem I've had all my life plus a repaired ptosis - left eyelid in my 20s, I'm now 53). So I've switched to a $11 silk sleep mask from Amazon. It has small elastic straps that go over the ears instead of around the head (which was another problem with keeping the mask on at night). I also put a second microfiber laser cut type (again around the ear) mask over the top of the silk mask to help it lay flatter to my eyelids and keep them closed without too much pressure on them. I use Thera Tears regular single use vial drops plus a drop of their single use Gel Drops then put the masks on. Sometimes I wake up with my eyelashes stuck together from the gel drops which in all honestly helps my eyelids to stay closed. With this routine I wake up a lot less frequently with super dry eyes. Maybe this will help someone.
At bedtime, I thoroughly clean my eyelids using Tea Tree We Love Eyes oil and Ivizia cleaning gel before applying nighttime ointment in my eyes, then using a heated eye mask and manual oil expression before sleeping with the Blinkjoy mask in place. In the morning, I remove the Blinkjoy mask, use the heated eye mask, perform manual oil expression and then use Ivizia gel cleaner to clean my eyelids before going about my day.
Haven’t discovered anything that doesn’t fall off
I open my eyes one at a time while holding the other lid down. I open each eye by pulling down gently on the lower lid.
I put a drop of Serum tears in both eyes and seal immediately with Sleep tite/Sleep right (sensitive). If I need to use the washroom in the middle of the night, I pull one Sleep tite/Sleep rite partially back so I can see where I'm going and re-use it when I get back into bed. If my eye feels dry, I will add another serum tear drop into the eye that I have unsealed. The Sleep tite/Sleep rite are an amazing product but are pricey!
Fish oil helps me. I read articles that said it did not, so I stopped. About a week later, I woke up with my eyelids sealed together, which I had not had since starting the fish oil. I also pull the covers over my head (thus, eyes) at bedtime and that traps moisture in, until at some point in the night when I emerge. LOL.
Sad I burn so bad I can’t stay up to just go out. I’m terrified. My Daughter is getting married in the evening. What if I miss her special night? Help us. Please.
- Note from the shop: Please give us a call, we'd love to help! Ask Brenda to set an appointment and if it's time sensitive let her know.
"1. Lightweight folded washcloth wetted with distilled water (lightly wrung out, not dripping) and kept in a plastic tub within reach during the night - drape it over my eyes if I wake in the night and my eyes feel especially dry or scratchy. Sometimes I fall back asleep with it on, other times I leave it on for 5-10 minutes and then put it back in the tub. Refold and use again if I wake other times that night and need more soothing. 2. simply palming my eyes for 2-3 minutes often helps 3. There is a series of specific acupressure points around the eyes that are often very helpful for restoring moisture/comfort. "
Yes. I use SteamGoggles for 10 minutes right before I go to bed. https://www.steamgoggle.com/. It's newly on the market. I was a beta tester starting in May 2024. These are a game changer for me. I also use hyaluronic acid OTC drops that I get in Europe 4x day, including right before bed.
Most nights for goggle use I use Blinkjoy silicon cups attached to a Manta Slim goggle, because I find that to be the most comfortable arrangement. It is somewhat more costly to do this since I can’t buy the Blinkjoy parts without purchasing the entire package (goggles, etc). This might make it less feasible for some people. Would be helpful if Blinkjoy cups could be purchased w/o the entire goggle. (I got the idea to try this arrangement from someone who posted it to the Dry Eye Store website. Thank you!)"
Just before I go to sleep, I apply GenTeal eye gel and then put on my silicone shield-religiously. That protects my eyes and when I wake up my eyes are lubricated and feel great. It works because at times when I fall asleep in my recliner watching TV, when I wake up my eyes are painful with that "sand in the eye" feeling. It's my night time routine that I never deviated from.
No, I wish there were more products or strategies to try
"As indicated in my previous answers, I've tried several products in the past year (Tranquileyes was actually 10-15-20? years ago). None of the commercial products that I tried are comfortable for me, being a side sleeper with a very petite face. Tranquileyes and Eyeseals simply don't fit me properly (even child sizes), shift around, dig into sides of the temples, and I am too aware of the silicon and elastic strap around my head all night to get a good night's sleep. I also tried Glad Cling Wrap to seal my eyes, but woke with sticky residue on my eyelids and face, and blurry/burning eyes. I took this to mean the ""glue"" is getting into my eyes so I question the safety of even using this, despite recommended by some eye doctors out there. So for decades my ""best"" solution has been to use Systane Nighttime Gel and a simple clean, soft piece of white (cotton) terry cloth folded in triplicate that I drape over my eyes to shield them from blowing heat, AC, or overhead fan while I sleep. While the cloth isn't great and probably wicks away some much needed moisture, without it my eyes dry out even more. (I should moisten it, but it gets the pillow a bit damp.). Most importantly though, it's comfortable and I get a very restful night of sleep, and that alone makes my eyes feel their best in the morning. :)
I have bad dry eye esp suffering at night, and have tried it all, ended up at doc's office multiple times/year with inflammation, needing Rx. Until I tried ONE THING and in 4 years have not seen the eye doc even once for inflammation. Works great at night, requires no drops, no goggles, etc. Something not in your survey or in any of your discussions that I can see. I wear single-use soft lenses at night.
I use a CPAP for sleep apnea. My CPAP nasal pillows head gear (Airfit P30i) has the exhaust blowing from a strap on top of my head; it does not blow into my eyes.
I am about to get rid of my CPAP and get a dental appliance for (mild) sleep apnea because all CPAP headgear/masks cause some amount of air blowing at eyes. I find ointments extremely uncomfortable and believe for those of us who use scleral lenses, they create potential problems with residue on lenses. CPAP has some really bad issues for people with dry eyes and possibly with eye pressure too.
I purchased the Tranquil Eyes a few weeks ago and that has greatly reduced my need to reapply eye drops during the night. But when it gets very cold and the house humidity is low, the issues pops back up a bit. Not sure how I will do during allergy season since nasal spray can also dry the eyes.
I've used Bausch & Lomb Muro 128 opthalmic ointment every night for 40 years. After stuck eyelids and RCEs every morning starting in Jan 2025, I eventually discontinued my OTC allergy med and added 1000 mg Kirkland krill oil gel-caps recommended by my opthamologist. This has reduced my RCE incidence to about 4 times per year. I still have a bottle of saline on my bedside table every night within reach if I can't open my eyes!
I use a knee high pantyhose filled with rice. I put it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. I do this every morning and evening and it has helped tremendously. I have ocular rosacea and was in terrible shape until I started doing this. I am off the antibiotics and off the steroid ointment. If I start feeling like my eyes are flaring up I just do it a few more times a day.
Having been using tranquil eyes for years. Just sorry you no longer sell the foam replacements

Your additional comments

Red = Rebecca's comments/questions

Product feedback

"Would you like to share feedback about any of the products that you are using? Please be as specific as possible."

The Eyeseals goggles are good but expensive and don't last near as long as they should before tearing at the nosebridge. All ointments have gotten so very expensive over the years but....ya need what ya need.
Ointment damages eco eyes goggles.
Love eye seals but if my hair connects with the front of the product, it’s hard to remove it and sometimes pulls my hair out. Eye seals and blink joy can generate a headache, no matter how loosely I wear them. Tranquil eyes are harder to keep clean
Systane PM seems the most helpful but I don't like that there's lanolin in it. Optase seems least helpful - the vitamin A makes my eyes more dry. About half of the time each week I have been trying the Optimel Manuka Honey eye gel after dinner but before all of the other drops and ointments I use. Soothe brand ointment is lanolin free
Silicone tape by 3m is excellent. Bride eye compresses great as well. Did you mean Bruder or is this something I haven't seen?
The ointments seem to work better than gel but I can't clear it from my eyes in the morning. It causes my sclerals to be filmy.all day.
My eyes don't stay shut at night, so I must use something to help. An old eye mask (GATCVBIAO on Amazon) seems to apply the right amount of pressure. I like another heated eye mask, brand Beyrf on Amazon, to use during the day to apply heat. This brand doesn't have a long enough elastic for me to use at night, or I would.
Refresh Celluvisc is a huge improvement from ointments tho it can dry on my lashes so I use Systane Hydration PF in the morning
While the Blinkjoy mask is still uncomfortable at times, it has permanently replaced the Eye Eco mask I used for years. It seals better and doesn’t stretch out over time.
The goggles help but seem to become a hassle after a few days/weeks.
I have tried using ointments. I can place the ointment into/under my bottom eyelid, but I have a hard time getting the ointment to separate from the tube and stay in/under my eyelid. So I rarely try to use ointments.
The Sleep Tite Sleep Rite shields were so expensive! Also too small for even my small face. Also they irritated my eye and I only used them once.
Xiidra is expensive
Preservative free drops made a big difference.
When using the Blinkjoy mask, I also put a ribbon around the side straps of the mask and under my chin to hold it more securely in place. I find that almost any mask or goggle I have tried tend to slip up on my face while I am sleeping and then the edge of the mask or goggle is rubbing against my eyes. Adding a chin strap prevents this from happening most of the time. Great tip!
Replacement pads for tranquil eyes is no longer available. Sigh yes
Muro 128 seems to be the only thing that prevents the pain, but it is messy to remove in the morning.
I rely on Systane Ultra which is usually of big help, and I hate cyclosporin drops which make my eyes burn but seem to be required treatment.
I use Meibo and Muro 128 ointment in addition to Restasis, allergy drops, and autologous serum. Cannot tolerate night mask/goggles/tape/Glad press & seal. Have tried everything including every ointment on the market.
Blinkjoy goggles are expensive but work very well for me. I have als9o used Ortolux stick on eye shields with success.
Tranquil eyes seem the most effective for moisture retention, but the strap wears out wayyyy too fast, given the hefty price tag for each goggle unit. Sad that we can't get spare parts for all these things anymore.
Eyeseal 4.0 very comfortable, eye cups deep, head band is smooth but the bridge between cups just don't hold up. Need a reinforcement to prevent splitting. Yeah I've seen it all, including the duct tape. Durability has been a persistent issue.
Systane Nighttime Gel is very good. Genteal Nighttime Gel is my alternative. Currently using Refresh Celluvisc as last backup.
Many of the goggles are one size fits all, but I have a very small head, so they don't work as well. Ex. Blinkjoy. In order to make the band fit securely, there is overlap that rubs on my ears overnight and causes chafing. I fear cutting the band down to size, lest the sewn edges fray. Yes sizing is a real problem
I still find applying the nighttime gel problematic If applying from tube is troublesome maybe a gel in a vial (Ivizia Severe, Refresh Celluvisc) if the product is strong enough? Application is same as with drops.
The TranquilEyes mask makes dents in my face that take hours to go away. Also, I still have to reapply drops to relieve dryness even though there is condensation inside the mask.
Refresh PM is still affordable but there are so many times that it’s not or completely unavailable.
Binkjoy goggles are very effective. Some mornings I wake up with very moist eyes! That's my go-to as well
I use to use tranquil eyes but since I tried the blink joy it has made a big difference in my dry eye situation. I have Sjogren’s so I sometimes struggle with that situation. It has worked for me
Since using Xiidra at full strength/bedtime, my eyes are much more comfortable through the night and in the morning
I prefer Genteal severe eye gel at night. I do not like ointments because at some point during the night they get grainy and scratchy.
All of the eye drops, even the Refresh PF, now feel like I'm putting sand into my eyes. Having an eye doctor who knows how to make eye drops from my blood has saved my life!
I used Muro 128 ointment for years with good results. My new ophthalmologist wanted me to switch to Genteal severe ointment but it is thinner and doesn’t last all night. I definitely prefer Muro128 ointment for it’s thickness and coverage for the full night.
I use Eyeseals and like that they don't leave lingering impression marks on my skin like some of the other goggles I've tried, but I do wish they came in a smaller size. Yes sizing option limitations have always been an issue with this product class
my former eye dr (retired now) recommended oasis tears and I find them soothing. My eye dr now wants me to use an ointment at night. I find this very annoying as it stains the pillowcases (but it works so I do it)
I’m a side sleeper using the blinkjoy mask, which is great! Due to the shape of my head, it helps to have a hair elastic around the velcroed strap and in my hair as a ponytail to keep the mask from sliding down and moving. Good tip
Non preservative drops are the best! I have glaucoma that prob contributes to dry eyes
I've just barely tried the swim goggles thanks to Rebecca's suggestion, so I haven't had much experience with them yet. But they seem to be great! thumbs up :)
I'm sensitive to preservatives and have been a faithful user of Systane ointment (nighttime) for many years. I also love Allergan Refresh Optive Mega-3 and apply it before the ointment and as needed during the day. It doesn't blur my vision and is highly effective for me.
It’s so expensive to pay $10+ for a very tiny bit of eye ointment
Hate how the ointments help but cause disability of no sight.
Siccasan gel is discontinued so I don't know what I will use when it runs out!
I use Xiidra as my main treatment for my dry eye symptoms. I also do use Freshkote occasionally during the day, less so now that I am not working. With insurance you have to beg and plead for coverage. Without it is a whole other bunch of hoops I would have to jump through.
I'm almost out of my stock of individual vials of Boiron Optique, which was discontinued last year, as were all the homeopathic drops. I'll be very sorry to lose it - it is the most useful drop I've ever had. Also was sorry to lose the Similisan, same reason. I have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, which has its own contributions to dry eyes, in addition to MGD and one eyelid that doesn't shut all the way.
Refresh PM Ointment is the only ointment that keeps my eyes moist during the night, along with taping my lids closed.
CPAP headgear makes any type of eye shield or cover difficult
see previous answer. I recently got lower punctal plugs (silicone). They've made quite a difference. I've been able to get off Miebo drops and switch to hyaluronic acid OTC drops, which I get in Europe. I loved Miebo drops (got OTC version from Europe and Australia ), but my ophthalmologist isn't a fan because of the PFAS.
I wish there were more night time gels without preservatives. When Refresh PM is not available I am in trouble as I am allergic to preservatives. While true gels (Genteal Gel, Systane Gel) have a dissipating preservative, most ointments on the US market are preservative-free - eg Genteal ointment, Systane ointment, Soothe ointment, Optase Hylo Night.
I use GenTeal gel because that is what my insurance offers at no cost to me from their OTC pharmacy. I have used other gel brands. They all work for me. I also use the Onyix silicone shield. It offers a deeper eye cup so it doesn't smash ny eyelashes. It also has foam around the edges of the eye cups so it's a comfortable fit. It took a while to get use to wearing them but once I did both the gel and the shield combo became a nighttime miracle. I think you mean Tranquileyes (Onyix is foamless, but same manufacturer). So glad it's working.
I wish that the goggles did not move their position during the night. Note other comments on this page - some people wear something over the goggles to keep them on. Or juryrig the straps.
The onyx shield works okay but hurst if pulled tight enough to actually make a seal. However larger products are too uncomfortable for me. Celluvisc works ok but I often need to re-apply in middle of the night. However, most other products don't work for me since I am allergic or sensitive to most preservatives. There's an awful lot of preservative-free things available now. Ivizia Severe is a similar viscosity to Celluvisc but different ingredient base.
The Systane gel made a big difference in how my eyes felt when my eye doctor recommended I begin using it at bedtime rather than just the plain drops.
a process to rid eyes/lashes of ointment in am- use Systane to rinse first followed by bliss lid +lash wash makeup remover ( no makeup is on lids) followed by Thera tears SteriLid eyelid cleanser. Still have "guck" on eyeglasses. I then use Tyrvaya (the best thing in the world)
I'm missing my Genteal Gel. It was my go-to product. Yeah :(
Nothing as good as refresh pm
All goggles I have tried have been imperfect. Eyeseals (Eye-Eco) stretched out over the bridge of the nose and quickly became too loose. The onyx goggles fit me the best, but the strap quickly stretches out, and the little clasps quit keeping the strap on snugly. Wearing a regular, cheap eye mask over it keeps in place, however. Right, nothing perfect, all about the tradeoffs and hacks!
Eye seals, I have been overall very happy with this product Great!
I’ve tried to use all kinds of masks, goggles and tape for incomplete eye closure but I feel they are all too uncomfortable for relaxing and falling asleep. If I do fall asleep I wake up and realize that I took off the goggles or mask in the middle of the night. Yeah for some people they interfere too much with sleep. Cling film probably the gentlest/least obtrusive.
The eye seal goggles with the strap on will fail within 2 months because I am a side sleeper. I remove the eye seal strap and place the eye seal goggles without the strap inside a pair of Mantra side sleeper sleep goggles. This process allows the expensive eye seal goggles to last up to 6-8 months. See comments below - that's basically what Blinkjoy is, might save money to get that?
EyeLocc was great -wish it would become available again Can order from Australia - google it
I use Systane NIGHTTIME. It keeps getting more expensive even though I have a subscription on Amazon. The tube's seem to run out faster than they ever did before. It's been 24 years. I went to this when Refresh PM wasn't available.
I have been searching for a solution for years - my eyes open when I am asleep and the result is acute burning sensation Please give us a call!
I use breathe right strips
Systane ointment difficult to apply, silicone tape occasionally does not last through night
I used Refresh PM for ~15 years until they changed formula - it did not work as well anymore. I switched to Ocunox and used that until I became sensitive to it - my eyes became more painful every night until I figured out what was going on. Now I use Ocusoft and it works okay.
Optase MGD has worked pretty well as my nighttime drop until..well…it doesn’t for short stretches.
Feel free to share about Bucky 40 Blinks No Pressure eye masks over the eyeseals if anyone is having problems with keeping eyeseals on without slippage or gsps.
I liked the concept of Blink Joy, especially the adjustable eye cups, but it was too bulky to sleep comfortably (I’m a side-sleeper). Yeah sometimes I tough it out, sometimes I take it out during the night, sometimes (on bad eye days) I stay on my back all night.
Genteal Tears gel is the best....but now it is not being manufactured.
"I wear the Eyeseals every night but really wish they could make a pair of new goggles that:- are more comfortable - seals better - lasts longer before the goggles and/or straps stretch out -don’t slip off as easily in my sleep -are much cheaper (66 USD for something so important but only lasts 2-3 months should be ILLEGAL, and that’s excluding the shipping costs + import charges to my country. I’m so broke that I have to get my Eyeseals from the Dry Eye Foundation’s freebies once every 6 months! (btw if you’re reading this, DEF and DES staff, thanks for your hard work!) I genuinely think the Eyeseals should cost 15-20 USD at most with how awful their durability is. Something worth 66 USD should be able to last at least a full year, especially if it’s something we have to wear EVERY night. I’ve been using them for almost a year and have gone through at least 3 pairs.) - they were officially sold outside the US, Australia and Europe (like Southeast Asia) I use Alcon Duratears from Malaysia (basically Genteal ointment before it was rebranded to Genteal) and I REALLY wish other US or European brands of ointment would sell their stuff in Southeast Asia. Pharmaceutical companies here are SO SLOW at coming up with new dry eye products, we don’t even have any local companies making eye ointments in my country! I have to find some from Malaysia and even then there’s literally only 1 brand, Alcon Duratears! I’m suffering so much from the lack of options and how costly everything is, please kindly remind dry eye product manufacturers that the whole world isn’t just the US, Europe, Australia, and a handful of countries in Asia. Dry Eye Disease is something that’s becoming increasingly common, especially in countries where the average screen times are high. Even here in Southeast Asia so many young people are starting to have this disease due to uncontrolled screen time. "
Celluvisc is extremely hard to use. Hard to squeeze from individual vials: Have to shake it down, squeeze repeatedly and it leaves crusty debris around the eyes in the morning, more so than other moisturizing drops. High concentration carbyxymethylcellulose so it crystallizes more than other drops. Wiping after application, with a damp tissue, can help.
I’m very happy with Eyeganics organic Tears! great :)
I was using Systane nighttime gel, but I can no longer find it on the market. I really liked the gel rather than the gel drops. It stayed in my eyes much better throughout the night.
Troubled by how frequently and how long the eye gels are out of stock. Yes this is a real (and recurring) problem for a lot of people. Consider Ivizia severe, and Refresh Celluvisc, or back to ointment, or add physical barrier.
Until it became unavailable I loved Genteal Severe Dry Eye Gel & trusted that it would protect my eyes at night, because it did... for many years.
I am a side sleeper, so Tranquileyes are a little bulky/uncomfortable. I have to wear them when I have issues with Bells Palsy and I tape my effected eye shut with tape. Yeah side sleeping with goggles is challenging. Quartz/Onyix is lower profile but not as good a seal.
The Restasis drops I use morning and night are obscenely expensive. Reach out to Dry Eye Foundation for suggestions about cost lowering.
Refresh Optive Mega-3 is usually what I apply nightly; sometimes, instead, I have alongside it and use Soothe. In the past, but not for a long while, Retaine, and before that, Systane gel. Nothing proves fruitful; all become dried out overnight on my eyes with them stinging after awakening (whether in the middle of the night or upon finally awakening for the new day). Nor has IPL treatments proven meaningfully beneficial, either. (Nor painful lid probing treatments, either, for that matter.) Might be time to add a physical barrier of some kind not just drops/ointment. Also take note of the others' comments on this page about their careful strategies for opening eyes first thing in the morning, lubricating before opening.
I use Refresh Plus. Not perfect but better than any others I’ve tried. And a good deal at Costco :)
The eye shields either leave deep marks around my eye sockets or don’t seal at all or are too bulky to sleep on my side. The silicon tape works well but i don’t feel comfortable having both eyelids taped shut at the same time. I also worry that the adhesive is too strong for the delicate eye skin - it helps to put a fresh piece on the back of my hand two times before wearing it. The same piece of tape is usually sticky enough for 5 nights of use. Sometimes different eye, different solutions - like tape only the worst eye, then use more ointment in the other or a bubble patch or something. Some people tape worst eye and wear Quartz over both.
I use Optase hylo ointment at night with very good results
Tranquil eyes are a complete God-send. Thank you for supplying them and your education re: caring for dry eye. I believe you have saved my eyesight. I heard none of what you teach from any of the ophthalmologists I have gone to. So glad Tranquileyes helps!
"Have always needed an adhesion eye patch with a clear center to allow vision. It could be used for eye protection at all times. " Try Ortolux? Or, to see through it, perhaps Ortolux Air for less fogging.
I preferred Eyelocc, and am disappointed that I can't get them any more. Paper tape is too sticky, so I put it on the back of my hand for a bit and then peel it off before applying to my eye. But I regularly wake up with paper tape on the back of my hand. Google Eyelocc, should be possible to order it from Australia.

And yes it goes on! Wow, people had a lot to share about this survey....

Apply refresh plus eyedrops before opening eyes to lubricate, then add more drops once eyes are able to open
Having options is important because my condition changes with the seasons and my allergies.
All of the steps are a process, but after nearly 20 years, I know that each step is an essential part of the eye maintenance process. For anyone struggling with all of the extra care required, pay attention to the big picture and overall benefits. In my case, it is worth it! Prize for best comment :)
Every morning I use Restasis then Bruder Eyelid Wipes and Bruder Hygenic Eye Spray.
I would like a more comfortable light-weight see-through eye shield to wear at night. Retaine ointment works best for me. HiLo ointment actually hurt my eyes. Too thick. Quartz is the lightest that I know of.
Nothing seems to be a total answer as my eyes are still irritated in the morning. Sorry! Reach out if we can help with ideas!
I have heard that a light treatment used for skin problems can/might be helpful for chronic dry eye but insurance doesn't cover it. I'd like to know more about that if you encounter scientific reports of efficacy. You're probably referring to IPL? Or maybe LLLT. High quality scientific evidence (especially for symptomatic relief) is frustratingly elusive and shallow thus far, though many people seem to like the treatments. I've found myself very annoyed, even at otherwise excellent medical meetings, when IPL sessions have large numbers of citations but no depth to the data presented. Pardon my soapbox.
I fill the Blinkjoy silicone eye cups with 5 drops, each eye, of Thera tears liquid gel.
A doctor prescribing pilocarpine made a huge difference. The ophthalmologists may not think of it, because it interferes with the muscles that focus your vision. But older folk's eyes are not good at that anyway, and post-cataract surgery it’s completely gone. Totally worth asking about. Can you clarify what indication this is being prescribed for that is related to dry eye?
Most if this is age (76), I use a cpap, became type 2 diabetic. Doctor installed tear drop plugs to reduce lose of tears.
Both Systane and Genteal Nighttime Gels have been unavailable for the last month. Yes they've been backordered at Alcon for several months now. Consider Ivizia Severe or Refresh Celluvisc. Not the same, but closer than drops.
With the weather being so dry in winter, I had the thought recently that there may be more that i should be doing, different products or techniques, so this survey feels very timely. I'm intrigued to see the results!
Many of the goggle options leave creases or indentations that are visible well into the morning after I wake up. Yes. People vary a lot in their susceptibility to indentation. Soft sleep masks (lined with plastic wrap if nec) are less likely to do this than any of the goggles.
One tablespoon of liquid cod liver oil (taken orally) is very effective. Not the gel capsules--there is not enough of a dose to have an effect.
I also take Oracea for ocular rosacea and that helps somewhat.
I also use the eye wipes morning and night that helps also.
Tiresome, but necessary; mostly I wonder about how to efficiently clear vision in the event of an emergency. Hmmm clear them from what? ointment? Here's a survey about some options.
This is not helpful to this quiz but I use Miebo in morning and afternoon and that has had the largest overall benefit. I also do IPL twice a year and believe that has also allowed me to get through the night with minimal (gel only) support. Glad these are helping
Opening the eyes first time after a period of having them closed is really critical for me. I spray distilled water onto the lids, then gently tap the eyelid. When I'm sure I can open without tearing a cornea, I open partway & mist more distilled water. Great strategies for preventing early morning corneal tears
My eye doctor diagnosed that my eye wasn’t staying closed all the way due to something like scratching in a crescent shape on my lower sclera. She suggested nighttime drops, gel, or ointment. I have used several ointments over the years and I am fortunate that the problem has not reoccurred. I suspect that I have a mild dry eye case. I do also wear sclerals during the day time and find that they also prevent dry eye discomfort. Glad it's not recurring!
Keep eye shut and use drops to open right eye in the morning. yes! putting in drops before opening is smart
humidifier actually helps in the dry winter months
It's time well spent to administer drops throughout the day besides am & pm
I wish I could find something less expensive than buying eye drops and eye ointment so often. Cheapest night options are probably medical tape, cling film, swim goggles. In some cases (but not always - be guided by dr) a goggle/shield can reduce the need for lubricants.
I use a Wizard Research Laboratories Heated Dry Eye Mask every morning for 10 or more minutes on the HIGH setting and it make a huge difference! Also - my dry eye issues predate this - but the glaucoma eyedrops I have to take also dry my sinuses and mouth. It helps them, AND my eyes, if at night I use Xyliment losenges (for dry mouth) and X-Clear nasal spray.
Even with consistent eye care I still experience corneal abrasions/erosions regularly. Yikes. Do you tape? or use BCL?
I’m so sad about this disease. If only I could get better. Join a group for some encouragement or reach out for a 1-on-1 call
My eyelids don't close all the way
I'd like to try taping the eyelid that doesn't shut but am concerned about losing more eyelashes. One of your older videos had a patch product that doesn't seem to be available anymore, but I think that's what I would try if I could find something along those lines. My face is very small and the goggles/masks don't fit well. Not sure which video you were looking at - Niteye? or Eyelocc? Niteye is gone for good but Ortolux is very similar (just, expensive!) If Eyelocc, that's still available if you order from Australia (goggle it).
I use Eye Love cleaner; I dip a q-tip in solution and clean the eyelid margins (top and bottom) of each eye. Helps to prevent styes it seems. Don’t use every night but three or four times a week.
While I have discomfort on a regular basis and sticky dry scratchy eyes every morning, I have at least not had full blown corneal erosions since adopting my routine Yay!
My difficulty (or at least I think most of it) comes from when my cpap mask gets displaced during the night and air is directed up to my eyes. There are mornings here & there when I can really tell a difference in how my eyes feel, not only in the morning but for a lot of the day. It was an eye doctor who first identified that as a potential problem for me - something she saw in her work with veterans at a VA facility. So glad they figured that out for you.
I like the steam eye masks.
Cling film does not work and causes irritation. Not helpful
Where I live, winters are relatively short, but when the air is particularly dry (e.g., when the furnace runs constantly), a humidifier can help.
The night ointment works, but is messy as some rubs onto the pillowcase, and it's wasted. Lightweight light blocking sleep mask on top?
The eye seal goggles with the strap on will fail within 2 months because I am a side sleeper. I remove the eye seal strap and place the eye seal goggles without the strap inside a pair of Mantra side sleeper sleep goggles. This process allows the expensive eye seal goggles to last up to 6-8 months. This sounds like a home-made Blinkjoy.
A lot of effort and still have a moderate amount of am pain. :(
Sometimes I fall asleep before putting my ointment in and I'm miserable in the morning.
Use warm water and 2% teatree foam to cleanse and remove ointment from eyes. Also use hypochlorous acid spray/ gel to further remove ointment deposit and any biofilm on lids/eyebrows/eyelashes.
If there's a fan where you sleep and it's on, get the silicone goggles. They are the most comfortable.
I would love other options
I use Oasis Plus drops in morning to help clear blurry vision from ointment and to moisturize eyes. I only patch one eye.
I've had to switch ointment several times. When I find one I find tolerable I stock up like a hoarder and buy tens of them at a time. I live in fear that I'll run out of options and have to go back to the way life is when I don't have an ointment that works. I think the way dry eye demographics are moving, we'll be seeing more and more options. But I know the shortages are a real problem. They are specialty items and when one's gone, that puts temporary pressure on all the others and everything ends up running out temporarily.
I am surprised how the ointments have never worked well for me, or as well as I would hope. Four hours into the night, my lids would be sticking to my eyes. Yes ointments are not always a solution, for sure. Personally, haven't used them in 20+ years.
Get the medical community to recognize nighttime soft lens wear as a medically legtiimate option for dry eye patients. I'm not clear what you're getting at here. Do you mean for dry eye in general, as opposed to RCE, exposure keratitis etc?
The dry eye routines with ointments or liquids would be tolerable if they resolved the dry eye problem. But they don't. Limiting the survey to the last 2 weeks does not consider that some preferred products are not available, and I am making do with the best alternatives that work for me. That's why I went by product category rather than specific products (for drops etc) but yes shortages do change things.
By the time I remove scleral lenses and do all the eye care stuff required for cleaning the lenses and taking all prescription drops, I find it time-consuming and annoying enough that I feel I'm slower to fall asleep after all the procedures.
My eyes are more dry in winter when the heat is on. I’ve tried using a humidifier which ruined my carpet and left a residue over everything. Not worth it. Oh no! Yes sometimes moisture chamber goggles are the replacement for actual humidifiers.
Its a lot of work!!!!
CPAP dried my eyes. Quartz silicone eye goggled keep my eyes moist.
I cannot close my left eye due to facial paralysis. Any eye mask. moisture glasses or other are just to heavy and hurt. That is why I sometimes sleep with a wet light-weight cloth on my eye. It does not stay warm, but helps. Ortolux works well for these situations but is expensive. What about tape?
I would use ointment if it was easier to put into the eye without getting out of bed. I like to read before sleeping and getting back out of bed to put in ointment just wakes me back up again. The ointment also leaks onto the pillow and stains the fabric. Depending how much protection you need, maybe a thick gel drop that's easier to apply? or, sleep mask over it to prevent the 'leaking'?
Every modality I’ve tried interrupts my sleep. Cling film? different lubricant?
I sleep with lubricant drops on my nightstand and have to use them as soon as I wake up. Otherwise it hurts to have my eyes open.

Nighttime dry eye protection (Feb 2025)Updated a month ago